Stephen Acquaro earned his BA in Education and Biology from Hofstra University, and MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. Prior to pursuing a field in education, Steve worked as a Lab Tech at Stony Brook University aiding Alzheimer's Research for four years. During this time, he worked for Suffolk Community College as an Adjunct Faculty tutoring students entering the nursing program. This tutoring experience shifted his focus from medical research to a field of education. Steve currently works at Oyster Bay High School in the Oyster Bay East Norwich CSD teaching the 7th Grade Science Enriched Curriculum and played an integral role in the formation of a Science Research Program as lead Research Teacher and a Co-Teacher in Advanced Placement Capstone Research. Outside the classroom, he is the advisor for the 7th & 8th Grade Student Councils and Odyssey of the Mind, a creative problem-solving club. In his free time, Steve is also a competitive powerlifter and is currently ranked #19 on an all-time list for the 275lb weight class with a 1040lb squat, 700lb bench press, and a 765lb deadlift. Mr. Acquaro is looking forward to beginning the Master Teacher Program and working with like-minded individuals to expand his ability to reach his student researchers.
Janece Alfredson earned her BA in Mathematics with a Secondary Education Concentration and 5-6 extension from St. Joseph's College, graduating Salutatorian of her class. She earned her MS in Educational Technology from LIU Post. Mrs. Alfredson is in her 8th year of teaching at Rocky Point High School. She currently teaches Algebra II and Algebra II ICT, and has previously taught Advanced Placement Statistics, Algebra II Honors, and Calculus. Mrs. Alfredson is a strong advocate of Growth Mindset learning, encouraging her students to embrace the power of “yet,” and to find their grit. Outside of the classroom, she is the advisor of the Math Team and the Math Honor Society, and the coordinator of the Senior Picnic, a celebration of Rocky Point Seniors. She has been voted by the senior class as “Most Likely to Turn Your Day Around”, “Everyone's Friend”, and “Best Sense of Humor.” In her free time, Mrs. Alfredson enjoys competing in obstacle course racing, triathlons, and playing the piano. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to connecting with other STEM educators who share a passion for education, students, and STEM.
Donald Ambrose earned his B.S. in Accounting from Albany University, and his B.S. in Teaching Mathematics and M.A. in Mathematics from Stony Brook University. Mr. Ambrose teaches Algebra 2 and Advanced Placement Calculus BC at Ward Melville High School. A strong proponent of inquiry-based learning, Mr. Ambrose believes in providing students with engaging activities to promote their thinking and learning. Mr. Ambrose is currently the lead teacher of the Math Department at his high school. He was the Math Team coordinator for ten years, prepared questions for the annual Suffolk County Senior Tournament, and coached soccer for four years. Mr. Ambrose was extremely honored to have the Yearbook dedicated to him by the graduating class of 2014. Prior to his teaching career, Donald was a Certified Public Accountant for six years. This experience allowed him to be the Treasurer of the extra-curricular clubs for six years at his high school. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Ambrose looks forward to collaborating with other teachers in the program, learning new teaching strategies, and sharing his ideas with other teachers in an overall effort to improve instruction.
Sonja Anderson earned her BS in Environmental Science from Binghamton University and Master of Arts in Teaching from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for nine years, she teaches Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Regents Living Environment at Sayville High School. A strong advocate for inquiry based hands-on learning, she involves her students with a variety of community service, problem-solving, and technology infused activities. Mrs. Anderson's professional interests focus on cooperative learning and incorporating technology into everyday learning. Her current project includes a pilot program to integrate personal tablets into the classroom. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as a co-advisor for the SWEEP (Students Working for Enhanced Environmental Protection) Club and is the Director at Large for Environmental Educators for the Science Teachers Association of NYS. She was recently honored with the Bright Lights Award from Suffolk ASSET (Association of Suffolk County Supervisors for Educational Technology) for her contributions to improving technology in the classroom. A life-long collaborative learner, Mrs. Anderson is inspired by the words of Albert Einstein: "Any fool can know. The point is to understand."
Scott Azar earned his BS in Earth Science and Adolescent Education from SUNY Oneonta, his MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University, and his Masters in Educational Leadership from Mercy College. He is currently pursuing his EdD at Long Island University Post. Mr. Azar taught most of his career in New York City. Currently, he teaches Regents Earth Science and Intro to Science Research at Mepham High School and the Meadowbrook Alternative Program. Mr. Azar has coached football at Calhoun High School and Grand Avenue Middle School, and serves as club advisor for the Mepham eSports Team and the Jewish Student Union. During the summer, Mr. Azar facilitates the G-Camp for Teachers Program at Texas A&M University with the Geophysics Department. He is passionate about infusing technology into the classroom and was among the first 1,000 people to attain certification as an International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Educator. Mr. Azar is excited to collaborate with other Master Teachers to create more engaging lessons that are tailored to the new New York State Science Learning Standards. He also looks forward to sharing his passion for virtual and augmented reality with his peers.
Audra Beberman earned her BA in English and Creative Writing from Hofstra University, MS in Education from Queens College, MS in Educational Technology from the New York Institute of Technology, and her doctorate in Instructional Leadership from St. John's University. She earned her School Building Leader/School District Leader Certificate of Advanced Study from The College of St. Rose. Dr. Beberman worked in the East Williston School District for 22 years, teaching Computer Science/Technology topics for grades K-12 in the district's three schools at various times in her career. She currently teaches coding to fifth, sixth, and seventh graders. Dr. Beberman believes in “failing forward” and sets an example in her coding classes as she works out coding problems collaboratively with her students. Sometimes they work, and sometimes they do not. She believes this helps students take chances in their work and allows them to take charge of their learning. Dr. Beberman coached the Wildcat Hackathon Team and advised the Stock Market Club at the Willets Road Middle School. She serves on the Technology Committee, the Instructional Advisory Committee, and on many other committees throughout the years. She is a member of the Consortium for School Networking as a Certified Education Technology Leader. Outside of school, Dr. Beberman is a writer and has a novel working through the publishing process. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to participating in and creating workshops on Technology Integration and Computer Science Professional Development.
Charles Bewick earned his B.S. in Chemistry and Secondary Education from the University of Scranton where he simultaneously worked at the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. He continued his education at Dowling College where he earned his M.S. in Adolescent Education. Mr. Bewick teaches Advanced Chemistry and coordinates the Science Research Program at H. Frank Carey High School. He is dedicated to providing unique opportunities for his students to experience the rigor and rewards of genuine scientific inquiry that relates foreign content knowledge to common life experiences. His professional interests focus on engaging students by utilizing local issues, such as discussions about the Bethpage Plume in relation to Long Island water quality and authentic readings about toxic algal blooms in the Great South Bay. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Bewick is a member of the district's Talented and Gifted Committee and Schoolwide Enrichment Leadership Team, which focus on incorporating gifted pedagogies into classrooms across the district. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bewick looks forward to opportunities to further hone his teaching skills by working with fellow Master Teachers in Professional Learning Teams.
Kelly Bigliani earned a BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in Math, Science and Technology from Springfield College, an MS in Literacy from Dowling College, and was named Master Teacher for the STEM program Project Lead the Way. In this role, she provides professional development and training to teachers across the country. Mrs. Bigliani was also a member of the Project Lead The Way Launch Curriculum Design Team. Mrs. Bigliani has been teaching in the Smithtown Central School District for 24 years. She was a 2nd grade teacher before becoming a STEM Specialist in the Smithtown Elementary School. In 2018, Mrs. Bigliani was the recipient of the Torch Award by her colleagues, and is a two-time recipient of the Western Suffolk BOCES Model School Grant. She supports local Girl Scout troops as they earn coding and robotics badges. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Bigliani enjoys spending time with her family in upstate New York. She is looking forward to being part of a community of talented and passionate STEM teachers.
Claire Birone earned her BS in biology from Siena College and her Master of Arts in Teaching Biology from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for eight years, Ms. Birone founded and now coordinates the Science Research Program at Babylon High School. She is a strong advocate for providing her students with the opportunity to participate in authentic scientific research to facilitate the application of content knowledge to general life experiences, thus demonstrating how science reaches well beyond the classroom walls. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Birone and her students collaborate with both professional scientists and other local schools to conduct research at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the field of structural biology. The results of this research were published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Ms. Birone's view on education is best explained in the words of Albert Einstein, "Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think." Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, she is most looking forward to collaborating with like-minded teachers to deepen her content knowledge and expand her pedagogical practices. She intends to join the High School Research Teachers and Biology Teachers Professional Learning Teams.
Ashley Bloch earned her BS in General Biology from SUNY Stony Brook, MS in Science Education from Dowling College and teaches 8th grade accelerated Earth Science and 8th grade General Science at Islip Middle School. A teacher for 11 years, Ms. Bloch is a strong advocate for educating the whole child, and strives to spark an interest in science through hands-on labs and real world curricular connections. Valuing professional collaborations, she serves as the Subject Area Representative in Intermediate Level Science and Vice President of Programs for the Suffolk County Section of the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Ms. Bloch is active in various educational programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory. She was honored with the Science Teacher's Association of New York State's Intermediate Level Science Teacher of the Year for Suffolk County. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Ms. Bloch participates in the Earth Science Professional Learning Team. Mrs. Bloch says that her students' questions motivate her to learn more, and she is inspired by the words of theoretical physicist Michio Kaku: "Humans are natural-born scientists. When we're born, we want to know why the stars shine. We want to know why the sun rises."
Elisa Bogen earned a B.S. in Biochemistry and M.S. in Educational Technology from Stony Brook University. Mrs. Bogen has extensive experience working with special education students in STEM classes. She teaches Regents Biology, Inclusion Regents Biology, and Environmental Science at Smithtown High School West. She is dual-certified in Biology and Special Education, trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis for children with autism, and is earning certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is also a member of the district's Equity Team, advocating for students with disabilities and English Language Learners, and worked to create an Integrated English as a New Language Biology class for which she facilitated curriculum development. Elisa's professional activities have included serving as union representative and advisor to Ecology Club, Science Olympiad and Honor Society. She was a research assistant in Genetics at Stony Brook University and is a certified diver. Mrs. Bogen sponsored fundraisers for the Developmental Disabilities Institute for children with autism and is a member of the Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association. Mrs. Bogen is inspired by the Ole Ivar Lovaas quote: "If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn." She looks forward to the collaborative nature of the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Robert Bolen is a proud alumnus of Hofstra University where he earned his B.A. in Biology and M.S. in Secondary Education. He earned an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration from Stony Brook University and holds a School District Administrator certification. Mr. Bolen teaches Advanced Placement Biology and Science Research at Eastport South Manor Junior-Senior High School. He has been the Science Department Chairperson and a class advisor, and is currently chess club advisor. Mr. Bolen is a member of several committees including Principal's Advisory and School Safety. He is also the District Mentor Coordinator for the New Teacher Mentor Program. Mr. Bolen founded the science research program through which he has garnered support from scientists and educators at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Mr. Bolen is an advocate for bringing students and scientists together through authentic research experiences. Robert is an active member of his parish church and enjoys fishing and kayaking with his wife and two daughters. Mr. Bolen's views on education are best captured by the words of Sir Francis Bacon: "Knowledge is power". As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bolen plans to collaborate with other science research teachers to provide greater opportunities for students.
Danielle Bottachiari earned her B.A. in Biology and Secondary Education from Dowling College, her B.S. in Nursing from Utica College, and her M.A. in Biology from Stony Brook University. For the past 17 years, Mrs.Bottachiari has worked at Lindenhurst Senior High School teaching Advanced Placement Biology, Honors Biology, and Inclusion Regents Biology. Before teaching, Mrs.Bottachiari was a certified medical assistant and phlebotomist. Her teaching philosophy has been to create an environment where her students reach their maximum potential without fear of failure. Outside of the classroom, she advises the ARMS Club which donates school supplies to children in need. Outside of school, Mrs. Bottachiari has been volunteering for the Long Island Science Congress, where students showcase their science research and is a Registered Nurse and works as an admissions nurse at a rehabilitation facility. In addition, Mrs. Bottachiari is an active member of her church, where she teaches grades K-5 and organizes an annual women's retreat. Above all, Mrs. Bottachiari loves spending time with her husband and their dog. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is excited to share her passion for entomology, while collaborating with other Master Teachers.
Amy Bouchard earned her BA in Biology from Dowling College and her MAT in Biology from SUNY Stony Brook University. While working on her teaching certification, Mrs. Bouchard served as the Biology Laboratory Technician for Dowling College and pursued science research opportunities. During this time, Mrs. Bouchard worked on a National Science Foundation Grant that focused on isolating microorganisms of the Central Pine Barrens of Long Island. A teacher for since 2007, Mrs. Bouchard has taught Living Environment, Science Research and currently teaches Chemistry and Robotics at Walt Whitman High School. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Bouchard served as advisor and coach for Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, Envirothon and the Protein Modeling Challenge. Additionally, she served as Research Coordinator and was the school liaison for the Long Island Science Congress and Long Island Science and Engineer Fair. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and playing golf. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Bouchard is looking forward to participating in new professional development opportunities, collaborating with fellow Master Teachers, and mentoring pre- service educators.
Michael Boyd earned his B.S. in Physics and Adolescent Education from Saint Michael’s College and a Master’s degree in Science Education from Concordia University. Mr. Boyd has been a teacher at Farmingdale High School since 2015, during which he has taught physics and forensic science in addition to creating his school’s Syracuse University forensic chemistry course. Mr. Boyd is an active member of the Farmingdale community, serving as coach of the track and field team, planning district wide events such as STEAM Night which fosters creativity and science engagement among community members, and founding his school’s chapter of the Science National Honor Society. His teaching philosophy is grounded in the core concept that every student is much more than a number in a gradebook. They’re unique people deserving of respect and care, and their social emotional needs always take precedence over a score on a test. Further, Mr. Boyd contributes to the wider education community as a frequent author on sites such as Edutopia.org, a professional development site for educators. His work has been featured in college education courses at universities such as University of Delaware. In his free time, Mr. Boyd plays guitar and sings in a rock band named House Plants. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to share in his passion for students, science and lifelong learning.
Samantha Chereb Bradshaw earned her BS in Chemistry from Gettysburg College and a Master of Arts in Teaching Chemistry from Stony Brook University. Ms Chereb has been a teacher at Ward Melville High School for 22 years, during which time she has taught Regents and Honors Chemistry, Consumer Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, and Forensic Science. Ms. Chereb enjoys being an active member of Ward Melville High School and the Three Village community. She serves on several committees at Ward Melville including the Patriot Pride committee, which is responsible for planning a day filled with workshops and presentations that foster an environment that promotes peace, respect, integrity, dependability, and encouragement. She is proud to be a member of Science Teachers Association of New York State and the American Chemical Society. Outside the classroom, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and coaching a local youth girls basketball team and volleyball team. She is honored to be participating in the NYS Master Teacher Program and looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers who share her passion for teaching and improving student learning. Ms. Chereb is excited to bring new and innovative ideas back to her colleagues and students at Ward Melville High School.
Jason Braun earned his BS in Biology from Quinnipiac University, and MAT and post-master's Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership/ Administration from Stony Brook University. Prior to teaching high school, Mr. Braun was as an adjunct instructor at Stony Brook University teaching Cellular and Organ Physiology Lab & Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab. In the classroom for 14 years, he has taught a wide range of classes including Living Environment/Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science (a dual-credit course), AP Environmental Science, Honors, Regents & ICT Living Environment, Forensic Science, Marine Science, and Anatomy & Physiology. In addition, Mr. Braun serves as a mentor for AP Capstone courses students, as well as student teachers and student observers from educator preparation programs at universities throughout Long Island. Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Braun is an active member of Science Teachers Association of New York State and National Science Teachers Association, has been a guest speaker for the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies, and is currently coaching the Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field programs at Half Hollow Hills East. Mr. Braun's teaching style is largely defined by a quote from Albert Einstein, “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Braun is excited to continue to collaborate with other teachers around NYS and build upon his ability to train a young mind to think effectively in the future.
Maria Brown earned her MS in Environmental Science from Long Island University (LIU), BA in Biology and BS in Geology from City University of New York at Queens College. She is a Certified Professional Wetland Scientist, and a candidate for the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science from Stony Brook University where she is a Permanent Lecturer in the Sustainability Studies Department. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mrs. Brown worked as a senior Environmental Scientist in the private sector. In the classroom 16 years, Mrs. Brown teaches Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Tiers 1-4 and RISE Tech at Sayville High School. She has also designed and implemented Advanced Placement Environmental and Inclusion Earth Science courses in the high school. Mrs. Brown enjoys innovative, hands-on experiential teaching where students are engaged in activities to find solutions to a meaningful problem. Her classes engage students in state-of-the-art technology including the use of environmental probes, software applications, robotics, or coding. Mrs. Brown is active in various professional organizations, and is the Vice President for the Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island. She received numerous teaching awards and was recognized as the 2013 Long Island's High School Teacher of the Year from LIU.
Josephine Bruno earned her B.S. in Teaching Secondary Mathematics from New York University and her M.S. with Distinction in Adolescent Education from New York Institute of Technology. In the classroom for 8 years, Ms. Bruno teaches mathematics and STEAM at Herricks Middle School. Outside of the classroom, she advises Math Olympiads, Mathletes, and the STEAM club and serves as a member of the school's STEAM initiative and scheduling committees as well as the Tri-State Consortium. Ms. Bruno strives to make evident the connection between the math students are exploring and the world around them. To grow as a professional, Ms. Bruno is dedicated to refining her instructional practices to create optimal and meaningful learning experiences for her students. Outside of Herricks Middle School, she teaches enrichment courses and has taught as an adjunct professor at Touro College. As a former Math for America Early Career fellow, Ms. Bruno is excited to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher Program, and is eager to collaborate with fellow STEAM educators with a shared passion for mathematics and technology.
Chris Buchman earned his BA in Biology at Southampton College and a MS in Computers in Technology at C.W. Post, as well as course work in Marine Biology at Hofstra and Earth Science at C.W. Post. Chris worked as a chemist for Nature's Bounty then as an educator and seal, whale, dolphin, sea turtle rescuer at the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation. While leading education programs at the Riverhead Foundation, he wanted to teach children about science and make them interested in living things as well as the natural world. Chris started teaching 16 years ago in Little Neck at MS 67 and now in his 11th year, he is teaching 7th grade science at Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School in Port Washington. At Weber, Chris is one of the Science Olympiad coaches as well as an advisor for the WINS program which enables high school students to tutor and mentor 6, 7, and 8th grade middle school students. Outside of school, Chris plays tennis, travels, and enjoys crossfit. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to collaborating with other educators in NYS and developing more STEM lessons for his classroom.
