North Babylon Educator Voted 'Best Teacher' On Long Island

NORTH BABYLON, NY — A North Babylon teacher was recently named the best teacher on Long Island.

Thomas Shingler, a teacher at Belmont Elementary School in the North Babylon School District, was voted Teacher of the Year for 2023 by Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Best of Long Island.

The educator has been taught in the North Babylon School District for more than 20 years, 11 of which have been at Belmont Elementary School, a release said.

"Shingler emphasizes kindness and takes a science, technology, engineering, arts, and math focus to education," the district said.

Shingler is a PTA Honorary Life Recipient and PTA Distinguished Service Award Recipient. In 2009, he received the NYSUT Community Service Award for his service to the Boy Scouts of America and for being co-founder of Woods Road’s staff holiday concert, which helped raise funds for members of the community.

He is also the adviser to the Belmont STEAM Club and can often be found calling numbers at WINGO or spending time at various other PTA events.

During COVID, he volunteered at the high school every week, helping unpack and prepare deliveries from Island Harvest for distribution to the community. His service to the community extends to North Babylon Community Youth Services, where he has served as the director of the
before care and Almost Home programs for the past six years.

He also volunteers his time at the Anthony J. Tatti Youth Center during the summer helping with his wife’s theater program.