Kelsey Hernandez'27
Greenport High School welcomes its new physics teacher, Mr. Ken Tiu, who splits his time between Southold and Greenport. Born in Smithtown, NY, Mr. Tiu spent part of his life at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. He attended Smithtown High School, where he enjoyed Physics, Earth Science, Auto Mechanics, and Technology classes.
Mr. Tiu initially pursued Geology but found his calling in teaching. While studying, he windsurfed competitively and worked for a sponsor, where he discovered his knack for explaining complex technology clearly. Encouraged by his wife, who was studying to become a Social Studies teacher, he decided to explore teaching. He later earned his master’s degree at Stony Brook, focusing on physics.
He attended LIU Southampton and SUNY Stony Brook, appreciating the freedom to choose courses he was passionate about. Interestingly, Mr. Tiu claims to have cat-like agility, though he jokes he can't catch or throw a ball.
To Greenport students, Mr. Tiu shares: “I have a deep passion for learning, though I wasn’t always the perfect student. Once I could focus on what interested me, my attitude towards school changed. I’ve always been good at math, but I truly appreciated it when I saw its power in physics and technology. That’s why I’m involved in the robotics program. It’s authentic learning—students aren’t just told to learn; they need the skills to build competitive robots. It’s a team effort where everyone finds their path.”
A memorable moment for Mr. Tiu was when a former robotics student returned to share how the program gave him the skills and confidence to start his own business. “Knowing I played a part in that journey was incredibly meaningful,” he reflects.
Mr. Tiu believes physics is a fundamental truth and a great equalizer. “We all function under its constraints, and learning more about it helps us improve our lives,” he says. Welcome, Mr. Tiu, to Greenport High School!
Yessania Huertas graduated from Greenport High School last year in 2025, with a passion for history. When asked about her interest in teaching, she shared, “I haven’t fully decided if I want to become a teacher, but I truly enjoy helping kids and supporting their growth.”
Currently on a gap year, Yessania plans to attend college soon. In her free time, she loves watching sports. She wants the students of Greenport to know that she is always willing to help and offer support. Keep an eye on this potential future educator!