Raised in Clinton, NY, Stephanie Burns earned her BS in Meteorology from SUNY College at Oneonta. She worked as an on-air meteorologist for WKTV, an NBC affiliate in Utica, before moving to Long Island and earning her Master of Arts Teaching Earth Science degree from Stony Brook University. Mrs. Burns teaches Earth Science and Astronomy at Connetquot High School in Bohemia. An educator with nine years experience, Mrs. Burns is a strong advocate of hands-on, well-rounded learning, and enjoys fostering a love of geoscience and space science in her high school students. At Connetquot HS, she co-created the elective courses in Astronomy & Environmental Science and Preservation. Recent projects include her students' research into terrestrial impact craters in cooperation with NASA and the astronauts onboard the International Space Station. Mrs. Burns is a National Weather Service SKYWARN Spotter, and a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Mrs. Burns credits her participation in the NYS Master Teacher Annual Professional Development Conference for the new "research symposium" project in her classes. The project has been quite successful supporting students' reading of very high-level research to learn more about topics that interests them.
Kamalic Cabrera earned her BA in Biology with a minor in Management Information Systems from Long Island University, Southampton College, an MA in Education with a concentration in Bilingual Pre K-12 from LIU Brooklyn, and a Master's Degree in School District Leadership from Touro College. Mrs. Cabrera first taught Bilingual Biology and mainstream Biology classes at John Jay High School in Brooklyn, NY. She later relocated and taught Bilingual General Science/Earth Science at the Brentwood Freshman Center and currently teaches Bilingual Living Environment at Brentwood High School. Mrs. Cabrera encourages academic and social emotional connections, ensuring that students value their education and pursue academic success. She serves as a Community Plaza Representative, acting as a liaison between the school and community, providing both groups with resources to support student academic success. She has served on the School Improvement Team and Secondary Science Committee, and established a Collaborative Teachers Committee. Mrs. Cabrera has advised the Student Activities club, Latinos en Acción, and co-founded a MUNDOS (Many United Nations Diversifying Our Society) organization. Outside of school, Mrs. Cabrera enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, reading, researching new advances in Science, and learning new languages. As a NYS Master Teacher Mrs. Cabrera looks forward to collaborating and enhancing her science knowledge with like-minded professionals who share her passion for learning, for science, and for increasing student success.
Susan Campbell earned her B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Science Education from the University at Albany. While she was getting her teacher certification, she spent three years working as a Medical Technologist in several hospitals and one year at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Ms. Campbell teaches AP Biology and Living Environment at Brentwood High School where she established the Advanced Placement (AP) Biology program more than 20 years ago. She brings her laboratory experience into the classroom to provide students with the opportunity to utilize laboratory techniques and equipment to enhance their understanding of biology. Susan feels that as a science teacher her job is not only to encourage dreams, but to instill the practical skills necessary to attain them. Ms. Campbell reinforces this concept by referring to a quote by Michelangelo that hangs in the front of her room, " The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Campbell looks forward to learning and collaborating with other members of the program.
Jessica Canale earned her BS in Biology, Chemistry and Education from Saint Josephs College-Suffolk Campus, and MS in Biology and Education from Dowling College. In the classroom for nine years, Ms. Canale teaches Regents Living Environment, Anatomy 1 & 2, Living Environment Enrichment, Applied Living Environment at Deer Park High School.
Amy Cappiello earned her MA in Mathematics Education from Stony Brook University, and BA in Mathematics and Education from St. Joseph's College. In the classroom for 16 years, Mrs. Cappiello teaches Algebra 2 & Trigonometry and Advanced Placement Calculus AB at Commack High School. She is a strong advocate for improving student understanding and appreciation of mathematics and problem solving and her classes involve students in meaningful discussions, discovery learning and math fairs. Mrs. Cappiello loves teaching math because she is always learning; she still becomes excited when her students connect the various branches of mathematics using different techniques. Her professional interests focus on curriculum writing, mentoring pre-service teachers, and participation in professional activities with her colleagues such as lesson study, a professional development practice championed by Japanese educators. Mrs. Cappiello is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS, the Suffolk County Mathematics Teachers Association, and the NYS Master Teacher Program Delegation to the TeachNY Advisory Council.
John Chae earned his B.A. and M.A. in Mathematics and Secondary Education from CUNY Queens College through the full scholarship program TIME2000. He was honored with the Excellence in Mathematics Teaching Award and the Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award. He is currently pursuing his Ed.D. in Math Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. Mr. Chae teaches Math Research, Intro to Programming, and SySTEM Robotics at Syosset High School and previously taught at Baldwin Senior High School. He advises Robotics, Girls Who Code and BASIC clubs. He served Long Island Math Conference (LIMACON) as a conference chair for two years and continues to serve as executive board member for the conference and scholarship committee. His recent interest in robotics has been consuming his time. As a NYS Master Teacher, he looks forward to participating in workshops on MakerSpace and Computer Science.
Renée Chalmers earned her B.S. in Science Teaching from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. She then earned her M.A. in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. In the classroom at Smithtown High School West since 2003, Ms. Chalmers has taught AP Biology, Project Lead the Way: Principles of Biomedical Science and Human Body Systems and Regents Living Environment including English Language Learner and inclusion settings. Ms. Chalmers is passionate in finding what motivates her students to be their best selves as learners and individuals. She has an innate ability to make her students feel special. Ms. Chalmers has had the privilege of being a mentor teacher, as well as a student teacher advisor, and she finds it rewarding to work with new and upcoming teachers. Fostering relationships with her students and colleagues has been a key component during her teaching career. She loves to travel and she had the opportunity to teach abroad for a year in China. She is a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Ms. Chalmers is excited to be a participant in the NYS Master Teacher Program which will allow her to collaborate with other teachers and to learn with them and from them.
Zoe Chiam earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Boston University and her M.A. in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for 16 years, Ms. Chiam teaches fifth grade in Half Hollow Hills. Inspired by Einstein's words, "Never stop questioning", Ms. Chiam creates an environment where it is safe to make a mistake out loud; she challenges her students to be creative in their problem solving, persevering through failures to find solutions. She facilitates the creation of student websites that serve as both digital portfolios of their progress and accomplishments, and as a platform for students to voice their questions and ideas with peers and the community. Ms. Chiam co-advises the Stock Market Game Club and mentors colleagues, student teachers, and observers. She has presented at the Suffolk ASSET Conference and the district's Night of Code events. Outside of school, Ms. Chiam loves surfing with friends and photographing the world around her. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to working with and learning from others, so she can continue to challenge herself and create an inspiring learning environment for her students.
Jessica Chilton earned her BA in Secondary Mathematics Education with a minor in Adolescent Psychology from St. Joseph's College and MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. She is dually certified in Special Education and Mathematics for grades 7-12, with an extension in Mathematics for grades 5-6. In addition, she holds certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Mrs. Chilton has always been drawn to the study of Mathematics because it paves a path for students to obtain higher levels of abstract thinking that can carry across all academic disciplines. She has worked in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for eight years and has taught at Calhoun, Mepham, and John F. Kennedy High School. For the first time, Bellmore-Merrick School District is offering Chemistry to its Special Education student population, which Mrs. Chilton currently teaches, in addition to collaborative Algebra. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Chilton advises Key Club at John F. Kennedy High School. In this capacity, she has supervised six successful blood drives, and has spearheaded a fundraising event which raised over $3,200 for Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief. Mrs. Chilton also mentors High School seniors as they intern at various local businesses, and acts as Street Fair Supervisor during the month of September for her school district. During her free time, Mrs. Chilton enjoys participating in Zumba and Yoga. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Chilton looks forward to collaborating with her fellow Master Teachers to establish meaningful professional relationships and share successful teaching practices.
Neel Chugh earned his BA in Mathematics from Tufts University, MAT in Math Education from American University and his EdM in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Originally from Long Island, Neel spent time after college teaching middle school mathematics in the Washington D.C. Public Schools and high school mathematics at the Denver School of Science and Technology in Colorado. Currently, in addition to teaching Algebra 2 and Precalculus at Great Neck South High School, Neel serves as the school's department chair. Outside of Great Neck, he is a Desmos Fellow and is passionate about finding ways to make mathematics visual for students. As a NYS Master Teacher, Neel is excited to be joining a cohort of STEM educators who are exploring best practices in math education. He looks forward to collaborating with others on creating meaningful learning opportunities for students.
Thomas Ciolfi earned his BS in Civil Engineering from Tufts University and his MA in Math Education from Stony Brook University. Mr. Ciolfi worked as a civil engineer in California for two years before switching to teaching high school math and coaching soccer, where he worked for 3 years in Berkeley, CA and 4 years Watsonville, CA, now teaching at Half Hollow Hills High School East in Dix Hills, NY since 2005. In his teaching career, he has taught all levels of high school math and currently teaches AP Calculus AB, Honors College Calculus and Regents Algebra 2. Mr. Ciolfi has coached boys and girls high school soccer for 20 years, diving for 2 years, and formed and advised hip/hop breakdancing clubs at each high school where he has taught. He even performed in high school pep rallies along with his dance club! Mr. Ciolfi appreciates being a judge at the annual Long Island Math Fair. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, mountain biking, gardening, hiking, reading books and spending time with family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Ciolfi is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers that share his enthusiasm of STEM education in the PLTs.
Jeanette Collette earned her BS in Medical Technology from Daemen College and MSEd in Secondary Science Education from SUNY at Buffalo. Prior to teaching, Ms. Collette worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the Hematology Lab at Roswell Park Cancer Institute where she was appointed the Clinical Education Coordinator. In the classroom for nine years, Ms. Collette teaches International Baccalaureate Biology and Science Research at Commack High School. She is a member of her School-Based Management Team and also serves on the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair Scientific Review Committee and Commack's Scientific Review Committee. She is actively involved in local science competitions and the regional Science Olympiads. Ms. Collette recently taught forensics at Farmingdale State College for the Science & Technology Entry Program/Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program. Ms. Collette is a member of several professional organizations and past presenter at the National Association of Biology Teachers Conference. As a New York State Master Teacher, she is looking forward to participating in the upcoming mini-course on Evolution and Health, joining a Professional Learning Team, and providing high quality professional development to other teachers.
Daniel Concannon earned his BA in Economics and MS in Secondary Mathematics Education from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for 20 years, Mr. Concannon teaches Calculus, Statistics and Standard Level Mathematics in the International Baccalaureate Program at Hauppauge High School. He is a strong advocate for fostering a learning environment in which students are encouraged to be principled, reflective, and caring thinkers who are willing to take risks to advance their goals as global learners. Mr. Concannon involves his students with high-level, student-centered inquiries which aim to create motivated and curious lifelong learners. His professional interests focus on technological advances in education. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Concannon serves as a Seasonal Police Officer for the Town of Southampton Police Department. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, he has participated in the Climate Change and Fractals mini-courses, and considers his discussions with fellow math Master Teachers to be a highlight because they afford him to opportunity to learn new perspectives and ideas.
Jessica Conrad earned her BS in Environmental Geology and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Earth Science from Stony Brook University. While earning her degrees, Mrs. Conrad researched techniques used to obtain radiometric dates on carbonates in the Department of Geosciences. Mrs. Conrad also conducted research on the local geology of Long Island. After Mrs. Conrad began her teaching career, she devoted several summers assisting professors, college and high school students in various research endeavors in the field of geosciences. Currently, Mrs. Conrad is teaching earth science, Natural Hazards and Environmental Science and Preservation at Connetquot High School. The Environmental Science and Preservation curriculum was developed by Mrs. Conrad. Mrs. Conrad believes the classroom should be student-lead in order to create an environment that encourages students to become engaged in their learning. To help students connect with the natural environment, Mrs. Conrad works with students in the Connetquot High School Wildlife Garden. Mrs. Conrad is excited to be working with the other NYS Master Teachers to enhance her science knowledge and improve the quality of her students' learning.
Marie Cordaro earned her BS in Financial Engineering from Binghamton University and her Master of Arts in Teaching (Adolescent Education Mathematics) from Relay Graduate School of Education. After five years of working in the Financial Services industry, she decided to change careers and was accepted into the NYC Teaching Fellowship, receiving training specialized in serving high-need populations. For the duration of the two-year Fellowship, she taught Mathematics at a Tier I NYC public school. Upon completion of the Fellowship, Ms. Cordaro accepted a teaching position at East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School, where she taught 7th grade math and Advanced Placement Computer Science. She focused on turning her classroom into a truly student-centered environment, implementing several of Peter Liljedahl's Building Thinking Classrooms practices. Ms. Cordaro firmly believes that for students to learn math, they must be the ones doing the math. She recently received a grant from the East Rockaway Education Foundation which allowed her to integrate technology with her classroom's interactive “whiteboard walls”, giving students the capability of digitizing their work on the whiteboards. In addition to teaching, Ms. Cordaro is an active member of her school's Athletic Department, where she coaches basketball and looks forward to coaching girls flag football in the Spring. Ms. Cordaro is currently in the process of pursuing her National Board Certification and constantly looks for ways to grow and advance her teaching practice. She looks forward to sharing and learning innovative teaching strategies from other Master Teachers that she can implement and share at her own school district.
Olga Crnosija earned her BA from Brooklyn College in Language, MA in Teaching Earth Science and Biology and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in School Administration from Stony Brook University. In the classroom 13 years, Mrs. Crnosija teaches Honors and Regents Earth Science at Smithtown High School West. A strong advocate of students continuing their science education and engaging in science research, Mrs. Crnosija involves her students in a variety of problem-solving activities, allowing them to practice the persistence necessary to pursue scientific questions. Mrs. Crnosija strives to instill the principles of lifelong learning in her students by giving her students many opportunities to think about and solve Earth Science-related problems, activities that she believes will help prepare students for college and career. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, she participated in the Professional Learning Team Facilitator Workshop and the Measuring Global Climate Change" mini-course. Mrs. Crnosija also organized a NYS Master Teacher Geology Exploration of Central Park with Stony Brook University's Center for Earth and Space Science Education. She is an active member of the National Science Teacher Association and Science Teachers' Association of New York State.
Evan Curran earned his B.A. in Elementary Education from Loyola University Maryland and his M.S. in Technological Systems Management with a specialization in Educational Computing from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for 17 years, Mr. Curran has been a 4th Grade Teacher at the Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School for the last 13. Mr. Curran serves as the K-5 Lead STEAM Teacher in the district, founded the Math Olympiad program, is member of the School Improvement Team, organizes the districts' STEAM night, and served on various district committees. He is currently involved in a pilot program involving the implementation of Microsoft 365 in the elementary classroom. Mr. Curran was a volleyball coach for middle school and junior varsity. He was recognized by the Fair Media Council in 2010 as the sole national recipient of the Media Savvy Educator of the Year for his creating a blog between active-duty soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and his students. When free time exists, Mr. Curran loves spending time with his family; especially his three-year-old daughter. As a STEM Master Teacher, he looks forward to sharing his ideas with the educational community and bringing new, innovative ideas back to his students and colleagues.
Marissa Cusa earned her BA and MS in Adolescence Mathematics Education and Special Education from Molloy College. She has been teaching for eight years, six of those years teaching for the NYC DOE and two years teaching for Sewanhaka School District at H. Frank Carey High School. She has taught all levels of mathematics from 7th grade to Algebra 2. She currently teaches Self-Contained 8th grade math and Algebra Common Core. Her goal as a special education teacher is to not only improve her students' mathematic skills but to teach them how to become critical thinkers and analyzers. She believes that student growth begins with improved self-confidence. Ms. Cusa coaches H. Frank Carey's Pirettes Kickline team and provides mathematics instruction to home bound students after school. In addition, she teaches remedial mathematics classes at Suffolk Community College to improve and strengthen her student's fundamental math skills. As a former member of Math for America, Ms. Cusa is excited to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher Program. She is looking forward to collaborating with a community of talented teachers who instill the same love and passion for teaching mathematics as she does and can't wait to learn techniques for evaluating, refining, and adapting her teaching practices.
Brian Cusati earned a BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in Science from SUNY Cortland and an MS in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Educational Computing from SUNY Stony Brook. He is a Master Teacher for the STEM program Project Lead the Way, providing professional development and content training. Mr. Cusati has been teaching in the Smithtown Central School District for 24 years. He was a classroom teacher in grades K-2 before becoming the district's K-2 instructional coach implementing the PLTW curriculum. He now serves as the STEM instruction specialist at St. James Elementary School. He is also involved in various school science clubs, Math Olympiads, and the NYS Smart Start computer science program. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Cusati enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, gardening, and exploring Long Island's outdoors. Mr. Cusati is excited to work with the other NYS Master Teachers to enhance his science knowledge and improve the quality of his students' learning.
Maura Czachor earned her BS in Biology from Mary Washington University, and MA in Education from Dowling College. In the classroom since 2001, Mrs. Czachor has taught 6th grade mathematics, science, and English, and all subjects within the 3rd grade curriculum. She currently works at Plainedge Middle School teaching 6th grade Math and English. Mrs. Czachor is a Middle School team leader, has served on various district committees and is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She created and implemented a program in the Middle School to help foster community among incoming 6th grade students. Mrs. Czachor also achieved National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Mathematics in December of 2021. She attended Mathematical Mindset Conference with Jo Boaler at Stanford University and has taught parent and faculty courses on Growth Mindset and Mindset Mathematics. Mrs. Czachor is excited to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher Program and working with like-minded individuals to expand her ability to reach her students and bring new, innovative ideas back to her students and colleagues.
Michael Czachor earned a BS in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego and an MA from Stony Brook University in Educational Technology. As a child, Mr. Czachor always helped his father build and repair things around the house, fostering an interest in tools and how things work. As a Middle School Technology teacher for 17 years, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and interests with his students. Currently, Mr. Czachor teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade technology at Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School in Port Washington. His classes include Video Production, Engineering, and Problem-Solving. He was part of a team to develop a multidisciplinary curriculum for self-contained students at his school. The curriculum was written by Mr. Czachor, Special Education teachers, and other special area teachers to create an overarching interdisciplinary project that self-contained students would work on throughout the year while learning important life skills that can be used outside the classroom. When he is not teaching, Mr. Czachor is a Den Leader for his son's Cub Scout den and volunteer fireman for the local Fire Department. In his free time, he likes hiking and camping with his family, woodworking, and carving.
Donna D'Auria earned her BS in Biology at St. Joseph's College and her MSEd in secondary education at Dowling College. Prior to teaching, Ms. D'Auria worked as a clinical laboratory technologist for LabCorp. In the classroom since 1999, Ms. D'Auria teaches Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Living Environment at Newfield High School. In addition, she teaches Living Environment, Earth Science, Oceanography and Environmental Studies at Middle Country's Alternative Learning Center and serves as Newfield High School's Yearbook Advisor. Ms. D'Auria is passionate about the home-school connection and has served as both Vice President and President of the Terryville Road Elementary School PTA in the Brookhaven- Comsewogue School District. Newfield High School PTSA awarded Ms. D'Auria with the Jenkin's Award for her service to the school and community. Also, as a girl scout leader since 2009, she is currently mentoring 5 high school juniors as they complete their gold award projects. Ms. D'Auria loves to hike and travel with her family and is currently working on visiting all of the U.S. National Parks. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. D'Auria is excited to challenge herself, create new innovative lessons for her students and bring everything she learns back to her colleagues at Newfield High School.
