The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) announced that John Motchkavitz of the Great Neck Public School District, has been named “Teacher of the Year.” Motchkavitz was honored at a socially-distanced ceremony at the Great Neck South High School.
“John Motchkavitz is a great example of a true leader,” said Steve Klein, President of FASNY. “Not only is he teaching the future of America through his day job at school, but he is providing safety and fire education to the next generation of volunteer firefighters. We are proud to announce him as this year’s FASNY Teacher of the Year.”
Motchkavtiz, the Technology Education teacher at Great Neck High School, has been with the Great Neck Public School District since September 2002. He moved to Great Neck High School after spending his first 12 years teaching in a neighboring district.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by FASNY for such a meaningful award that ties in two important areas of my life, teaching and firefighting,” said Motchkavtiz. “I’m so fortunate to have an administration at Great Neck South High School that values the concept of teaching outside of the box. With their support, I have been able to develop and implement some very successful initiatives in my school that advance an interest in the fire service and safety in general.”
Ten years ago, Motchkavitz developed the curriculum for the course Fire Safety Technology, which has been very popular among the high school students. This class provides students interested in the fire service with an in-depth understanding of the many aspects of fire safety and how it affects each and every one of us in our daily lives.
“Many students who have taken the course have gone on into careers in various emergency service areas,” said John Duggen, Assistant Principal, Great Neck High School. “This class is extremely unique and forward-thinking.”
As the lead mentor and founder of Great Neck’s award-winning robotics team, Rebel Robotics, Motchkavitz has stressed safety from day one. The team was based on the foundation of safety principles. He leads a team of 130 students and has taught them CPR, AED, and first aid as a requirement on a yearly basis. Motchkavitz also has the team understand the importance of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Underwriter Laboratories (UL). The team has won countless awards at all levels, including being awarded the Top Safety Team three times at the World Championship of Robotics. The Safety Team also visits many community groups and schools to discuss safety, including the Red Cross Pillowcase Project.
Motchkavitz continually teaches all his students the importance of safety procedures in society. He brings safety protocol and procedures to many children, starting in elementary school.
Motchkavitz also serves on the school’s Building Safety Committee, where his experience and expertise have served the school community well in creating building safety plans.
His focus on safety drives him on a daily basis and that aspect is well-known by his students. Many are inspired by his work ethic and how much he gives back to the community and often join the local fire companies and junior fire organizations due to their connections with Motchkavitz.
Motchkavitz has been a dedicated member of the Great Neck Alerts since 1985. When his fire company has its annual Open House, he also serves as the MC, educating the public about the various operations being demonstrated.
“He brings this passion to the students and inspires them to give back to the community,” said Duggen, “His unique role as a firefighter and educator who stresses safety suits him well.”
Motchkavitz’s family is also involved in the fire service as well. His brother George was named FASNY’s Firefighter of the Year back in 1992; his late father, also George, received the FASNY 50 year award; in 2017 his son Ryan received the Gerard J. Buckenmeyer FASNY Volunteer Scholarship from FASNY; and just last year his daughter Julia’s Junior Firefighters Group were awarded the FASNY Youth Group of the Year. Julie was Captain.
About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 105,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.
