CANTON -- St. Lawrence University’s Department of Education will host New York State Teacher of the Year Amy Hysick at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, in Eben Holden. There will also be a reception with local educators beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Hysick has taught in the North Syracuse Central School District for 12 years, and currently teaches Regents Biology (Living Environment) at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. She believes that building relationships with students is the key to unlocking their motivation and engaging with them.

She fosters relationships with her own students by housing the school’s reptile collection in her classroom.

She uses her sewing skills to create “over-the-top” costumes to support the school’s Spirit Week and other school events to build a positive school culture. And, she takes part in volunteer activities through her church that help strengthen ties with students, families and the community outside the school setting.

As the 47th New York State Teacher of the Year, Hysick will serve as an ambassador for teachers throughout the state and will be the state’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year.

Parking will be available in Lot C, which is accessible from Park Street in Canton. Visit www.stlawu.edu/campus-map for an interactive map of the campus.

For more information, contact the department of education at 229-5061.