Lisa Daniels earned her BS in Biology Education from the University of Pittsburgh and MS in Environmental Science from Long Island University (LIU). In the classroom 22 years, she teaches Living Environment Honors and Advanced Placement Environmental Science at Roslyn High School. A strong advocate for hands-on, inquiry based learning, Ms. Daniels involves her students in investigations of local pollution problems. Students are encouraged to work with their peers to evaluate environmental problems in their communities, and plan possible solutions. Ms. Daniels' professional interests focus on environmental research topics such as hydro fracturing and global climate change. She also writes curriculum and teaches for LIU's Center for Gifted Youth Program. In addition to her teaching duties, she serves as the advisor for the Gay Straight Alliance and is a member of the National Science Teachers Association. Ms. Daniels received the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to attend a summer institute on environmental issues at Princeton University as well as a fellowship through Queens College to do research on apoptosis, a process of cell self-destruction. She is inspired by the words of Albert Einstein, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning."
Robert De La Cruz earned a BS in Physics from St. John's University, a MAT in Mathematics Secondary Education from Queens College, and a School Administration Certificate from Stony Brook University. His eighteen years in the classroom include teaching Mathematics at Suffolk Community College and Science at Valley Stream Central High School, and leading local STEM summer programs. In 2014, Mr. De La Cruz was recognized by the Harvard Club of Long Island as a distinguished teacher. This recognition coincided with the birth of the STEM program at Valley Stream Central High School. Whether teaching traditional Science courses like AP Physics or electives like STEM, Mr. De la Cruz is an advocate of project-based learning. He develops activities that promote creativity and innovation while exposing students to 3D design, 3D printing, Coding, and Robotics. Mr. De La Cruz moved from the Dominican Republic to the United States when he was sixteen years of age. He is passionate about increasing the participation of minority and female individuals in STEM fields. He has a deep appreciation for how education can change a person's life. He is looking forward to collaborating with teachers and facilitators in the program. When he is not teaching, he enjoys exercising and spending time with his wife and three children.
Sandra Decker earned her B.S. in Biology from Binghamton University and her M.S. in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Hofstra University. Prior to teaching, Sandra was a lab technician at Mercy Medical Center. Mrs. Decker teaches Living Environment to English Language Learners at Paul D. Schreiber High School where she serves on the Curriculum Committee for the review of new courses, runs a before and after school Regents review class, and mentors new teachers. Mrs. Decker is always interested in learning new technology to continually engage students in learning. Sandra is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and a certified Brain and Body Yoga instructor. She shares her practice with her students to help them decrease stress while increasing happiness and overall quality of life. As a NYS Mater Teacher, Mrs. Decker looks forward to participating in a wide range of STEM activities to advance her own knowledge and the knowledge of others in the field.
Matthew DeMarinis earned his undergraduate and master's degrees in Mathematics from Stony Brook University and his Ed.D. in Mathematics Education from Columbia University. Dr. DeMarinis teaches Multivariable Calculus, Advanced Placement Statistics, and PreCalculus Research at Jericho High School where he co-advises the High School Mathletes and Chess Program. Dr. DeMarinis created and teaches an online Multi-Variable Calculus course through the Center for Online Learning at Nassau BOCES that can be taken by any student in New York State. In 2015, Matthew was a speaker at the Long Island Mathematics Conference (LIMACON) and at the TIME 2000 Conference at Queens College. Since 2008, he has been an instructor for the Institute for Creative Problem Solving at SUNY Old Westbury where he gets the chance to teach students who are looking to be challenged mathematically. Matthew has also provided staff development in his own district on their Superintendent's conference days. He firmly believes that asking the right questions can lead students to make great discoveries. As a NYS Master Teacher, Dr. DeMarinis looks forward to being part of a group of professionals that love learning and want to continually grow by sharing ideas with others.
Kuri DiFede earned her BS in Interdisciplinary Physics from the University of Richmond, her MS in Computer Science from NYU, and an Advanced Certificate from the College of St. Rose in Educational Leadership. She has been teaching and coaching for 13 years, starting at the Dalton School, an independent school in NYC, and for the last 7 years, at Mineola High School. She serves She serves on the school's Building Culture, and Innovative Curriculum committees, previously co-chaired the Grading Committee, and as the Computer Science (CS) Teacher Leader. As CS Lead Teacher, she founded and advises the school's CS Honor Society and Hackathon Teams. She is an active member of the Computer Science Teachers Association and is an Advanced Placement (AP) reader for AP Computer Science exam. Ms. DiFede was recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology as their Educator Aspirations winner for the Greater NYC area for her dedication to decreasing the gender divide in technology. Ms. DiFede coached robotics teams from elementary to high school and is currently the head coach for the school's First Robotics Competition and First Tech Challenge Teams. She coached teams to World Competitions numerous times and was recognized as the Woodie Flowers Award Winner for Long Island, which celebrates a mentor who can communicate effectively in the art and science of engineering and design. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. DiFede is excited about the numerous opportunities and courses. She looks forward to networking with and learning from other teachers.
Michael DiPasquale earned his BS in Biology from Stony Brook University, Master of Arts in Teaching and later an Advanced Certificate Diploma in Educational Leadership from Queens College. Mr. DiPasquale has been teaching for 18 years and serves as the Department Chair of Science at Great Neck North Middle School for the past eight years. Currently, Mr. DiPasquale teaches 8th Grade Regents Earth Science and worked alongside administrators and faculty members to make the district-wide shift to Regents Earth Science for all 8th graders. This change brought equity to the science program as it allowed all students access to the rigorous Earth Science curriculum and a chance to earn Regents credit. To facilitate this change, Mr. DiPasquale adapted his instruction to bring inquiry and experiential learning to his classroom. In addition, Mr. DiPasquale flipped the learning experience by offering his students content specific video lessons that students consume at home. Mr. DiPasquale looks forward to working with pre-service teachers through the Master Teacher Program and helping all teachers facilitate more authentic, student-driven learning in their classrooms. Mr. DiPasquale lives in North Bellmore with his wife, Lisette, and his two sons. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and coaching both of his sons' sports teams.
Joseph Dispigno earned his B.S. in Biology from SUNY New Paltz and his M.S. in Science Education from Dowling University. He is currently completing an M.S. in Molecular Biology at Adelphi University. Joseph's research interests are focused on the interactions of the intestinal microbiome with the human immune system. Mr. Dispigno teaches Living Environment Honors and Advanced Placement Biology at Roslyn High School where his classroom is focused on problem-based learning and student-driven inquiry. He emphasizes the implementation of 21st century skills with a focus on preparing his students for success at the next level. Additionally, he coaches wrestling and is the chairperson of the National Science Honor Society. Mr. Dispigno is a member of the National Science Teachers Organization. Outside of school, he is a competitive billiards player and coaches youth football and baseball. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Dispigno looks forward to sharing content knowledge and pedagogy with the other master teachers and participating in everything the program has to offer. His favorite quote is by Neil deGrasse Tyson: "The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it."
James Dornicik earned both his BS in Chemistry and MA in Liberal Science from Stony Brook University, and an AA in Mathematics from Suffolk Community College. Mr. Dornicik began teaching at Ward Melville High School in 1999, and his inspiration to teach came from his high school chemistry teacher and circuits professor in college. Currently, Mr. Dornicik teaches Honors Chemistry and Science Research. He has spent several summers researching polymers and one summer at sea working on mode water eddies. Outside the classroom, Mr. Dornicik has advised the environmental club, greenhouse club, and works the clocks for football games and swim meets. He has been on district committees such as the site-based management, Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR), proctoring, club advisory, professional relations, lab book, curriculum writing and has been a union rep for many years. Mr. Dornicik is a member of National Science Teachers Association and Science Teachers Association of New York State and has attended many of their conferences and workshops. His passion as a STEM instructor is when he can make a complex topic understandable to a new learner. Outside of school, he is an avid skier, kite boarder, and marathon runner. As a new NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to participating in the Long Island Association of Chemistry Teacher Support.
Sean Dowling earned his BS in Business Economics with a minor in Accounting from SUNY Oneonta, MBA from National University, MSEd in Elementary Education from Dowling College, and National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist. Mr. Dowling previously worked in the pharmaceutical field and as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was inspired to become a teacher by his wife, who is a reading specialist, as well as by teaching a macroeconomics course aboard the U.S.S. Essex (LHD-2) while deployed overseas. In the classroom 18 years, Mr. Dowling has taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades as a general education classroom teacher. He has been a Math, Science, Technology Coordinator, an Intermediate Literacy Staff Developer, and the Lead K-6 STEM Teacher, responsible for developing the STEM program for all K-6 students with his four K-6 STEM Teacher colleagues. Currently, Mr. Dowling is a 5th grade general education teacher. Mr. Dowling has taught a 3D-printing course during the Three Village STEM Foundation's inaugural summer camp, where each student built their own 3D printer to utilize. He has also presented at the Long Island Technology and Education Summit to share the development of the K-6 STEM program with other districts. Mr. Dowling is a member of both the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He is passionate about providing students opportunities to collaboratively problem solve while utilizing technologies made available to them. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Dowling is looking forward to professional development opportunities and working with other passionate teachers.
Kristen Drury earned her BA and MA in Chemistry and Education from Stony Brook University. Ms. Drury teaches Advanced Placement, Honors, and Regents Chemistry at William Floyd High School. A strong advocate for student centered classrooms and hands-on activities pertaining to real world problems, she educates her students using a flipped classroom model and inquiry lab lessons. Ms. Drury is a POGIL facilitator, training teachers across the country about inquiry learning. In 2018, Kristen was awarded the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT) High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year Award. With fellow NYS Master Teachers, she co-created the Long Island Association for Chemistry Teacher Support (LIACTS), a monthly meeting that helps teachers share ideas and develop NYS Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS)-aligned lessons for chemistry.
Andrea Durbin earned her BA in Fine Arts with a minor in Biology and MA in Liberal Studies in Art and Science from Stony Brook University. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mrs. Durbin worked as an illustrator for the American Museum of Natural History and then as a traffic manager for a local graphic arts company. Since 2003, Andrea Durbin has been a teacher at West Babylon Senior High School, teaching mainly Advanced Placement Biology. During her career at West Babylon High School, Mrs. Durbin has been the Varsity Field Hockey coach for 14 years and the head coach of the school's three Science Olympiad teams for 12 years. Utilizing her background in art, Andrea is also the school's scenic designer for the annual musical. Each summer, Andrea participates in professional development and workshops and most recently, Andrea applied to and was accepted to the Greentree Foundation Teacher's Workshop and took an online class in Biomimicry. In her free time, she still enjoys creating art for shows and kayaking on Long Island's local waterways. Most of all, Mrs. Durbin loves traveling with her husband, whether it's a road trip from Alaska to New York (which they did!) or camping in the mountains of Vermont. As a NYS Master Teacher, Andrea is looking forward to meeting other passionate teachers and expanding her knowledge of science.
Kimberly Dwyer earned her B.S. in Adolescence Education and M.S. in Applied Mathematics from LIU Post. At Syosset High School since 2006, Mrs. Dwyer currently teaches ENL Math, Geometry, AP Calculus AB and BC. She has always felt she is at her best in the classroom, both as a teacher and a student, and it is this passion that drew her to a career in education, and eventually mathematics. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Dwyer coaches the Syosset Mathletes, serves as Treasurer for the New York State Mathematics League, is a member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In 2015, she received the George Lenchner Distinguished Service Award for her work as site coordinator for the New York State Mathematics League competition. Mrs. Dwyer has served as an Adjunct Professor at LIU Post teaching Calculus. Outside of school, she enjoys kickboxing and trains in Krav Maga, and is often spotted at Syosset sports events with her two children in tow (Go Braves!). As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Dwyer looks forward to continuing her pursuit of learning, and the opportunity to mentor pre-service teachers.
Jenessa Eilers earned her BS in Mathematics and Computer Science with a concentration in Secondary Education and MA in Mathematics Education from St. Joseph's College, LI. While studying at SJC, Mrs. Eilers deepened her love for running as a part of the Cross Country and Track teams. Mrs. Eilers has been teaching for 8 years and currently teaches Geometry, Computer Programming, and AP Computer Science Principles at Rocky Point High School. She enjoys teaching geometric concepts with a visual and hands-on approach as well as teaching computer science and programming through collaborative-project based learning. She is a part of the district's Technology Committee which aids in making important decisions on executing technology initiatives for the district and its students. Mrs. Eilers is an advisor of the high school's Be A Nicer Neighbor Club which focuses on giving back to the Rocky Point community. She also advises the middle school's Coding Club. At the districts' annual STEAM nights, Mrs. Eilers creates many hands-on stations where students can explore computational thinking activities aimed to excite all students in the community from kindergarten to high school about computer science. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Eilers is excited to work with her peers to further develop knowledge about the Computer Science and Mathematics fields.
Allison Elfreth earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, an MA in Secondary Science Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, an MS in Biology from Tufts University, and is currently pursuing her EdD in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Science Education from Indiana University. She received a full academic scholarship from the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women while attending Teachers College. For the past 10 years, Mrs. Elfreth has taught Advanced Placement Biology, Living Environment, Anatomy and Physiology, and Marine and Coastal Ecology. At Robert M. Grable Jr. Mount Sinai High School for the past four years, she is the co-advisor of the STEM club. Last year she integrated Brookhaven National Lab's SPARK (Student Partnerships for Advanced Research and Knowledge) program into the STEM club. She is an instructor for the Long Island Institute of Professional Studies which provides professional development courses for educators and a member of the Association for Science Teacher Education, National Science Teachers Association, and Science Teachers Association of NYS. She recently presented at the STANYS Annual Conference on Engaging ALL Students with Universal Design for Learning. She believes in making science accessible to all students by providing opportunities for them to recognize how science is relevant to their own lives. When she is not teaching, she is enjoying spending time with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to exploring new and innovative ways to meet the unique needs of all her students.
Donna Engel earned her BS in Computer Science and Mathematics from SUNY Oswego, and MBA from Adelphi University. Teaching Advanced Placement (AP) courses for more than 20 years in both Mathematics and Computer Science, Mrs. Engel has taught every level of math from seventh grade through AP calculus BC. Prior to her teaching career, Mrs. Engel was a Software Engineer for ten years. Given her background, Mrs. Engel introduced her students to the world of computers and computer programming, and created the AP Computer Science program first offered in 1998 for Comsewogue High School, where she continues to teach AP Computer Science, AP Calculus BC, and Pre-Calculus. Mrs. Engel's experience in both the public and private sectors, engineering and education, brings a unique set of skills into the classroom bridging the practice and theory and providing students with a real world perspective. Mrs. Engel is a member of the Association of Math Teachers of NYS, Association for Computing Machinery, and the Computer Science Teachers Association. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Engel is looking forward to collaborating with peer Master Teachers, participating in Professional Learning Teams and continuing to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Scott Ethé-Sayers earned his BS in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry in 2003 from the Metropolitan State College of Denver. As a native Coloradan, Mr. Ethé-Sayers also attended classes at the Colorado School of Mines before moving to the East Coast in 2004. Mr. Ethé-Sayers’s first career as a research technician included time at Columbia University where he earned an MS in Human Nutrition at Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Mr. Ethé-Sayers discovered a passion for teaching students and interns lab science and in 2011 began his studies at Long Island University Post Campus and earned a Master’s of Science in Adolescent Education degree and teaching certification in 2014. Mr. Ethé-Sayers left the lab to pursue teaching and spent the next three years in a variety of teaching roles until landing in the Farmingdale School District in 2017. Mr. Ethé-Sayers teaches Regents Chemistry, Chemistry Honors, Environmental Science, Physical Forensics and College SUPA Forensics at Farmingdale High School. Mr. Ethé-Sayers participates in the Science Olympiad, founded the Science Research Club in 2020 and co-advises the Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA). He is also a site coordinator for SUNY Farmingdale for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), a grant funded program for underrepresented youth interested in pursuing science careers. He is really looking forward to developing a thematic approach to Chemistry to align with the NYSSLS, as well as attending NYSMTP Professional Development.
Elizabeth Fazio earned her BA in Elementary Education from Dowling College and MS in Education from Long Island University. She has been an elementary teacher in Islip Union Free School District for 27 years and has been teaching fifth-grade science for the last 5 years. Teaching science has given her the opportunity to delve deeper into her science content knowledge and grow as an educator. She has participated in science curriculum writing and program development for her district and volunteers as a judge for Brookhaven National Laboratory's Elementary Science Fair. In the classroom, Mrs. Fazio works to inspire her students to be life-long learners of science. She is excited when students connect with topics she teaches in class and extend their learning beyond the classroom. Outside of school, she participates in The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's “Project FeederWatch” and enjoys sharing her passion for birdwatching with her students, coworkers, family and friends. Mrs. Fazio is excited to work with other New York State Master Teachers to deepen her understanding of the science content she teaches and to learn more about how the content connects to middle school and high school content. She hopes to give her students a strong foundation in STEM upon which to build once they leave elementary school.
Frederick Feraco earned his BA in Biology and MS in 7-12 Adolescent Education at Long Island University. He also completed biology graduate coursework in Modern Concepts Evolution, Fisheries Biology & Aquaculture, Marine Ecology, Biochemistry, Tropical Biology and Population Ecology. Mr. Feraco is currently a PhD student in the STEM Education program at Stony Brook University. He has been a STEM educator since 2008, with experience teaching physics, biology, robotics, computer science, biotechnology, engineering, Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science, forensic science, and science research. Currently, Mr. Feraco teaches AP Computer Science Principles, and Science Research. Using his wide range of teaching experience, he guides his five classes of students to conduct long-term science investigations, utilizing collaborative mentors from research institutions. Mr. Feraco is dedicated to the science research program, and with the full support from South Huntington Union Free School District, he revamped Walt Whitman High Schools' science research program to focus on a theoretical design of a coral aquaculture propagation system. Mr. Feraco also serves in the role of advisor for the Marine Biology, Science Research, and Coding clubs. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Feraco works on various software engineering projects for fun.
Luke Ferland earned both his BS in Technology Education and MS in Energy Management from the New York Institute of Technology. After college, Luke worked in engineering and energy management in the United States and in China. Luke then decided he was ready to enter the classroom and became a Technology Education teacher starting his career as an educator in the Riverhead Central School District in 2013. Luke taught technology courses including Robotics, Principles of Engineering, Design and Drawing for Production, Residential Structures, as well as instructed students in independent study to explore areas of technology. Luke has also taught at Nassau Community College in the Physical Sciences Department. Luke currently teaches technology at the Bridgehampton School in Bridgehampton, NY. In addition to teaching, Luke operates the scoreboard for field basketball games. Luke has earned three Teacher of The Year awards, the Fred Podolski Innovation in Technology Award, and the Evan Rubin Memorial Award which is awarded to the student who is viewed as having manifested the greatest concern for other individuals within the NYIT community. Luke's current STEM interest is how computer science connects to the physical world through hardware and technology. Luke is excited to bring his experience to the Master Teacher Program. Outside the classroom, Luke spends his time in the great outdoors with his wife, Courtney, and their two Hungarian Vizslas.
