Dr. Derek Pope was revealed as the 2025-26 Commack Educator of the Year at Thursday evening’s Board of Education meeting. He was voted on by administrators and teachers on the Educator of the Year committee from among the four level winners:

Primary School – Mary Fox
Intermediate School – Denielle Cooper
Middle School – Erin McNamara
High School – Derek Pope

Pope has taught multiple levels of mathematics, including International Baccalaureate courses at Commack High School. Dr. Pope also spends his free time teaching educators at Stony Brook University. A NYS Master Teacher, Dr. Pope is passionate about using various tools to teach his students to understand mathematics conceptually, and involves his students in engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions. Congratulations Dr. Derek Pope!