Gillette Road Middle School teacher is named TACNY Elementary/Middle School Educator of the Year

On Monday, October 16, Gillette Road Middle School teacher Steve Bacon was honored by the Technology Alliance of Central New York (TACNY) during the 23rd annual Celebration of Technology Awards Banquet at LeMoyne College. He was named the Elementary/Middle School Educator of the Year! The title is awarded to educators who have made outstanding contributions to STEM Education at the elementary or middle school level in Central New York.  Steve is a valued, longtime employee of the North Syracuse Central School District. Prior to teaching at Gillette, he taught at both Allen Road and Cicero Elementary School. In fact while at Allen Road, he taught every grade level during his time at Allen Road. He believes he was first hired because of his non-traditional, private sector, math and science background.

One of his favorite lessons to date involved watching students design and troubleshoot water filters. “Science is the art of learning from malfunctions or misunderstandings, and finding ways to make adjustments” Steve said. “Each day brings a new challenge.”

Steve has also been very involved in extracurricular activities to enhance the learning experience for students within the North Syracuse CSD. He’s taken part in STEM Club, Homework Club, after school parties and other evening events and was one of the NSCSD educators to help with Micron’s Chip Camp this past summer. 

NSCSD Superintendent of Schools Dan Bowles was among the large group of district employees present at the TACNY ceremony to support Steve. He said, "We are thrilled to see Steve receive this well-deserved honor as the Elementary/Middle School Educator of the Year. The size of the group of people here tonight to support him speaks volumes about the type of educator he is and the impact he has made on our students and the district. Steve's dedication to STEM education and his innovative teaching methods have inspired countless students to explore the wonders of science and mathematics. He truly embodies the spirit of excellence we aim for in the North Syracuse Central School District. We are incredibly proud to have him as a member of our educational community."