Kristie Ferruzzi earned both her BS in Chemistry and MA in Secondary Education from SUNY Cortland. Since graduating in 2015, Ms. Ferruzzi has been teaching secondary science at West Islip High School. Whether it is Chemistry during the day, or Applied Forensics at night with the Alternative School Program, Ms. Ferruzzi loves engaging with all levels of learners, keeping her classroom student-centered, and making science exciting for all. She is passionate about educating the whole child, and believes there is a scientist in everyone. In 2019, Ms. Ferruzzi was honored by Suffolk ASSET with the Bright Light Award for the successful implementation of technology into her classroom, and supporting her colleagues in doing the same. She is also the advisor of West Islip Thirst Project - an initiative where she works with 300+ students to raise awareness about the global water crisis, and construct water projects for communities in need of safe, clean water across the globe. Outside of the school day, Ms. Ferruzzi loves spending time with her French Bulldog, Milton, and traveling to experience new cultures and cuisines. Ms. Ferruzzi is excited to expand her professional network, build her content knowledge, and collaborate with some of the best educators in NYS. She believes that the MTP has helped make her the educator she is today, and she is ready to take her pedagogical skills to the next level!
Juliana Fillinger earned a BS in Elementary Education from Long Island University - CW Post and MS in instructional technology from the New York Institute of Technology. She is currently working towards her National Board Certification in Generalist-Middle Childhood. In the classroom for 21 years at Charles E Schwarting Elementary School, Mrs. Fillinger taught 3rd grade for 12 years, with the last 3 years being an integrated co-teaching model. She has served on the Literacy Committee, the Social Studies Curriculum Writing Committee, the School of Character Committee and many more. She piloted new math and science programs, served as a grade-level leader, and led after-school cooking workshops for upper elementary students. Mrs. Fillinger can be found chaperoning concerts, district STEAM events, and working the afterschool program. Recently, she worked with a small committee to implement STEAM activities school-wide during indoor recess to foster student interaction and team building. As a mom of young children, she has been inspired by watching them learn and grow. She spends a lot of time traveling with her family or cheering them on during many baseball, soccer, basketball, or volleyball games. Mrs. Fillinger is looking forward to working with other Master Teachers, learning from their experience to enhance the learning of her students.
Tara Finn earned her BS in Mathematics from Adelphi University and her MA in Mathematics Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. Mrs. Finn is in her 10th year of teaching at John F. Kennedy High School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. She is currently teaching Advanced Placement Calculus AB and Precalculus. Mrs. Finn has coached volleyball and lacrosse in the district and advised the Mathletes Club. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and running. She is looking forward to collaborating with the other Master Teachers and helping Pre-Service teachers navigate their education and growth.
Allison Fitzpatrick earned her AAS in Mortuary Science from Nassau Community College, BS from Dowling College in Elementary Education, and her MS in Science Education at Dowling College. Prior to teaching, Ms. Fitzpatrick worked in the funeral industry in Smithtown, NY. She has been an active member of the Nassau- Suffolk Funeral Director Association and kept her state license active. She was an active participant in the recovery efforts of the downing of TWA flight 800. Ms. Fitzpatrick decided to change career paths and education was a perfect fit. After teaching in lower Manhattan, Ms. Fitzpatrick found her permanent home at Accompsett Middle School in Smithtown. Ms. Fitzpatrick served as The National Junior Honor Society advisor for many years at Accompsett and helped with the school plays. She participated in the science club, and went to competition with the Science Olympiads. Ms Fitzpatrick spends her summers in her backyard garden and tending to her chickens. As a south shore Long Island resident, Ms. Fitzpatrick spends much of her time at the local beaches and NYS Parks for walks. Ms. Fitzpatrick enjoys horseback riding and caring for horses. She also enjoys teaching children the basics of horses and how to own and look after them. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Fitzpatrick is looking forward to participation in the upcoming mini- courses for middle school science education. She is also looking forward to sharing new lab material and lessons on the environment and outdoors with her co-teachers.
Monica Flanagan earned her B.S. in Health Sciences, with a minor in Biology, and her Masters in the Art of Teaching from Quinnipiac University. She currently teaches Living Environment and an elective titled Farm to School at Paul J. Gelinas Jr. High School and Three Village Academy. Mrs. Flanagan started teaching in Three Village Central School District the fall of 2007. Mrs. Flanagan became a science teacher after being inspired by Jane Goodall. Her love for animals dovetailed perfectly with Goodall’s philosophy and teachings. Mrs. Flanagan was a Science Olympiad coach for Gelinas Jr. High for over a decade and enjoyed watching the team earn the title of NYS Champions a number of times during her tenure. After Mrs. Flanagan stopped coaching the Science Olympiad team, she missed the time spent with students outside of the school day. Therefore, she started her school's first Science Bowl team and has enjoyed watching the program grow and the success the team has had in just a few years since it's initiation. Mrs. Flanagan is also a member of her district's Curriculum Development Committee. This position requires her to listen to colleagues present courses they would like to introduce to the district. Working with her fellow committee members, the committee discusses and approves new courses considered to be good fits for the district. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Flanagan looks forward to learning about her craft through the interactions with like-minded colleagues and working with pre-service teachers.
Michael Foley earned his BS in Biology and his MA in Liberal Studies from SUNY Stony Brook. Mr. Foley has been teaching for 27 years in various districts on Long Island, and currently teaches chemistry, Earth Science, and Forensic Science at Hauppauge High School. He also teaches on-campus and online graduate courses for the Teacher Education Institute and the College of St. Rose, including a class he created entitled, "Bringing Excitement to the Science Classroom". As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Foley is looking forward to the next chapter in his teaching career collaborating with new teachers and veteran colleagues. He is most interested in developing professional development programs for elementary education teachers that support deeper content and pedagogical knowledge for teaching science to future middle school and high school STEM students. Mr. Foley is inspired by the words of Isaac Asimov, "the most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'that's funny...'.
Dame Forbes earned her BS in Chemistry and a MAT in Secondary Science Education from Howard University. She also holds an Education Administration certificate from Stony Brook University where she was a Wallace Fellow. Mrs. Forbes currently teaches Regents Chemistry and Foundation chemistry at East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School in Nassau County and serves as their science department chairperson. Mrs. Forbes has had education experience since 2000. She is a teacher researcher, having had the pleasure of participating in the Columbia University Science Teacher Research Program (CUSRP) where she conducted research in the department of chemical engineering and was selected as a Lead Teacher to Malaysia and Singapore teaching classes and conducting professional development with the staff and education leaders. In addition, Mrs. Forbes has worked with Brookhaven SPARK on the NSLS-II as a teacher mentor. Throughout the years she has coached and mentored several students in science research, science bowl, Science Olympiad, ocean bowl, quiz bowl, Farmingdale STEP, and Science NHS. Mrs. Forbes also serves as the subject area representative for chemistry, Suffolk County, for the Science Teacher Association of NY (STANYS) and is a NYS education specialist in chemistry. She's a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. where she works to uplift her community. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Forbes looks forward to encouraging new teachers, continuing her lifetime commitment to learning, sharpening her skills and learning new ones, joining a community of passionate educators who are dedicated to enhancing science education across the state.
Ellen Fraser earned her BA in Mathematics and English with a minor in Computer Science from Boston College, and MA in Mathematics Teaching from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for more than 23 years, Mrs. Fraser teaches Honors Geometry and Honors Pre-Calculus at Shoreham-Wading River High School. A strong advocate of rigor and relevance, Mrs. Fraser provides her students with opportunities to stretch their thinking with thought-provoking classroom activities and outside competitions, such as the Suffolk County Math Teachers Association contests. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, she has attended two statewide conferences, the Annual NYS Master Teacher Program Professional Development Conference and the Ashokan Retreat (sponsored by the NYC region), and participated in the Fractals mini-course. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Fraser is the coach of the school's Mathletes team and provides both before school and Regents tutorials. Mrs. Fraser is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Suffolk County Mathematics Teachers Association and Association of Math Teacher of NYS. She also is a volunteer scorer at the Suffolk County Math Teachers Association Senior Tournament.
Michael Friscia earned his BA in Child Study and BS in Business Administration from St. Joseph's College, along with his MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. Prior to teaching, Mr. Friscia worked as an accountant for a few years. He has been an elementary teacher in the Rocky Point School District since 2000. Mr. Friscia has taught grades 4, 5 and 6 as a general education teacher and has taught a Gifted and Talented program for six years. He is currently teaching 5th grade. Since 2015, Mr. Friscia has served as the Elementary Science Chairperson at Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School and initiated an after-school STEM Club. He has also been instrumental in writing curriculum for science, Gifted and Talented, and English Language Arts. In the classroom, he enjoys providing engaging lessons across all elementary content areas with an emphasis on STEM learning. Outside of school, Mr. Friscia is an avid fisherman who also enjoys spending time with his family. As a new NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to professional development opportunities and working with new colleagues.
Matthew Furlani earned his BS from Saint Joseph's College with a dual major in both mathematics and mathematics/computer science and MA in mathematics from Stony Brook University. Mr. Furlani teaches Algebra 1 and Honors Algebra 1 at William Floyd Middle School, where he has taught for the past 11 years. He emphasizes 21st century skills and real-life application problems to help his students apply math to problems outside the classroom. Mr. Furlani is a member of several committees in his school, including the Positive Behavioral and Interventional Support (PBIS) Team which helps promote a safe and positive school environment. He also developed and taught multiple courses as a teacher for the William Floyd Teacher Center. As a STEM teacher, Mr. Furlani is passionate about incorporating mathematics into real world applications, such as the stock market, to help his students see how STEM disciplines can lead to future career opportunities. In his free time, Mr. Furlani enjoys various activities including biking and woodworking. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Furlani is looking forward to collaborating with teachers from around the state to help develop new and interesting ways to teach mathematics to a new generation of students.
Kimberly Gardner earned both her Master of Arts in Teaching in Earth Science and BA in Environmental Studies with a Marine Sciences minor from SUNY Stony Brook University. Kim began her teaching career in 2006. She decided to pursue education to make sure all students felt a sense of connection and challenged to reach their full potentials. She is trying to build relationships and break the disconnect that students may feel in school. Kim teaches Regents Earth Science and Astronomy at Patchogue-Medford High School, Navy (SEAL) LT. Michael P. Murphy Campus. She has been the lead teacher of the Science Department for the past four years and has facilitated training workshops in castle learning, utilization of document cameras, and stream tables into the classroom. She has also written College Earth Science and Meteorology curriculum for her department. Outside of school, Kim attends many NYSSLS (New York State Science Learning Standards) workshops and conferences to help better prepare for the future. Being a STEM teacher has allowed Kim to introduce her students to a rigorous curriculum, which allows them to investigate and discover on their own. She enjoys camping in her spare time and spending time with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Kim cannot wait to begin collaborating and brainstorming with fellow colleagues to expand her pedagogy and to seek out innovative approaches to teaching science.
Erin Garland earned her B.A. in Biology from St. Joseph's College and M.A. in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. Mrs. Garland teaches Regents Review classes and AIS classes after school at Bay Shore High School (BSHS) and has taught Living Environment, ESL Science and Science Research classes. She co-advised the Gay-Straight Alliance club and facilitates BSHS Awareness Weekends. Erin has been recognized by "Who's Who of American Teachers" and received the "Magnet Moment Award for Commitment in Education" and the "Community Summit Volunteer Award". One year, she and astrophysicist Dr. Kevin Manning collaborated to teach students about astrophysics research while building a Newtonian Telescope from scratch, which is used today for bi-annual "Star Parties". Mrs. Garland's students attend field trips to Custer Observatory for evening stargazing and participate in the Open Space Stewardship Program through Brookhaven National Laboratory. Erin has raced in the local Judi Shesh 5K run and, in the summer of 2016, swam The Maggie Fisher Memorial Cross Bay Swim. Her mantra for her students and for herself as a swimmer and a teacher is, as Dory says, "Just Keep Swimming!" Mrs. Garland looks forward to meeting and being inspired by other Master Teachers in the coming years.
Richard Gearns earned his MS in Physics Education from Buffalo State College, and is a Doctoral student in Science Education at Stony Brook, researching socioeconomic inequality and its implications on science education in secondary schools. In the classroom 10 years, Mr. Gearns teaches Regents and Advanced Placement Physics at Sachem High School East in Farmingville. Mr. Gearns specializes in making demonstrations from inexpensive materials, and his classroom is affectionately called "the junkyard" by his colleagues. Mr. Gearns strives to create "Aha!" learning moments with his students by facilitating student-centered inquiry learning experiences. He is the founder and organizer of the "Teslamania Teachers' Conference," where classroom teachers present, with flair and showmanship, their best physical science demonstrations to other teachers in the field. As a member of the board of directors for the nonprofit Tesla Museum and Science Center at Wardenclyffe, Mr. Gearns seeks to preserve the last standing laboratory building of Nikola Tesla by advocating for a memorial science center with museum, archive, and research facilities.
Gloria Gill-Klesaris earned her BA in Earth and Space Sciences with a minor in Environmental Studies and her Masters of Art in Teaching Earth Science from Stony Brook University (SBU). In the classroom for four years, Mrs. Gill-Klesaris teaches Earth Science at Weber Middle school in Port Washington. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she advises the yearbook club, belongs to the school's Humanitarian Committee, and serves as a College Pioneer mentor, supporting students who are the first in their family to attend college. Mrs. Gill-Klesaris has participated in various Earth Science research summer projects with faculty at SBU, and is active in professional associations including the Pine Barrens Society, the NYS Education Department and the Science Teachers Association of NYS. She has presented her research, "Documenting Carolina Bay Formations on Long Island," at the Geology of Long Island and Metropolitan NY Annual Conference in 2012, and selected as a poster presenter at the Pine Barrens Research Forum in 2013. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Gill-Klesaris aspires to deepen and broaden her content and pedagogical knowledge across the STEM disciplines, devoting herself to excel as a professional educator and leader.
Dianna Gobler earned her BS in Chemistry from Gettysburg College and PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Stony Brook University. She has been a high school teacher for six years at Westhampton Beach High School where she teaches Introduction to Science Research, Science Research, Advanced Placement Research STEM, and Advanced Science Research courses. Prior to teaching, Dr. Gobler worked as a researcher at Stony Brook University in the Department of Neurobiology and in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. Dr. Gobler is the advisor for the Science Honor Society at Westhampton Beach and loves taking students on research trips including Paleontology (Wyoming) and Marine Ecology (Belize). She is the co-Principal Investigator for the Students Partnerships for Research and Knowledge (SPARK) at Brookhaven National Lab, and currently a Regeneron STEM Teaching Fellow. She will receive her Teacher's College STEM Leadership Certificate in July 2023. Dr. Gobler loves to visit and spend time with her family in New Orleans, Washington D.C., and East Quogue. As a Master Teacher, she is excited to learn from her colleagues and share ideas to bring back to her students at Westhampton Beach High School.
Samantha Gordon earned her BS in Physics and MA in Adolescent Science Education from Adelphi University. IN the classroom for nine years, she teaches Advanced Placement Physics 1, Regents Physics, and Conceptual Physics in an integrated co-teaching setting at Wantagh High School. Ms. Gordon advises several student organizations including the Science National Honor Society, Health Occupation Students of America, and the Wantagh Foundation for Furthering the Sciences. She previously led the Rube Goldberg Club, directed the Middle School musical theatre program, and advised the Class of 2018. Ms. Gordon is the Facilitator of Wantagh School District's Mentor Teacher Training Program and an instructor for continuing education courses for her colleagues. She is the Physics Subject Area Representative for the Nassau County Chapter of the Science Teachers Association of NYS and gave a presentation on implementing breakout-style activities in the science classroom at the annual conference. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Gordon is an avid reader of contemporary fiction and an amateur cruciverbalist. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Gordon is looking forward to working closely with like-minded educators to enhance learning experiences for her students and to develop meaningful professional development for her colleagues.
Alyssa Greco earned her B.S. in Biology and M.A. in Secondary Science Education with an Advanced Certification in Special Education from Adelphi University. She has been teaching for 6 years, and currently teaches Regents Living Environment in an integrated co-teaching setting and AP Seminar in the AP Capstone program at Islip High School. While studying as an undergraduate, she conducted research in the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest in Australia. Mrs. Greco has taught an after school program for science enrichment, organized the Islip Family Run for ALS Research, and served as a class advisor for the class of 2019. She is a member of NSTA and STANYS and has presented about the implementation of the AP Capstone program at professional conferences. Mrs. Greco believes that the science classroom offers a perfect opportunity for students to rekindle the curiosity and wonder they possessed as young children. She is looking forward to collaborating with her colleagues in the NYS Master Teacher Program to develop educational opportunities that will spark students' interest in STEM topics.
Kerri Grunenwald earned her BS in Electrical Engineering and MSEd in Mathematics from Hofstra University. In the classroom since September 2008, Mrs. Grunenwald currently teaches Common Core Algebra 2 and Fundamentals of Pre-Calculus at Westhampton Beach High School. Prior to teaching, she was a Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation for five years. She applies her engineering experience by challenging students to understand the parameters of a problem and develop a solution, make real world connections to mathematics, and incorporate technology. These are all components to her holistic approach to teach students to be exceptional problem solvers. Mrs. Grunenwald enjoys challenging students to become critical thinkers, which allows them to be successful in academics as well as in the real world. She has been the advisor for the Mathletes program, has taught professional development courses, and has written curriculum for Discrete Mathematics, Algebra 2, and Fundamentals of Pre-Calculus for the Westhampton Beach Math Department. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Mrs. Grunenwald enjoys outdoor activities, especially camping and paddle boarding with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Grunenwald looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers to develop new strategies for fostering innovative thinkers.
Eric Gustafson earned his B.S. and M.S.Ed. in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo. At Setauket Elementary School for twenty-four years, Mr. Gustafson teaches classes that are integrated with general education students and students with both academic and social and emotional special needs. During his tenure, he also worked as the MST (Math, Science, Technology) teacher for grades K-6 and as a Curriculum Enrichment Specialist working in small groups with students identified as intellectually gifted. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Child Studies Department at St. Joseph's College, where he has helped to educate future teachers in the areas of math and science instruction. Mr. Gustafson has been an active member of continuing education programs, having taught classes to colleagues in and out of his district on such topics as "Escape the Room in the Classroom," "Integrating Literature into the Math Curriculum," "Motivating Students with Math Games" and "Going Beyond the Science Curriculum." Outside of the classroom Mr. Gustafson enjoys traveling and the adventures that come with an unexpected journey. He is an avid game show fan, having appeared on three, primetime, television game shows. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Gustafson hopes to broaden his knowledge base associated with the Next Generation Science Standards and the opportunity to work with colleagues to continue to improve how educators engage students in the classroom.
