North High School English teacher Edward Baluyut has been recognized as a 2024 Harvard Club of Long Island Distinguished Teacher. HCLI Distinguished Teacher honorees are nominated by Harvard undergraduates for the lasting impression that they have had on students’ lives.

Baluyut is a 25-year veteran English teacher at North High who has tauBaluyut has served as the Director and English teacher of the Community School, an alternative program within North High.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he also serves as the faculty advisor for “Guide Post,” the North High student newspaper.

Prior to working at North High, Baluyut taught for one year at the University of the Philippines, one year at Grace Dodge Vocational High School in the Bronx, and two years at White Plains High School.

In 2021, he was selected by American Councils for International Education to train English teachers in Uzbekistan.

Baluyut was nominated by a North High graduate who is currently enrolled at Harvard. “Edward taught me the importance of thinking critically as an individual, a skill that I attempt to apply daily at Harvard,” reads part of the nomination letter.

The former student also wrote about Baluyut’s effective teaching methods and the ways he supports students’ individual growth and character development through the Community School program.

In a congratulatory letter, Judith Esterquest, chair of the HCLI Distinguished Teacher Selection Committee, thanked, Baluyut for his contributions to his students, his school, and the Long Island community.

“You have set high standards, modeled disciplined effort and long hours, and shared your love of learning,” she said