SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Two Walt Whitman High School science teachers have earned one of the highest honors for STEM educators in New York.
Daisha Boccard and Ralph Miranda were recently named New York State Master Teachers, joining a statewide network of top-performing public school STEM educators recognized for excellence in teaching, mentorship, and leadership in science education.
The New York State Master Teacher Program, established in 2013, honors outstanding teachers in grades K-12 who demonstrate a commitment to innovative learning environments and who mentor other educators early in their careers.
The program was launched by SUNY in 2013 to build a community of outstanding STEM educators who collaborate, mentor fellow teachers, and support high-quality science and math education across the state.
Both Boccard and Miranda share a special connection to the South Huntington school community — they are Walt Whitman High School graduates who returned to teach at their alma mater.
Boccard, a member of the Class of 1999, has taught at Whitman since 2004.
“For me, this is much more than a career; it’s a second home,” Boccard said. “Having walked these halls as a student, I feel a responsibility to provide my students with the same sense of community, support, and academic excitement that my teachers gave me. I truly couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else.”
Her path toward education began while working at South Huntington’s Wildcat Sports Camp, where she assisted cheerleading coaches and discovered how rewarding it was to mentor students and be part of a school community.
“What I love most about science is that it’s hands-on, constantly evolving, and driven by curiosity,” Boccard said. “It provides an opportunity to teach students how to think critically and solve problems. Science is also multidisciplinary, being able to bring history, math, art, and real-life experiences together, which keeps it interesting.”
Miranda, a Whitman graduate from the Class of 2008, has been teaching for 13 years. His courses include chemistry, physics, robotics, and forensic science.
Miranda said academic success did not always come easily to him when he was a student, which shaped how he approaches teaching today.
“I took a lot of pride in my own education and wanted to be successful,” Miranda said. “I was lucky to have both my parents and teachers who pushed me to be the best version of myself and didn’t accept mediocrity. That is something I have tried to always instill in my classrooms.”
Understanding that science can sometimes be intimidating for students, Miranda focuses on making lessons relatable and engaging.
“I try not only to make science make sense for my students, but to get them to enjoy it,” he said. “I want it to be a class they look forward to each day, and a place to make connections to their lives.”
Both educators said their shared experience as Whitman alumni helps them relate to their students and strengthens their connection to the school community.
“Our students are incredibly resilient, diverse, and driven,” Boccard said. “There is a unique ‘neighborhood feel’ here that you don’t find everywhere else.”
Miranda reflected on his long relationship with the district.
“The district has certainly gone through some changes in the 30 years I’ve been a part of it — from kindergarten to now,” he said. “But the way this district has adapted to the changing times while still affording our students vast opportunities is remarkable. Even on some of my more trying days, I am reminded daily of how special a place this district is.”