Jason Gutlaizer received a BS in Chemistry Education from Boston University, a MA in Gifted Education from Teachers College, and teaches 10th grade Advanced Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry at H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square. A strong advocate for high academic expectations and inquiry-based learning for all students, Mr. Gutlaizer involves his students in challenging problems in which they are called on to arrive at a solution. His professional interests focus on science literacy and making chemistry a real-life, tangible subject matter. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as co-advisor for the Class of 2016. Past accolades include the Staff Member of the Month from the Carey Dads' Club and the H. Frank Carey Award from the Parent Teacher Student Association, both in recognition of his contributions to H. Frank Carey High School community and his commitment to the student body. Mr. Gutlaizer has been inspired by the discussions with his fellow Master Teachers in the Long Island cohort, noticing a renewed creative energy in himself by becoming part of a network for sharing teaching resources. The Mole Day Project was one resource that his students thoroughly enjoyed!
Krista Hachadoorian earned her BA in Biology/Secondary Education from Hofstra University, her MA in Instructional Technology from New York Institute of Technology, is a Level 1 Google Certified Educator, and is a NY certified Educational Technology Specialist. A science educator for 24 years, Mrs. Hachadoorian is currently teaching seventh grade science in the Syosset Central School District, where she uses the wisdom of educational thinker John Dewey as a guide to her teaching; “If we teach today's students as we taught yesterday's, we rob them of tomorrow”. Within the Syosset community Mrs. Hachadoorian has held many roles both for her students and fellow educators including advising the HBT Craft Club, chaperoning field trips and school concerts, and being an active member of district wide professional development and decision-making committees. Of these, Mrs. Hachadoorian is particularly proud of her participation in many of the innovative technology programs within the district, including a pilot Chromebook program which led to 1:1 Chromebook initiative districtwide. Outside of school, Mrs. Hachadoorian enjoys being outdoors and can often be found snowboarding, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding. As a newly appointed NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Hachadoorian is looking forward to collaborating with other STEM educators and helping mentor upcoming teachers in the best practices within the science classroom.
Brian Haldenwang earned his B.S. in Biology from Stony Brook University and M.S.Ed. from Dowling College. He has been teaching for 15 years at West Islip High School where he currently teaches International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Biology, Human Anatomy, and Physiology. Before teaching, Mr. Haldenwang worked as a biochemist with Enteric Products Inc. where he did research on H. pylori infection. He serves as the IB Extended Essay Coordinator as well as the Students Acting for the Environment (SAFE) advisor. Mr. Haldenwang is an active member of the Science Teachers Association of New York, IB Educators Network and is an Educational Ambassador for the Half-Earth Project. He is responsible for handling the planning of the annual ‘Day in the Life of a River' project and serves as the PASCO Scientific liaison for the West Islip science department. Annually, Mr. Haldenwang attends and contributes to IB Roundtable meetings for biology and extended essay to stay current with best pedagogical practices and curriculum changes and he holds a position as an external examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Outside the classroom, Mr. Haldenwang is an active member of his local church where he plays guitar on most weekends. He also enjoys spending time traveling with his wife and kids as well as taking his children to activities such as dance and cub scouts. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Haldenwang is planning on broadening his content knowledge and pedagogical skills by collaborating with other Master Teachers.
Audra Hallock earned her BS in Biology from Valparaiso University, minoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. Immediately after graduation she began her teaching career at Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School, teaching grades 7-12. Ms. Hallock earned her MA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in science teaching from Stony Brook University. Soon after the birth of her second child in 1998, she began teaching at Rocky Point Schools where she has been teaching for over 20 years. Ms. Hallock has taught life and physical science at the middle school level, Living Environment at the high school level, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. She is currently teaching 8th grade Honors Living Environment at Rocky Point. In collaboration with Brookhaven National Labs and the Open Space Stewardship program, Ms. Hallock runs the 6th grade GATES program, where students engage in research outside the classroom in the Rocky Point Pine Barrens. Audra is proud to have received a Recognition of Excellence Award for outstanding scores on the Praxis Exam in General Science Content Knowledge in January 2018. This past summer she learned to sail, which is a sport that is truly part science and part art. As a NYS Master Teacher she looks forward to participating in mini-courses and working with other Master Teachers in Professional Learning Teams.
John Halloran earned his BS in Biology from SUNY Geneseo and his MA in Secondary Education from Dowling College. A classroom teacher the past 18 years, Mr. Halloran started a new Science Research program at Connetquot High School in 2013. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Halloran worked for the pharmaceutical company Parke-Davis as a sales representative. He was honored as a Distinguished Teacher in 2018 by the Long Island Harvard Club and as the 2018 Mentor of the Year for Barcode LI. Mr Halloran was also a NY State Semi-finalist in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. John is interested in exploring with his fellow Master Teachers how open source tools can make both qPCR and fluorescence microscopy attainable for High School science classes. Mr. Halloran is currently a Teacher Fellow at Cold Spring Harbor Lab working on curriculum development for Barcode LI and a member of the SPARK group at Brookhaven National Lab. On the weekends, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids exploring the beautiful waters of the East End of Long Island.
Joseph Hanley earned his B.S. in Physics from the University of Richmond and M.A. from Stony Brook University. Hanley has taught Conceptual Physics (100-level), College Physics (200-level), Honors Physics (300-level) and currently teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1, AP Physics C and International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Physics at Bay Shore High School. Inside the classroom, he has developed the annual "Physics Olympics", a series of laboratory building events, created to keep his graduating seniors engaged in STEM after their AP and IB exams. Additionally, Mr. Hanley has been a co-advisor for the high school's Science Olympiad Team helping to grow interest from one team of 15 students in 2008, to its current three teams of more than 50 students. He has attended AP College Board and IB Workshops, as well as regional IB GUILD Round Tables to remain current with curriculum changes. Joseph is an avid fisherman and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Hanley looks forward to working with his peer Master Teachers locally and across the state to benefit classroom experiences for future physics students.
Catherine Hantz earned her BS in Geography from Cortland State University, MS in Geosciences from Stony Brook University, and is currently a doctoral candidate in Science Education at Stony Brook University. In the classroom 16 years, Ms. Hantz teaches Earth Science at Mt. Sinai High School. She began teaching after a 10 year career as an environmental specialist in private industry. Her teaching philosophy stresses cross-disciplinary and inquiry-based learning opportunities where students can engage in technology-infused, problem-solving activities that cultivate scientific literacy. Ms. Hantz's professional interests focus on developing science literacy to better prepare students for a STEM college or career path. To achieve this, she developed a freshman transition team to address the requisite skills and abilities needed by incoming freshman to ensure a successful and meaningful high school experience. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Hantz was selected to participate in a National Science Foundation grant designed to provide students opportunities for independent science research, and to create a series of earth and environmental science lab exercises. These lab exercises use geospatial technologies and experiential multimedia to introduce students to Antarctica within the context of existing curricula.
Chris Harkins earned his BA in Geology and BS in Secondary Science Education from Hofstra University. Mr. Harkins earned his MS in Literacy from Touro College. In the classroom since 2007 at Oceanside High School and Castleton Alternative School, Mr. Harkins teaches Earth Science and Disasters. He is a strong advocate for fostering a learning environment in which students are encouraged to be Curious about the natural world and provide solutions for problems facing humanity today. Mr. Harkins involves his students with student- centered inquiries which aim to create motivated and curious lifelong learners. He is a strong advocate of learning taking place outside the walls of the classroom and has taught many outdoor lessons as well as planned field trips to help aid his student's understanding of the natural world. His professional interests focus on technological advances in education. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Harkins coaches volleyball at Oceanside and has developed a volleyball program to help foster the game in children ages 10-17. He is looking forward to collaborating with a community of talented teachers who share a love and passion for teaching and developing challenging lessons for their students to learn and grow.
Brian Harvey earned his BA in Communications from Monmouth University and his MA in Elementary Education from Dowling College. In the classroom since 2001, Mr. Harvey has taught 4th grade for the first 12 years of his career, and the last 10 years he has spent in the 6th grade classroom where he teaches Science, Math, ELA and STEM. As a teacher at Minnesauke Elementary in the Three Village Central School District, Mr. Harvey has been an active member of the Elementary Math Committee, the Elementary Science Committee, the TVTA Election Committee, and Club Advisor for various activities. He also is an adjunct professor and teaches a course on STEM Education in the Elementary Classroom for the NY Center of Teacher Development. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Harvey is very active within his community. He has enjoyed coaching his son in all sports, has been a baseball coach/private instructor for over 20 years at various levels, a catechist for the last 10 years at his local church, and is a very proud Dance Dad to his two teenage daughters. Above all, he loves spending as much quality time with his wife and children, where he can be found supporting them in all that they do. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Harvey looks forward to opportunities to further hone his teaching skills, and is eager to work and collaborate with fellow educators in the areas of Math, Science and Technology
Tobias Hatten earned his BA in Earth Science from Boston University, and MS in Marine Science, Master of Arts in Teaching in Earth Science Education, and Educational Leadership Certificate all from Stony Brook University. As an undergraduate, he studied and completed geological research in New Zealand, Montana, Maine, Long Island, New Hampshire, and the Boston Harbor Islands. During this research Mr. Hatten studied possible tsunami deposits in Long Island's Great South Bay, examined Hudson River Sediments/shipwrecks, and studied the evolution of Lovell's Island in Boston Harbor. Mr. Hatten teaches Earth Science at Great Neck South Middle School, serves as the department chairperson and advises the Environmental/Birding club. He is driven to create scientific investigations where students are transported back in-time to make sense of authentic evidence. His favorite lesson, the "Great Earth History Mystery" provides students with data to uncover the catastrophe that killed the dinosaurs by examining foraminifera, sediment cores, and iridium anomalies. Tobias lives on Long Island with his wife Annie, his daughter, son and silky terrier. Mr. Hatten is an avid birder, enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, and has completed three full marathons. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Hatten looks forward to participating in and creating engaging field experiences for students and teachers alike.
Jon Hatzfeld earned his BS in Physics & Mathematics at SUNY New Paltz in 2014. He then earned his MAT in Physics at Stony Brook University in 2016 where he received the Clifford E. Swartz Award for Excellence in Physics Teaching. He is currently back at Stony Brook University pursuing his PhD in Science Education with an anticipated graduation date in 2024. Mr. Hatzfeld began his teaching career in 2016 as a middle school science teacher, and has been teaching physics at Manhasset Secondary School since 2018. He currently teaches AP Physics 1 and Regents Physics while having taught other science courses and electives throughout his career. He is passionate about building a physics classroom in which students feel safe, collaborative, and well-equipped to discover the incredible insights that physics has to offer. Mr. Hatzfeld is the co-chair of an introductory physics summer camp for aspiring physics students at Stony Brook University. He has hosted a variety of events at Manhasset Secondary School such as the Physics Pumpkin Drop and Astronomy Night. Mr. Hatzfeld is looking forward to collaborating with like-minded colleagues across disciplines to improve his practice and make physics a subject that is approachable, insightful, and enjoyable for all.
Liz Held graduated from SUNY Albany with a BA in Sociology, received her MA in Elementary Education from Adelphi University, and earned her Professional Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Queens College. She began her career as a Special Education teacher in Queens. She has been teaching in Elwood and has taught at James H. Boyd Intermediate School for more than 25 years, where she currently teaches third grade. She is a longtime member of the District's Technology Committee and has presented to many audiences about the use of technology in schools. Mrs. Held has received over 35 grants which funded educational opportunities for students. With some of these funds, she created a Makerspace and started an after-school club. She created several memorable STEM events such as Cranberry Day, Potato Olympics, and Glow Day, combining her passion for creativity and STEM, giving students hands-on opportunities to collaborate and problem solve. Mrs. Held has won several awards, including the Empire State Award for Excellence in Teaching, ASSET Bright Light, and the WSBOCES Teacher Integration award. She enjoys spending her free time with her family, traveling and finding various creative outlets. As a Master Teacher, Mrs. Held is excited to collaborate and learn with other master teachers.
Kaitlyn Hennelly earned her BS in Elementary Education and Deaf Studies from Towson University, and MA in Teaching Exceptional Learners and Childhood Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Mrs. Hennelly began her career in 2016 in Brooklyn, NY where she served as a Kindergarten teacher for five years. Mrs. Hennelly took on additional responsibilities as an Instructional Coach and mentored pre-service and in-service teachers, facilitated daily content-based meetings, and created data-responsive curriculum to be used across elementary schools in her district. In her current role at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School, Mrs. Hennelly serves as a first-grade teacher where she engages students in daily lessons in mathematics, literacy, science, and social studies. She enjoys teaching both math and science most, with a hands-on inquiry-based approach that allows students to teach each other as they engage with the content. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Hennelly is an active participate in Student Mentoring Club, Extended Day Literacy Programs, STEM Saturday School and she is co-creating a more rigorous science curriculum for the district based on Next Generation Learning Standards. Mrs. Hennelly gains inspiration from working with other teachers that are excited to refine their teaching practices. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Hennelly is most excited to be collaborating with passionate educators that are interested in data-driven and student-centered mathematics and science instruction.
David Herbert earned his BA and MS in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology with additional teaching certifications from Queens College and Rochester Institute of Technology. Mr. Herbert previously was a general contractor and business owner having both residential and commercial companies. Mr. Herbert is a High School Engineering Teacher in the Jericho Union Free School District. He initiated the Project Lead the Way program and has worked to promote its growth. He is certified to teach Introduction to Engineering, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Principles of Engineering. Mr. Herbert is also a robotics teacher and has multiple teams competing each year at local, state, and world events. He is the adult facilitator for the Engineering Club and VEX Robotics Teams. Mr. Herbert is a member of the NYS VEX Southern Tier Robotics Committee, the Long Island Technology and Engineering Associations. He is an advocate for STEAM Education and contributes to STEAM Day in the Jericho School District each year. He enjoys being outdoors and is a hiker, camper, and adventure seeker. Mr. Herbert looks forward to collaborating with NYS Master Teachers to expand his own knowledge, further improve as a teacher, and provide the best education and experience for his students.
Victoria Hernandez earned her B.S. in Marine Science from Stony Brook University and M.S. in Adolescent Education from Dowling College. Mrs. Hernandez has taught 6th grade science in Brooklyn and currently teaches Science Research at William Floyd High School for the last 6 years. Prior to becoming an educator, she conducted marine science research on benthic and apex predators. Her grandfather, a science teacher that embodied a contagious passion, inspired her to become a STEM educator. Outside of the classroom, she served as Principal Investigator for the High School Spectroscopy Block Allocated Group through Brookhaven National Laboratory's National Synchrotron Light Source II. She has also participated in the Protein Crystallography Block Allocated Group, advised the Science and Technology Club, taught Science Research for Stony Brook University Science and Technology Entry Program, and participated in citizen science projects associated with Barcode Long Island and A Day in the Life. During her teaching career, she has received the Outstanding Barcode Long Island Mentor of the Year and The Sugar Awards. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Hernandez is looking forward to joining the Science Research Professional Learning Team and sharing her experience with Jupyter notebook data analysis techniques and synchrotron science with her peers.
Jennifer Higgins earned her BA in Psychology from Dartmouth College and MA in Elementary Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. Mrs. Higgins has worked at John H. West Elementary School for over 20 years. She taught 5th grade, 4th grade, and Academic Intervention for Mathematics, and currently teaches 2nd grade as part of an Integrated Co-Teaching classroom. Mrs. Higgins served on various district committees and curriculum writing teams and has always been active in her school community: She co-advised Student Council for many years, co-facilitated the Beautiful Me Self-esteem Program, and worked with Kidsday (through Newsday) as the featured Class of the Week. Mrs. Higgins has been a member of the Teacher Center Policy Board for the last decade and currently serves as its secretary. She welcomed this opportunity to work with colleagues, administrators, community members, and higher education liaisons to ensure that Plainedge School District teachers have access to high-quality professional development and that the surrounding community can participate in meaningful activities like kindergarten orientations and Parent University classes. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Higgins is involved with Cycle for Survival, captaining a team that fundraises annually for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She enjoys traveling with her husband and relaxing with her dog. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to having rich conversations about STEM content, deepening her conceptual understandings, and sharing best pedagogical practices with the goal of raising the level of her teaching in a way that impacts students.
Kristin Holmes earned her BA in Mathematics and Computer Science from Vassar College and MA in Education from Stony Brook University. In the classroom nine years, Mrs. Holmes teaches Precalculus and Introductory, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Computer Science at Commack High School. She is a strong advocate for educational equity and a proponent of developing students' understanding through their application of concepts and skills to real-world situations. Mrs. Holmes engages her students in active learning through peer mentoring, problem‑based learning, and learning groups. Her professional interests focus on the integration of technology in the classroom, professional learning teams for teachers, and expanding participation in higher-level STEM courses to under-represented student populations. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Holmes is a member of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS, the Suffolk County Mathematics Teachers Association, and the Computer Science Teachers Association. Before joining the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Holmes was an artificial intelligence and robotics researcher and a developer of real-time trading systems for foreign currency markets.
Bryan Horan earned his BA in Biology and MS in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University (SBU) and has permanent certifications in Biology and Chemistry. Prior to teaching, Mr. Horan worked as a scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory conducting investigations in neuropharmacology. In the classroom for 17 years, Mr. Horan is the Science Research Program Coordinator at Northport High School and serves as co-advisor to the Science Olympiad team. Mr. Horan also recently acted as Science Research Program Director and Philanthropy Center Director to A Midwinter Night's Dream, Inc., a Northport High School student-run non-profit organization that has raised over $3 million for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and research. In addition to his school responsibilities, Mr. Horan is co-director to the Long Island Science & Engineering Fair Broadcom MASTERS Middle School Science Fair, and an instructor at SBU where he co-teaches Chemical Demonstrations and Science Pedagogy and Methods I. Mr. Horan finds inspiration in the words of science fiction author Isaac Asimov, "There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere." As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Horan is looking forward to creating meaningful professional development opportunities to share with K-12 teachers.
Alyssa Hughes earned her BA in Child Studies from St. Joseph's College and MS in Special Education from Long Island University. In the classroom for 20 years, Mrs. Hughes has taught first grade at New Lane Memorial Elementary School in the Middle Country Central School District for 19 of them. She inspires her first graders with her love of STEM by providing them with different challenges in a safe and supportive environment where they can take risks and strive to do their best work without a fear of failing. Mrs. Hughes feels she is providing her students with the foundation they will need to succeed throughout their school careers. She has been a member of her District STEM Curriculum Writing Committee for the past 6 years where she works on updating and aligning district curriculum with the NYSSLS, helps develop challenges for the Annual District STEM Night, and mentors colleagues. Mrs. Hughes also enjoys sharing her knowledge base by hosting pre-service teachers in her classroom. In her free time, Mrs. Hughes runs and likes to participate in charity races, especially those honoring our veterans and fallen heroes. She is also an avid reader. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Hughes looks forward to sharing her new STEM knowledge with colleagues in her District and using it to further challenge and inspire her students.
Kaitlin Humphrey earned her BS in Elementary Education/Biology and MS in Special Education from Manhattan College. Before embarking on a career in education, Mrs. Humphrey discovered her passion for teaching science at the age of 14 when she began her journey with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Education Program. In addition to her teaching positions, she has also directed the Cornell Sea Stars Marine Camp and developed the Nature and STEM curricula at Camp Harbor in St. James. With over a decade in the classroom, Mrs. Humphrey brings her passion for science to the kindergarten through 5th grade students at Wantagh Elementary School, serving as the STEAM teacher since the program's inception in 2016. Mrs. Humphrey involves her students in immersive, hands-on, project-based experiences that teach 21st-century skills. Her goal is for every one of her students to have their own “AHA!” moment that inspires an interest in the STEM disciplines while also preparing them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Humphrey is an integral part of the planning and execution of STEAM Night at Wantagh Elementary School, and she directs the Family STEAM Challenges throughout the school year. In addition, Mrs. Humphrey serves as a district mentor and has developed the curriculum for the STEAM program.
Anne Ippolito earned her BA in Environmental Earth Sciences from Boston University and her Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science from Stony Brook University. Ms. Ippolito studied estuarine environments, beach evolution, and glacial geology while completing fieldwork at sites such as Crane Beach and Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts and the Hartford Basin in Connecticut. In the classroom for six years, Ms. Ippolito teaches Earth Science, Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Astronomy at William Floyd High School. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she coordinates the high school's annual Gown Giveaway event. Previous professional projects include work with the Central Pine Barrens Commission, Brookhaven National Laboratory, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Wertheim national Wildlife Refuge, facilitating students' analysis of local water shed through "A Day in the Life of the Carmines River." Ms. Ippolito enjoys hiking, birding and playing tennis, and as an educator, is inspired by the words of the astronomer, Carl Sagan: "Science is more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of thinking." As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Ippolito looks forward to the professional development opportunities to deepen and broaden her content and pedagogical knowledge and to establish new educational partnerships.
Daniel Jantzen earned his B.A. in Biology from Binghamton University and his Masters in Teaching from Stony Brook University. He is also certified in Earth Science and Adolescent Education. Mr. Jantzen teaches Earth Science, Marine Science, and Forensics at John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. He has advised students in a variety of activities including Northwell Health's Medical Marvel Challenge and the NYS Science Olympiad. Currently, the high school's Science Olympiad is looking to go to the state level competition for the third year running. Mr. Jantzen is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of New York State. He is also pursuing an administrative certification in efforts to expand his knowledge of collaboration of faculty members in schools and districts. During his free time, Daniel loves to hike and recently completed a 75-mile hike in Colorado with 75 people from all over the country in an effort to raise money for charity. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Jantzen looks forward to learning about new teacher development and induction programs and sharing his knowledge on the use of technology in the classroom.
Michael Jantzen earned his BA in Biology with a minor in Geology from Binghamton University and Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology at Stony Brook University. In the classroom 11 years, Mr. Jantzen teaches Earth Science and Living Environment at Robert Cushman Murphy Junior High School. A strong advocate for a challenging student-centered classroom, he consistently engages his young scientists in discovery based lessons. Mr. Jantzen's students learn how to conduct an investigation by collecting evidence from a variety of sources, developing an explanation from the data, and defending their conclusions. His professional interests focus on the study of near-Earth objects, and he is a contributor to the B612 Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to protecting the Earth from asteroid strikes. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS and is the head coach of the R.C. Murphy Junior High School soccer team. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Jantzen is a member of the Flipping the Classroom Professional Learning Team, and participated in the Measuring Global Climate Change and the Safety of Genetically Engineered Food mini-courses.
Derek Jones earned his BA in Mathematics and Education and MA in Mathematics from Hofstra University. He has been in the classroom since 2010 at Manhasset High School. Having taught all levels of mathematics in his career, he currently teaches Algebra Honors and Multivariable Calculus while also serving as advisor to the Mathlete team. In recent years he has incorporated flipped learning and standards based grading into his teaching practices with the goal of enhancing his student’s learning experience and focusing on the problem solving aspects of mathematics. Mr. Jones is currently the varsity soccer assistant coach, having previously coached all levels from middle school to varsity in both baseball and soccer at Manhasset. Mr. Jones enjoys the process of creating math problems and has served as a grade level competition writer of the Nassau Math Tournament for the past 9 years. In his personal time he enjoys spending time with his family, snowboarding and cooking. As a NYS Master Teacher he looks forward to collaborating with other educators and learning about new and innovative ideas in grading and pedagogy.
Janet Kaczmarek earned her BS in Geology, MS in Geosciences from Stony Brook University (SBU), and is certified in Earth Science and Chemistry. During her graduate study, Mrs. Kaczmarek worked as a beamline user at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Lab. Mrs. Kaczmarek has been a science teacher at Sayville High School since 2000. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Kaczmarek is a Science Research Mentor for high school students enrolled in SBU Principles of Geology and Geographic Information Systems Mapping I, a course she team teaches with another NYS Master Teacher. Mrs. Kaczmarek is an active member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS, and plans to present at the Annual Conference in Rochester. Mrs. Kaczmarek spends time boating in the Great South Bay, has volunteered to help rebuild an oyster population in Bellport Bay, and plays the flute for Sunday Service, weddings and holiday musicals. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Kaczmarek has enjoyed and learned from the mini-course "Physics in the Earth Sciences," and believes Professional Learning Teams (PLT), such as the Inquiry Labs PLT of which she is a member, are most beneficial because they are engaging professionally and socially.
Christie Kalinoglu earned her BS in Elementary Education with concentration in Biology and Chemistry from Adelphi University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, MA in Mathematics with distinction from Hofstra University and a Professional Diploma in School Administration from Queens College. Mrs. Kalinoglu also has her School District Administrator and School Building Administrator certifications. In the classroom for 20 years, she teaches 8th grade Algebra, is the Mathematics Coordinator and serves as the Advisor to Student Council and Math Olympiads. Mrs. Kalinoglu has also been an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics in the Molloy College nursing program. She is a member of Nassau County Math Teachers Association, National Council Teachers of Mathematics, New York State Middle School Association, Phi Theta Kappa, and Kappa Delta Pi, and has presented at national and state conferences on Middle Level Best Practices for the 21st Century Classroom. She was awarded the Middle School Mathematics Teacher of the Year from Nassau County Mathematics Teachers Association in 2018. Mrs. Kalinoglu enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and running with the North Merrick Runners Club. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Kalinoglu looks forward to sharing her passion and love for learning as she expands her pedagogical strategies and deepens her content knowledge in STEM so she can integrate all the letters of STEM in her math lessons.
Elizabeth Kamerer earned her BA in Mathematics from Adelphi University, and MS in Computers in Education from Long Island University. In the classroom for 20 years, Mrs. Kamerer started her career teaching middle school math and transferred to the high school after she participated in the Institute of Leadership Training for Teachers of Mathematics at SUNY Old Westbury, which sparked her desire to teach higher level math. She currently teaches Common Core Algebra, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC at Schreiber High School. She believes it is vital to believe in students, even when they don't believe in themselves, and strives to help her students understand that setbacks are an integral part of learning. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Kamerer has coached a Math Counts team and mentored students for the Long Island Al Kalfus Math fair. Mrs. Kamerer is a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon National Honorary Mathematics Society in recognition of superior achievement in the field of mathematics. Mrs. Kamerer is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Nassau County Mathematics Teachers Association, a recipient of several grants from the Port Washington Educational Foundation, and workshop presenter at several teaching conferences throughout the years, including the LIMACON Long Island Mathematics Conference. Elizabeth looks forward to the NYS Master Teacher Program professional development opportunities because she wants to learn collaboratively with other motivated teachers.
John Karavias earned his BS in Biology and BS in Education at Delaware Valley University and Master of Arts and Liberal Sciences at Stony Brook University. Mr. Karavias is a veteran teacher of 24 years at Walt Whitman High School, starting his career teaching biology. In 2004 he created the Marine Biology Program and now teaches Marine Biology for college credit and research. Mr. Karavias believes that science is more than what you teach, it is what you do. Over the past 15 years, he has been on the Bering Sea to research the effects of climate change on carbon export and has had his boots on the ground, drilling for cores on the Northern Slope of Alaska to reconstruct paleoclimate in the region. To keep advanced science fresh for him, he worked as an adjunct professor for LIU Post, and is currently an instructor for the American Museum of Natural History's Seminar on Science Program. Mr. Karavias is an active staff member of Walt Whitman High School and frequents school events. He has taken dozens of students to Iceland and Costa Rica to introduce them to new cultures and ecological nuances. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to introducing his passion for climate change and biomimicry to his peers as well as incorporating what he learns from other Master Teachers into his classroom.
Amanda Kavner earned her B.S. in Biology & Chemistry and M.S.Ed. in Secondary Science Education from Hofstra University, M.S. in Educational Technology from Long Island University, and her Ph.D. in the Science of Learning at the University at Buffalo. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the usage of artificial intelligence to promote science literacy. For the past 9 years, Dr. Kavner has been teaching Living Environment and Chemistry at Half Hollow Hills High School East. Prior to teaching, she worked as a bench chemist in environmental testing & cosmetic formulation. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Kavner advises the XXCoders, is a BarCode LI mentor, and an international speaker on science literacy. Dr. Kavner serves on the district's Technology Committee, the union's Leadership Team, and is the webmaster for the Half Hollow Hills Teacher's Association. She is also an active member of the National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA) and the Science Teachers' Association of NY (STANYS). An advocate for experiential learning, Dr. Kavner brings in her 12 foot Burmese Python into school to teach invasive species annually and as a NYS Master Teacher, Dr. Kavner is excited to join LIACTS, and the Bio & Cognitive Science Professional Learning Teams!
Jennifer Keller earned her M.S. in Marine Biology from Southampton College and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Earth Science from SUNY Stony Brook. Ms. Keller teaches Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Earth Science at Southampton High School and is Southampton's Professional Learning Community Coordinator for 5-12 Science. Ms. Keller also serves on the Southampton Town's Sustainability Committee, ensuring that Southampton integrates climate change resiliency, groundwater protection, and best practices for land use. She is passionate about empowering students, teachers, and community members through knowledge and support, and integrates the local natural environment into all of her classes. As a Mindfulness Instructor, Jennifer encourages students and teachers to be curious and to closely observe themselves, others, and the world around them. As a Certified International Permaculture Designer, she encourages students in school and community members through workshops to look at the natural environment for models of functional, resilient system design. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Keller looks forward to sharing her passion for learning from the natural world with her peers and developing passion for this unique aspect of STEM in new teachers.
Melissa Kempton earned her B.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland, M.S. in Special Education from Touro College, and is certified in Secondary Mathematics. She completed her student teaching in London while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Prior to teaching high school, Ms. Kempton taught at Grand Avenue Elementary School as an AIS math teacher, grades 2 through 5. In the classroom 14 years, Ms. Kempton currently teaches Algebra 2 Honors and AP Statistics at Uniondale High School. She started her district's AP Statistics program in 2015 and has embraced the "Experience First, Formalize Later" teaching model which allows students to work collaboratively to think, discuss, and construct their understanding of new content before the teacher helps students to arrive at formal definitions and formulas.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Kempton has advised the Mathletes, mentored new teachers, written curriculum for her department, taught Saturday Regents review, and coached both varsity girls' volleyball and softball. She engages students through social media including live Regents review on Instagram, @Kemptonmath, and excites her students with weekly Friday dance parties. She is inspired by the words of Aristotle, "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." Ms. Kempton enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new theme parks, and playing volleyball and softball. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Kempton is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers and professional development opportunities.
Jessica Kiernan received her BS in Elementary Education and her MA in Literacy Education from CUNY Queens College. She has taught at Plainedge Middle School since 1997, first as a 6th grade science teacher and currently as a 6th grade math teacher. This year Mrs. Kiernan is a Team Leader and she is in her final year pursuing National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Mathematics. After attending a Mathematical Mindset Workshop presented by Dr. Jo Boaler and her Youcubed team, Mrs. Kiernan became passionate about creating a classroom culture of growth mindset behaviors and taught Parent University Mathematical Mindset Workshops in Plainedge. Mrs. Kiernan has worked with teachers and students across the country as a virtual tutor and teacher of Professional Development courses for iTutor. This Spring she will coach 8th grade softball and is excited to share her love for the game. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Kiernan is looking forward to collaborating with professionals to incorporate engaging STEM discovery and investigation lessons into her math classroom.
Justin King earned his BS in Physics from Union College and Master of Arts in Teaching from Stony Brook University. He has been teaching physics at Commack High School for the past seven years. In addition to teaching, Mr. King coaches the Science Olympiad team and the Science Quiz Bowl team. Mr. King has adopted the Flipped Classroom model of teaching and has begun to implement a Flipped Mastery model, in which students work at their own pace to complete units of instruction within an environment that encourages true understanding and synthesis of knowledge. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. King is looking forward to working with like-minded colleagues across science and mathematics disciplines to find interesting and innovative ways to educate and inspire his students.
Kimberly King earned her BS in Secondary Chemistry Education from Long Island University Post Campus and MS in Chemistry from St. John's University. Prior to teaching, Mrs. King worked as an Organic Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor at St. John's University and a Laboratory Technician at SUNY Farmingdale. In the classroom for 10 years, she teaches International Baccalaureate Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. At her school, she serves as a member of the District Literacy Committee and as a science research mentor. She uses inquiry-based pedagogy to foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in her classroom. Chemistry is one key to unlocking a better understanding of who we are, how things work, and how we can improve the world. Mrs. King believes that building this awareness and appreciation for STEM creates a self-motivated, lifelong learner. She is a member of the American Chemical Society, American Association of Chemistry Teachers, National Science Teachers Association and Science Teachers Association of New York State. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. King looks forward to participating in STEM activities to stay current with developments in her field and collaborate with a broader collegial network to promote innovative teaching methods that engage and inspire students.
David Kommor earned his BA in Psychology from Hofstra University and MA in Secondary Science Education from Long Island University. He also earned a Doctorate in Chiropractic, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from New York Chiropractic College. For the past 18 years, Dr. Kommor has taught Living Environment, Advanced Placement Biology and Advanced Science Research in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. He is dedicated to creating a classroom atmosphere that encourages inquiry, creativity, and exploration. He has developed several flipped classroom teaching modules in both science and mathematics. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Kommor is the club adviser for Students against Destructive Decisions which hosts the annual Senior Citizens Prom. He also volunteers as a mentor for "at risk" students, providing guidance and coping strategies for those who do not connect well to the school environment. Outside of school, Dr. Kommor serves on the Scientific Review Committee for the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair and he has judged in the category of biochemistry at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Dr. Kommor enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and playing the drums. As a NYS Master Teacher program, he is excited about sharing ideas with other talented educators and developing new curricula that will benefit students.
John Paul Kopacz earned his BE from SUNY Maritime College where he studied Marine Engineering. Mr. Kopacz was also licensed by the United States Coast Guard as a Merchant Mariner to work as an engineer on merchant vessels. Before his career as an educator, Mr. Kopacz was a Field Engineer where he performed tests and participated in the design process of newly constructed buildings. He earned an MS from Hofstra University, an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University, and is certified in Mathematics Education (7-12) and Technology Education. Mr. Kopacz has taught mathematics at the S.E.A.L. (Supportive Environment for All Learners) alternative high school program, which is part of the Great Neck Public School District for 14 years. He has taught Algebra, Algebra 2, Geometry, Calculus, Business Math, Logic and Programming. In his Business Math course, students run a small business and donate profits to local charities. Mr. Kopacz enjoys teaching professional development courses and participated in the district's STEAM Night. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In his spare time, Mr. Kopacz enjoys fishing and kayaking. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Kopacz looks forward to collaborating about new and exciting ways to continue to inspire his students.
Jonathan Kowalik earned his BS in Adolescent Earth Science Education from LIU Post and his MA in Science Education from SUNY Stony Brook. He holds General Science and Early Childhood Science Certificates, is a certified NWS Skywarn Weather Spotter, and achieved Google Education Certification Levels 1 and 2. Mr. Kowalik has been teaching at Plainedge Middle School for 17 years focusing on Earth Science, Robotics, Forensics, and Genetics. He served as an advisor for the Plainedge Middle School FIRST FTC 7662 Dragons Robotics team for the past 9 years and started the school's FIRST FLL 15962 Lil Dragons Team. He teaches many different professional development courses through the Teacher Center in his building and has served as judge for the TERRA NYC Science STEM Fair. He brought technology into the classroom and pushed to keep his classroom at the leading edge of the latest tech including Google Classroom, 3D Printers, and every new technology he can find. STEM has been at the root of everything he's done from an early age. Outside of the classroom, he can be found fishing, hiking, snowboarding, and building furniture with his hands. He served as the Cub Master of Pack 38 for 5 years. Mr. Kowalik looks forward to sharing what he learned over the years and learning new innovative ways to incorporate STEM into education.
Robert Krakehl earned his BS and Master of Arts in Teaching Physics and his PhD in Science Education from SUNY Stony Brook. Dr. Krakehl is an avid supporter of Physics for all and has a passion for showing others that anyone can do physics. In the classroom for seven years, he currently teaches three sections of Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 2 at Manhasset Secondary School. He has previously taught Regents Physics as well as AP Physics 1. Dr. Krakehl additionally adjuncts at SUNY Farmingdale and conducts science education research centering around the physical sciences at SUNY Stony Brook. Currently, his research focus is on equity, access, and achievement in the physical sciences. Dr. Krakehl has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented at several conferences including the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, the American Physical Society, and the Physics Education Research Conference. He is beginning to focus on bringing open-sourced digital measuring equipment into physics classrooms in conjunction with the Physics of Living Systems Teacher Network (PoLS-T) network, funded by the National Science Foundation and Harvard University. In addition to research and teaching physics, Dr. Krakehl is the theater technician where he teaches students the skills of audio engineering and lighting design. Dr. Krakehl has produced two music albums and is a strong supporter of music and the arts in schools. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing and bouldering, mountain biking, camping, and rock crawling in his modified Jeep Wrangler.
Theresa Kraycar earned her MS in Applied Math and Statistics from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for 20 years, Mrs. Kraycar teaches advanced level algebra, trigonometry and statistics at East Hampton High School. A strong advocate of student-centered learning, Mrs. Kraycar provides opportunities for students to productively struggle, collaborate, and learn mathematics through the processes of modeling, analysis, and hands-on activities. Her favorite part about teaching STEM is helping students see how mathematics is integrated into science and nature. Her professional interests include teacher learning, instructional improvement and research on the Autism Spectrum. Mrs. Kraycar was a contributing author in an article on Sex Ratios in the Autism Spectrum. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Kraycar leads "lesson studies," a professional development practice championed by Japanese educators, and is an active member of the Police Activity League. Her favorite quote is from Galileo Galilei "If I were again beginning my studies, I would follow the advice of Plato and start with mathematics."
Mary Kroll earned her BS in Biology from St. Joseph's College, her MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University, and is certified in Biology and Chemistry. She was chosen as the 2014 Suffolk County High School Science Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Kroll started teaching in 1999 at West Islip High School where she currently teaches biotechnology, advanced science research, and STEM Academy classes. Mrs. Kroll encourages her students to take risks as inspired by Albert Einstein: "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" Mrs. Kroll mentors students in the Barcode Long Island program through Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's DNA Learning Center and was named an Outstanding Barcode LI Mentor of the Year for 2019. She is also a beamline user at the National Synchrotron Light Source-II at Brookhaven National Laboratory and a Principle Investigator for BNL's SPARK Spectroscopy Collaboration. Mrs. Kroll volunteers to organize the Long Island Science Congress which hosts thousands of students annually in science fairs as part of the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Outside the classroom, Mary likes to experiment with new recipes in her kitchen. She also enjoys distance running and yoga. Mrs. Kroll enjoys collaborating with other Master Teachers in the BNL-LIHS Collaboration PLT and the STEM Research PLT.
John La Cascia earned his BS in K-12 Technology Education from SUNY Oswego and MA in Technology and Society with a concentration in Global Operations Management from SUNY Stony Brook. Mr. La Cascia currently teaches 9-12 Technology and Engineering Education at Oceanside High School. With 13 years of experience in the classroom, he has taught a range of courses including Introduction to Engineering, Materials Processing, Mechanical Drawing, AutoCAD for Industry and Residential Construction. Mr. La Cascia enjoys working with the PTA to raffle off student-constructed sheds in his Residential Construction course. This helps to highlight and show off student work to the community. Mr. La Cascia enjoys being a part of the Long Island Technology Education Association and working with other Technology Educators around Long Island to build better student-centered programs. Mr. La Cascia loves to work on construction projects and tinker in the garage on his racecar, and to be outside as much as possible. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to working with other educators to expand his STEM curriculum as well as helping other educators incorporate STEM content into their classrooms.
Ryan Lane earned both his BS in Adolescence Education in Biology and Special Education, and MS in Adolescence Education-Biology from Molloy University, where he was the Valedictorian of his graduating class. He is certified in Biology, Chemistry, and Special Education Molloy University selected Mr. Lane as one of their “30 Under 30” alumni in the Fall of 2022. He received an Advanced Post-Masters Certificate in STEM from the NY Institute of Technology and is currently working enrolled in the School Building Leader program at Molloy. At Plainedge High School for nine years, Mr. Lane has taught a wide range of courses including Advanced Placement Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, and many other electives. At Plainedge, Mr. Lane directs the musical production and has advised many clubs including the National Honor Society and the Northwell SPARK! Challenge team. He serves as an adjunct instructor in the School of Education and Human Services at Molloy University, methods of teaching science and instructional technology in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Mr. Lane is eager to deepen his pedagogical and content knowledge and looks forward to collaborating with the many exceptional individuals involved in the Master Teacher program. He hopes to discover new ways to motivate and engage his students in meaningful and exciting ways.
William Leacock earned a B.S. from Clarkson University and an M.S. in Education from Hofstra University. Mr. Leacock teaches Advanced Placement Physics 1, 2 and C and Honors Regents Physics at Wellington C. Mepham High School where he is the school's Chemical Specialist, Physics Olympics Team coach and mentor of four Intel Semifinalists. He was a writer of the Physics Core Curriculum and is a Subject Area Expert for NY State. Mr. Leacock has served as First Vice President of the Long Island Physics Teachers Association since 1993 and as the Science Teacher Association of NY State's (STANYS) Nassau County Section Area Representative for Physics. He is a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association and has received several professional awards including the Presidential Award in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Tandy Technology Scholar, and the STANYS - Excellence in Science Teaching Award. During his free time, William enjoys playing the saxophone, riding his motorcycles, and woodworking, and has given many make-n-take and demonstration workshops. Mr. Leacock also enjoys photography and is the STANYS conference photographer. Mr. Leacock has attended several hands-on workshops given by the Master Teachers, and is looking forward to contributing to their efforts.
Soowook Lee earned his BE in Civil Engineering from Cooper Union, and MEd in Math Education in Lehman College. In the classroom for 15 years, Mr. Lee teaches Geometry and Multivariable Calculus at Roslyn High School. A strong advocate for student-centered discovery lessons, Mr. Lee involves his students in problem-based learning, pattern seeking challenges, and high level mathematical inquiries. Mr. Lee's professional interests focus on math research and math team coaching. His current projects include creating video resources for students and developing effective strategies for teaching Common Core Mathematics. In addition to his teaching duties, he serves as the Math Team coach for Roslyn High School. Mr. Lee was recently honored as a state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation's highest honor for math and science teachers. Mr. Lee was a Master Teacher with Math for America before joining the Long Island Region of the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Lauren Lefkowitz earned her BS in Technology Education at SUNY Oswego, her MS in Education with a specialization in Integrating Technology into the Classroom from Walden University, and an Advanced Diploma in School Building Leadership and School District Leadership from the New York Institute of Technology. In the classroom for 15 years, she is currently teaching 7th and 8th grade Technology Education at Jonas E. Salk Middle School. She received training through Project Lead the Way to teach the Design & Modeling and Automation & Robotics courses. Ms. Lefkowitz enjoys participating in extracurricular activities such as building scenery for the school musicals throughout the district. She currently serves as the Vice President and Membership Chair for the Long Island Technology and Engineering Educators Association (LITEEA). Through LITEEA, she has the opportunity to plan and participate in frequent professional development with other Technology Educators around Long Island. In her free time, Ms. Lefkowitz can almost always be found tinkering with a project at home or with friends to fulfill her love for problem-solving. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is excited about engaging with teachers from all over NYS from all STEM disciplines.
KimMarie Lennon earned her BA in Elementary Education from Long Island University- CW Post Campus, MA in Early Childhood Education from Adelphi University, CAS in Elementary Education from New York University, and attended Oxford University-Trinity College to study the British approach to integrated language and cultural influence of a child. In the classroom for twenty-nine years, she currently teaches second grade at Paumanok Elementary School. Ms. Lennon has been the recipient of the Margaret Simon Award for Excellence in Social Studies, Visionary Award for Excellence in Economic Education and New York State Outstanding Social Studies Classroom Teacher Award. She developed and leads the Coding, and the STEM Clubs. In the classroom, Ms. Lennon cultivates an environment of active participation, encouraging students to take risks and work collaboratively. She bridges the gap between elementary and high school collaborating with High School East on coding and economic projects. Ms. Lennon develops curriculum for multiple subjects for Half Hollow Hills Central School District, and facilitates professional learning opportunities for district-wide teachers. Ms. Lennon and her daughter support Swim-Across-America, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money for cancer research and treatment through swim events at the Half Hollow Hills Natatorium. The weekends are spent with family, playing golf with the LPGA-Amateur League. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Lennon looks forward to working with her peers to broaden and deepen her STEM knowledge in order to enhance the quality of her students' learning.
Teresa Lester earned her BA in Biology with a minor in Anthropology and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology from SUNY Binghamton. Prior to teaching full-time, she worked as a lab technician for undergraduate classes in Biology, Zoology, Botany, and Microbiology. Her 31 years of teaching experience include several years at private schools and 26 years teaching at Great Neck South High School. Although she has previously taught Regents Biology, Chemistry, Science Research, Anatomy, Advanced Placement Biology, and Science Today, Mrs. Lester is most passionate about her longest and current role as a Living Environment co-teacher. She co-taught inclusion classes for the past 15 years and advised new team teachers about the collaborative inclusion model. She's proud of her role in helping her freshmen students adapt to the challenges of a rigorous high school. Mrs. Lester maintains a wildlife habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation, and several Monarch Waystations certified by Monarch Watch. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is most looking forward to working with other Master Teachers to develop new classroom materials and taking on a mentoring role with pre-service and new teachers. Mrs. Lester is an enthusiastic supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, special education, sports, and the arts. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, yoga, gardening with native plants, Islanders hockey, and spending time with her family.
Kimberly A. Libertini earned her BS in Biology from SUNY New Paltz, MS in Biology Education from Long Island University (LIU) and certificates for School Building Leadership and School District Leadership in Educational Administration from Stony Brook University. In the classroom 15 years, Ms. Libertini teaches Living Environment and Authentic Science Research at Valley Stream North High School. A strong advocate for effective communication, problem-solving skills, data interpretation and hands-on learning, she involves her students in reading and understanding cutting-edge scientific research articles that encourage them to develop their own research projects, utilize appropriate methodologies, and apply effective written and oral communication skills to report findings. Ms. Libertini is a proponent for workshops that focus on the development of effective, active and cooperative learning techniques with her local Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Her research interests focus on gene expression profiling and cancer, topics she examined in work for the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. In addition to her high school teaching responsibilities, Ms. Libertini has taught as an adjunct professor for graduate and undergraduate classes at LIU.
Edward Libretto earned his B.S in Education from SUNY Geneseo and M.S. in Adolescent Education in Biology from Dowling College. Mr. Libretto began his career in 2004, and currently teaches College Oceanography, Marine Biology and Honors Chemistry at Deer Park High School. Outside of school Mr. Libretto has spent most of his life studying the ocean environment, working as an ocean lifeguard for New York State, and exploring the New York State and National Park Systems with his family. As a Master Teacher, he is excited to work with the other members to discover new ways of helping students become stewards of the marine environment, and set them on the path toward future career opportunities in the emerging Blue Economy.
Karyn Libretto earned her B.S. in Education from St. John's University and M.A. in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University with an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Computing. In the classroom for 15 years, Mrs. Libretto teaches IB Physics, SAT 2 Physics, Regents Physics, and Introduction to Physics for ELLs at Northport High School. Mrs. Libretto serves as a coordinator for her district's STEM Family Night and STEM Fair. In addition, she is a member of the Greenhouse Committee and actively maintains all vegetable gardens at her school. Outside of school, Mrs. Libretto is a snowboard coach at Windham Mountain Resorts and is an active member of the Long Island Physics Teacher Association. She finds inspiration from nature through gardening, camping, hiking, snowboarding, and surfing. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Libretto is looking forward to collaborating with talented professionals and gaining new skills and insight into supporting diverse learners.
Milly Linares earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Math Education, both from New York University. She is certified in Mathematics 7-12 with a bilingual extension. Her teaching career began in 2013 in a project-based school in Lower Manhattan, where she created projects that encouraged students to apply mathematical concepts to address real-world issues within their community. This unique approach not only deepened students' comprehension of the subject matter but also instilled a sense of civic responsibility. Mrs. Linares is currently teaching at Uniondale High School, where she teaches Algebra 1 in a bilingual setting. Working with students from diverse backgrounds and educational foundations, she continues to inspire a love for mathematics in all her students. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Within the school, she serves as an advisor for Mathletes and teaches in the alternative school where students with a variety of responsibilities can attain their diploma. She is known for promoting a positive school culture and collaborates with her colleagues to reflect and adapt lessons and activities to a diverse student population. She engages her students with the content using many approaches, including creating YouTube videos to make the content accessible for students with varying learning styles. Mrs. Linares is looking forward to networking with fellow educators, sharing insights, and further refining her teaching practices to give back to early career teachers.
Caryl Lorandini earned her BS in Elementary Education from SUNY College at Old Westbury, and MS from Long Island University-CW Post. Mrs. Lorandini holds certification in both Elementary and Mathematics Education. Throughout Mrs. Lorandini's over 20 years of teaching, Mrs. Lorandini has found inspiration in her family, students and coworkers, and has a deep love of teaching and learning. In Carle Place Middle/High School for 16 years, Mrs. Lorandini teaches 8th grade Mathematics and Algebra, and serves as the Advisor to the National Junior Honor Society and Mathematics Honor Society. Mrs. Lorandini is an active member of her professional community serving on the Executive Boards of the Nassau County Mathematics Teachers Association, Nassau County Association of Mathematics Supervisors and Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS (AMTNYS). Recently, Mrs. Lorandini was honored with the AMTNYS Distinguished Service Award and Long Island Mathematics Conference Educator award. In November, Mrs. Lorandini will be inducted into the Long Island Mathematics Teacher Hall of Fame for her dedication and service to mathematics education. This honor is reserved for educators who have had lifetime impact on education at all levels: classroom, district, county, state and national. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Lorandini enjoys to the opportunity to be part of professional learning teams to deepen and expand her knowledge of mathematics.
Nicholas Lorenzen earned his BS in Adolescence Education in Mathematics from SUNY Cortland and MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from St. John's University. Nicholas has been a mathematics teacher at Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School for 10 years, and currently teaches Algebra 2 and Intermediate Algebra. In addition to teaching, Nicholas is involved in a variety of other activities such as being a Junior Varsity Wrestling Coach, and currently, he coaches Varsity Girls Soccer and Varsity Girls Winter and Spring Track and Field. Furthermore, Mr. Lorenzen has led or been involved in more than 10 different mathematics curricula at Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School, and is the cofounder of Academic Tutors (2012-2015), a Long Island based in-home tutoring service. In 2015, he moved on from Academic Tutors, allowing him to transition his focus back to his true passion: aiding students in discovering the beauty of mathematics. As a NYS Master Teacher, Nicholas looks forward to making connections within the community of STEM teachers and collaborating with like-minded individuals.
Jeanne Lotito earned her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut and M.S. in Education from St. John's University. In the classroom for 15 years, Ms. Lotito currently teaches Regents Chemistry at Westhampton Beach High School. Previously, she has served as a New York City Teaching Fellow where she taught math and science for 12 years at the High School for Art & Business in Queens, was a member of the Math for America Master Teacher Program, and was a Sci-Ed Innovator Fellow through Jhumki Basu Foundation at NYU. Ms. Lotito enjoys teaching this rigorous curriculum to students, guiding them from a place of curiosity to discovery as they gain a new perspective of the physical world through this central science. Ms. Lotito is excited to continue to grow professionally and deepen her practice as an educator with colleagues from across Long Island and New York State as a member of the New York State Master Teacher Program.
Keith Lundquist earned his BA in Physics and Math from SUNY Oswego, MA in Science Education from New York University and is currently a PhD student in Science Education at Stony Brook University. Even after 15 years in the classroom, Mr. Lundquist is dedicated to developing his skills as an educator in order to be the best possible instructor for his students, and enjoys collaborating with his colleagues on new course materials and implementation. He teaches Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors Physics and Astronomy at Walt Whitman High School. A longtime proponent of student-centered teaching, Mr. Lundquist incorporates his students' interests and goals into lesson planning. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, he led a workshop for his peer AP Physics Teachers, focusing on various topics related to the course content and structure, and co-organized Teslamania, a physics demonstration competition between teachers. Mr. Lundquist loves teaching STEM for its creativity. He can often be quoted saying, "To actually do science is to do something that has never been done before. Creativity is at the heart of every discovery."
Renee MacDermott earned her B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education from SUNY Brockport and her M.A. in Education from Walden University. She also holds certifications for teaching Students with Disabilities as well as Gifted Education. Mrs. MacDermott has been teaching for seventeen years and has experience teaching kindergarten through third grade, elementary and middle school gifted education, and high school Science Research. In her current position as a third-grade teacher at Lenox Elementary School, Mrs. MacDermott strives to create a classroom in which her students feel inspired to explore various avenues of STEM education. As an alumnus of the Greentree Teacher Ecology Workshop, she has developed a passion for nature-based learning. Mrs. MacDermott uses that experience to provide her students with numerous outdoor learning experiences, as well as bringing the outdoors into the classroom by raising quail and horseshoe crabs as citizen science investigations. She has also worked with a shellfish hatchery to set up an oyster reef at a local school and is also the advisor of her school's robotics club. Mrs. MacDermott spends much of her time exploring nature and enjoys camping adventures with her family. As a New York State Master Teacher, she is looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with other passionate STEM professionals to enhance the experiences that she provides for her learners.
Lawrence Maggio earned his BA from SUNY College at Oswego in Marketing and Mathematics, MS in Education from Molloy College, and National Board Certification. In the classroom for 14 years, he teaches Advanced Placement AB & BC Calculus and Geometry at Plainedge High School. Mr. Maggio regularly reflects on how lessons are perceived by students, adjusting his teaching skills to better meet their needs and integrating multiple forms of technology. A lifelong learner himself, he seeks new pedagogical methods to improve student's appreciation for mathematics. Mr. Maggio has served as the cooperating teacher for student teachers and enjoys sharing his love of teaching with anyone who will listen! Outside of the classroom he is advisor for the Sophomore Student Council, Math Honor Society, Yearbook, and Lights and Sound Crew for the Fall Play and Spring Musical. With the NYS State Master Teacher Program, Mr. Maggio participates in discussions about Common Core teaching strategies, Integrated Algebra Regents, and AP Calculus Free response questions.
Kathleen Maiorini earned her B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Seton Hall University and M.A. in Teaching Mathematics from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for 20 years, Mrs. Maiorini currently teaches AP Statistics and Honors Algebra 2 at Hauppauge High School. Mrs. Maiorini is also an Adjunct Instructor for Syracuse University teaching their Calculus course at Hauppauge High School. As a resident of her district, Mrs. Maiorini is proud that her two sons are part of the Hauppauge School community as well. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Maiorini is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers and to use what she learns to continue to improve and grow as an educator.
Shannon Matura earned her BS in Biology, Chemistry minor and MA in Teaching Science from Stony Brook University. Mrs. Matura has been a teacher at Miller Place High School since 2014 during which time she has taught Regents Chemistry, Marine Science, Anatomy and Physiology, and all levels of Living Environment. She developed the current Honors Biology curriculum and new elective Future Medical Professionals. Mrs. Matura strives to create an inclusive learning environment that challenges students to strive for excellence. Her love of science was inspired by her own high school teacher and she hopes to do the same for many students over her career. Mrs. Matura has over 25 years of professionally trained dance experience and was able to share this passion with students through her roles as the Assistant Director, Choreographer, and Stage Manager of the Miller Place Panther Players drama club for five years. She continued to connect with students and the community through her role as class advisor and iSTEM coordinator. Mrs. Matura has also worked with College101 Resource Center since 2014 offering tutoring services for secondary students in areas such as AP biology, Living Environment, Regents Chemistry and College Anatomy and Physiology. She is currently a member of the Science Teachers Association of New York State as well as the National Science Teaching Association and looks forward to growing her professional network through the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Sheila Mauriello earned her B.A. in Earth Science/Chemistry/Secondary Education and M.S. in Students with Disabilities from Dowling College, and M.S in Educational Technology from Long Island University-Post. In the classroom for 7 years, she teaches Inclusion Regents Earth Science, Regents Chemistry, AP Environmental Science and Advanced Science Research 1 at Cold Spring Harbor Jr/Sr High School. As an NSF Noyce Scholar, Mrs. Mauriello studied conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands and Amazon Basin in Ecuador, as well as helped to excavate and prepare fossils for the Marmarth Research Foundation in North Dakota. Mrs. Mauriello serves on the Technology Committee, School Improvement Team, National Honor Society Committee, and co-advises the Junior Helpers Club. She is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, STANYS, International Society of Technology in Education, and the National Earth Science Teachers Association. She is a strong proponent for technology integration in education and was honored with the Bright Light Award by Suffolk ASSET for her innovative use of technology in the classroom. Mrs. Mauriello is an alumnus of the Greentree Foundation Teachers' Ecology Workshop and actively seeks opportunities to learn and grow as a teacher. She enjoys traveling, sporting events and spending time with her husband and four sons. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating and learning from her peers to help bring innovative and engaging STEM experiences to her students.
Melissa May earned her BS in Secondary Mathematics Education from SUNY College at Cortland and MS in TESOL from CUNY Queens College. She is also certified to teach Project Lead The Way's App Creators and AP Computer Science Principles courses, and is currently pursuing her Special Education certification through CUNY Brooklyn College. In the classroom since 2015, Ms. May has taught a variety of mathematics and computer science courses at Accompsett Middle School and Smithtown High School West, most recently including Pre-Algebra, Geometry, and PLTW App Creators. In an effort to promote inclusivity and social-emotional well-being, she taught for two years in the SEL Summer Program and three years in the ENL Summer Enrichment Program. Ms. May strives to make mathematics and computer science accessible to all students by creating engaging, real-world based activities and projects. Outside of the classroom, she coaches soccer and lacrosse in the district as well as advises Math Olympiads. During her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, swimming, and snowboarding. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. May is excited to enhance her pedagogy by collaborating with other educators who share her passion for STEM.
Timothy McArdle earned his BA is Earth Science Education from SUNY Oneonta and MA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Earth sciences from Stony Brook University. A self-proclaimed weather enthusiast, Mr. McArdle completed the American Meteorological Society Datastreme courses to become an American Meteorology Society education resource teacher. In the classroom for 13.5 years, Mr. McArdle teaches 7th grade life science, 8th grade physical science, and topics in Earth science at Southold Jr.-Sr. High School and is the head football coach at Greenport High School and Girls track and field at Southould High School. Mr. McArdle also developed and implemented a science research program at Southold UFSD. Outside of school, Mr. McArdle is an avid surfer. As a teenager, his love of the ocean and his curiosity to study the waves and what causes them inspired him to pursue a career in STEM. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. McArdle is looking forward to participating in professional learning teams and mini courses and bringing cutting edge science back to his classroom.
Kathleen McAuley earned her BS in Biology and BS in Secondary Education from the University of Rhode Island, and her MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. She is certified in Biology, Earth Science, General Science, and Students with Disabilities (7-12). Prior to teaching, she worked at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's DNA Learning Center for 5 years. Mrs. McAuley is currently a Science Research teacher, Science Bowl coach, and teacher advisor for the Science National Honor Society and the Women in STEM club at Lynbrook Senior High School. Mrs. McAuley is currently a member of both the National Association of Biology Teachers and the Science Teachers Association of New York State. Outside of school, she likes to spend time with her family exploring dog-friendly parks with her husband and dog. As a research teacher, she finds inspiration from Nobel Laureate Dr. Frances Arnold, “The good teacher is the one that gives you the tools to ask the right questions”. Mrs. McAuley is most excited to learn from other NYS Master Teachers how to best help our research students ask these great questions, furthering their own research and contributing to our understanding of the world.
Mark McBurnie earned his BS in Mathematics with a concentration in Secondary Education from St. Joseph’s University NY and a MA in Liberal Studies with concentrations in Mathematics and Physics from Stony Brook University. Teaching at Syosset High School since 2014, Mr. McBurnie currently teaches Geometry, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Calculus BC. Mr. McBurnie also teaches at the Institute for Create Problem Solving at SUNY Old Westbury and serves as an adjunct professor at Molly College in their Computer Science Education program. Outside of the classroom, Mr. McBurnie is an advisor for the Syosset Mathletes and is a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association. In his community, Mr. McBurnie is an ex-captain of the Eastport Fire Department where he has served in the Seatuck Engine Company since 2007. Mr. McBurnie lives with his wife and two children. He enjoys bowling, clamming, and drone photography, and is a New York Islanders season ticket holder. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. McBurnie is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers, community involvement, and the opportunity to work with pre-service educators.
Jacque McCormack is a proud alumnus of James Madison University, earning both her BS in mathematics and her MEd in Secondary Education down in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Harrisonburg, VA. With 15 years of teaching experience in a wide variety of geographical locations, she has been delighted to teach at Brentwood High School (BHS) for the past decade. During her time at BHS, Ms. McCormack has written curriculum for the Math Department, served as an advisor to the National Honor Society, and been a member of the Literacy Team. Currently teaching Common Core Geometry and Introduction to Calculus, Ms. McCormack runs her classroom with a student-centered metacognitive approach, encouraging students to embrace their own individual learning styles. Ms. McCormack believes that Mr. Nelson Mandela was accurate when saying, "Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can use to change the world," and Ms. McCormack looks forward to strengthening her arsenal through her work with the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Ryan McGrath earned his BS in Biology from Marist College and MSEd in Secondary Education from Dowling College. Mr. McGrath has been teaching chemistry at Commack High School for twenty years at the regents, honors and Advanced Placement levels. During that time Mr. McGrath also completed a Post Masters Certificate in Educational Administration from Stony Brook University. He prefers to use a variety of techniques to present material to his students. Some of his favorite strategies include flipped lessons, chemical demonstrations, and anything that gets the student to work hands on. Mr. McGrath loves working with plants and growing his own fruits and vegetables. As a master teacher Mr. McGrath is looking forward to working with colleagues across science, mathematics, and technology disciplines to find innovative strategies to prepare his students for their futures.
Luisa McHugh earned her BS in Biology, Masters in Teaching and PhD in Science Education at Stony Brook University. Dr. McHugh's thesis focused on an integrated STEM curriculum at the middle school level. She is in tenth year teaching Living Environment to 8th grade students in the William Floyd School District. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. McHugh serves as the Student Council Advisor, the Science and Technology Club Advisor, and is a Collegial Facilitator spearheading "Staff Chats" on empowering female adolescents. In addition to her variety of academic interests, Dr. McHugh loves traveling and bringing her personal experiences back to the classroom to share with her students. With the Master Teacher Program, Dr. McHugh has learned innovative, research-based teaching strategies that she has utilized both in and out of the classroom. Of particular note has been learning the art of mentoring; she has been honored to support pre-service teachers as they begin their careers. Dr. McHugh believes mentoring is a transformative experience that provides optimism and hope for both the mentor and the mentee. Dedicated to mastering her teaching craft she is guided by the principles of Carl Sagan's quote: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."
Ed Miller earned his BS in Biology with a minor in Education from St. Joseph's College and his MA in Liberal Studies, with a minor in coaching, from Stony Brook University. Ed began his teaching career at Selden Middle School in his home district at Middle Country Central School District in 2000 where he taught Life and Physical Science. 18 years later, he is teaching 7th grade Physical Science and 8th grade Living Environment. Mr. Miller has served as a turnkey trainer for his department, regarding use of classroom technology and reading strategies. In addition to teaching in an integrated co-teaching classroom, he is also involved in writing curriculum. Outside the classroom, Mr. Miller coaches boys varsity basketball. Mr. Miller considers himself a lifelong learner and is constantly looking for new pedagogical methods to implement into his classroom. He strives to integrate three dimensional, real-world experiences into the classroom while making the material more applicable, accessible, and fun for students. Mr. Miller is a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS and the National Science Teachers' Association. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Miller is looking forward to improving his ability to engage students through quality instruction for 21st century learners.
Keith Millman earned his BS in biology and a Master of Arts in teaching biology from Stony Brook University (SBU). A teacher for ten years, Mr. Millman was adjunct professor at SBU for two years and currently teaches Intermediate Level Science at Brentwood East Middle School. A strong advocate for inquiry-based learning, differentiated instruction, and teaching with multiple modalities he involves his students in collaborative inquiry style project and problem-based instruction with daily kinesthetic and multisensory activities that engage every learner. His professional interests focus on the challenges English Language Learners experience in the science classroom, and he provides ample cross-curricular English Language Arts opportunities using research based strategies. Mr. Millman serves as a National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Master Teacher Fellow at SBU, and is a member of Science Teachers Association of NYS, National Science Teachers Association, the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Mr. Millman believes that STEM teachers are blessed with the most exciting forever-changing curriculum and countless opportunities to engage young minds in the mysteries of the world around them. For him, the most rewarding component of teaching STEM is inspiring young minds to pursue a career in the sciences.
AnnMarie Mills earned her BA in Secondary Education – Biology from SUNY New Paltz and her MA in Liberal Studies from SUNY Stony Brook. Mrs. Mills' strong passion for nature and creativity coupled with her quest for a dynamic and exciting career, led her into teaching. She found her home in Islip Middle School in 2002, and began teaching Life Science and Physical Science. Mrs. Mills is currently teaching Life Science in the integrated co-teaching classroom and the special education self-contained setting using a nature-themed curriculum that focuses on Long Island's local ecosystems and current environmental issues. Her classroom setting often utilizes plants, animals, and the ponds located on the school campus as the backbone of her lessons. As a result, her classes can regularly be found outside discovering the wonders of nature, firsthand. In addition, AnnMarie serves as the advisor for her school's Nature Club and as a coach for Science Olympiad events. Mrs. Mills is an alumnus of the Greentree Foundation Teacher's Ecology Workshop and actively pursues opportunities for professional growth. Along with her family, AnnMarie enjoys hiking and playing beach volleyball. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is excited to work alongside and learn from other passionate educators to develop curriculum that will enrich her students' experience.
Kimberly Milton earned her BS in biology from Union College, Master of Arts in Teaching from Stony Brook University, and National Board Certification in Science. In her 17 years of teaching, Mrs. Milton has taught Regents Biology, chemistry, Earth Science, International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology, Advance Placement Biology, Marine Science, and Forensics. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Mrs. Milton has served as the IB Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) Coordinator. Mrs. Milton is an active member of her department and school community; she designs and coordinates the Community Science Nights at her school, making science fun and accessible to the community. As a Peer Mentor, she has worked with many first year teachers and veteran teachers acclimating to the school setting. Mrs. Milton also leads the National Board Cohort through the Peconic Teacher Center. Galileo Galilei is believed to have said, "You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself." As so, she continually searches for innovative and engaging ways to lead students to learning. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Milton is looking forward to participating in upcoming mini-courses and working with Master Teachers in her region and across the state in meaningful professional development.
Louis Mincieli earned his BA in Biology with a concentration in adolescent education from St. Joseph's University, and his MSEd in Geoscience from Stony Brook University. While in college, Mr. Mincieli worked as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. In the Smithtown Central School District classroom for five years, he is certified in Biology and General Science 7-12 with a 5-6 extension and holds a certification to teach Project Lead the Way: Medical Detectives. Currently, he teaches General Science 7 and General Science 8 at Accompsett Middle School and Great Hollow Middle School but has taught over a dozen courses across Smithtown's three middle schools and two high schools. Mr. Mincieli is a co-advisor of the Accompsett Middle School's National Junior Honor Society Chapter. Outside of school, he enjoys camping and spending time with his friends and is a member of the National Eagle Scout Association. As a New York State Master Teacher, he is excited to connect with other STEM teachers and learn about new topics he is not familiar with.
Jessica Mintz earned her BS in biology and Master of the Arts in Teaching from Stony Brook University. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Science Education at Stony Brook University focusing her research on the "Patterns and Perceptions in Science Teacher Evaluations with the Annual Professional Performance Review in Suffolk County". Mrs. Mintz was awarded the Howard Hughes Doctoral Student Fellowship and the Robert Noyce Fellowship for graduate work. In the classroom eight years, she has taught 7th grade Life Science, Regents Living Environment and is currently a Regents Chemistry teacher at Bay Shore High School. Mrs. Mintz coached the middle school girl's lacrosse team, is a certified NYS Emergency Medical Technician for the last 13 years, and is an avid New York Ranger's Fan. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is a member of the Long Island Association for Chemistry Teacher Support (LIACTS), a group formed by the LI chemistry Master Teachers in response to the need for a local discipline-specific professional community, which meets monthly to facilitate the collaboration of chemistry teachers across Long Island. She looks forward to working with her peer Master Teachers in LI and across the state to deepen her content and pedagogical knowledge and to continue as a life-long learner.
Ed Moloney earned his B.A. and Masters in Business Administration from Dowling College with additional teaching credits from NY Institute of Technology. Mr. Moloney previously worked as a certified Project Management Professional at the Intel Corporation with Fortune 100 companies. Ed has multiple teaching certifications including Students with Disabilities. He currently teaches Engineering in the Sag Harbor School District and previously at the STEM High School for Eastern Suffolk BOCES at the Academy of Applied Technology. He has experience using Project Lead the Way curriculum and is certified to teach Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Engineering Design and Development Capstone. He is also a certified Robotics instructor from Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Moloney is an active member of the New York State and Long Island Technology and Engineering Associations. He has assembled a state of the art fabrication lab and also participates in the Vex Robotics competitions with students. He is an avid woodworker, preferring woodturning. Ed's love of woodworking and being a member of the Long Island Woodworkers club helped him make the connection to teaching. Mr. Moloney looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers.
Veronica Morabito-Weeks earned her BA in Sociology from the University of Arizona and her MS in Elementary Education from Dowling College. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Weeks worked as an Office Manager for medical practices before pursuing her dream of educating children. Mrs. Weeks is currently in her 22nd year of teaching fifth grade at Bretton Woods Elementary School. She has an inclusive classroom with diverse learners and provides hands-on learning opportunities for her students. Mrs. Weeks has a passion for Citizen Science projects, which include Trout in the Classroom, CERCOM Horseshoe Crab Project, Bobwhite Quail Hatch and Release Program, Invasive Fish DNA Project, and her classroom is filled with class pets. As an alumnus of the Greentree Teacher Ecology Workshop, she is committed to inspiring her students through outside nature instruction. Mrs. Weeks is an advisor for the Environmental Science Club, Robotics Club, Drama Club, and Competitive Running Club. She enjoys being an instructor for the Seatuck Summer Explorer Program and judging at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Science Fair. Mrs. Weeks looks forward to working alongside other educators who are passionate about expanding their knowledge and pedagogy. When not in the classroom, Mrs. Weeks can be seen running through state parks training for a marathon, riding her horse on the trails, or working on her oyster farm.
Melinda Moran received her BA in Communication from Adelphi University and MSEd in Elementary Education from Dowling College. Prior to earning her Graduate degree, Melinda was a Vice President for New York Community Bank. In that role, she coached and trained staff, so making the decision to teach seemed natural. Her teaching career began January 2000 and in September 2000 she was hired by Sayville Public Schools where she has taught grades 3, 4 and 5. Melinda serves as Principal of Sayville Summer School and holds certifications in Elementary Pre K-6, Business and Distributive Education 7-12, Gifted and Talented Education Pre K- 6, and School District Administration. Her current teaching position is Elementary Academic Enrichment educator at all three elementary schools: Cherry Avenue, Sunrise Drive and Lincoln Avenue. In 2013, Melinda was recognized by Science Teachers Association of NYS (STANYS) as their Elementary Science Teacher of the Year. She currently serves on Curriculum Council, is advisor to Math Masters Club, and runs an Elementary After School Science Club through ACES-LI, Inc. In her free time, she is an avid traveler with a goal of visiting every continent. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with the new elementary members in bringing STEM initiatives to her elementary students.
Christopher Morrill is an educator at Henry L. Stimson Middle School within the South Huntington Union Free School District, where he began his career in early 2019. Mr. Morrill earned his Bachelor of Science in Meteorology degree from SUNY Oneonta. He also earned his Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science from Stony Brook University. In his current role, Mr. Morrill specializes in instructing Regents Earth Science Honors and 8th-grade General Science. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Morrill serves as the assistant coach for the Girls Varsity Cross Country team, manages the middle school's Science Bowl team, and leads the Anatomage dissection table club. Mr. Morrill has conducted research through Stony Brook University and presented his research, "An Investigation of Pebbly Loess and Soil Textures on the South Fork of Long Island, NY" at the Geology of Long Island and Metropolitan New York conference." Prior to teaching, Mr. Morrill was a Professor's Assistant at Suffolk County Community College, working with students in meteorology, geology, and physics. Outside of his professional commitments, Mr. Morrill is an avid runner and cherishes spending quality time with his wife, Kimberly and their son, and anticipating the arrival of their second child in March 2024. Expressing his eagerness to become a Master Teacher, Mr. Morrill is enthusiastic about the prospect of acquiring fresh insights and knowledge from educators across New York State. This endeavor aligns with his commitment to enhance the classroom experience for his students through continuous professional development and collaborative learning.
Kimberly Morrill earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science degree, both from Stony Brook University. Prior to pursuing a degree in education, Ms. Morrill worked as a Registered Nurse at Stony Brook University Hospital. Teaching since 2019, Ms. Morrill has taught Regents Earth Science, Genetics and currently teaches Regents Living Environment and Anatomy and Physiology at Sachem High School East. Her teaching philosophy focuses on inquiry based learning, where the students develop a deeper level of learning across multiple disciplines by utilizing cross-cutting concepts and making real-world connections. Ms. Morrill has participated in various research activities through Stony Brook University, and has presented her research "The Differential Composition of Pebbly Loess at Different Depths on the North Fork of Long Island" at the Geology of Long Island and Metropolitan New York conference. Ms. Morrill is an alumnus of the Greentree Foundation Teachers' Ecology Workshop, and enjoys any professional development opportunity to grow as an educator and better meet the needs of her students. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, and competing in agility trials with her Shetland Sheepdog. Ms. Morrill was inspired to become a NYS Master Teacher when she took a college class, working alongside Master Teachers. Seeing their passion for science education and inspiring students through inquiry in the classroom was inspiring as a young educator, and a group she aspired to be like and learn from.
MaryBeth Moscola earned her BS in Elementary Education from LIU, CW Post Campus, an MS in Literacy from Queens College, In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Moscola is currently working with mental health administrators from Northwell Health in hopes to bridge the gap between schools and facilities that provide mental health support. Ms. Moscola has been teaching at Plainedge Public Schools since 2000. She spent 17 years teaching 4th grade and is currently teaching 5th grade students. Ms. Moscola also works in the after-care program, assisting students with homework, incorporating physical activities, and teaching mindfulness practices. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Moscola enjoys spending time with her three children and looks forward to becoming a part of the Master Teacher community.
Jacob Mulderig earned his BS in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego and MS in Technological Systems Management from Stony Brook University. Mr. Mulderig is also a member Epsilon Pi Tau, the international honor society for technology educators. From a young age, Mr. Mulderig has had a deep desire to learn how things work, a passion that he shares with his students. In the classroom for 16 years, he teaches Engineering Graphics & Technical Illustration, Principles of Engineering, and Engineering Research at Brentwood High School. In the past, he taught many traditional technology classes with an emphasis on Industrial Arts such as Automotive Technology, Small Engines, and Woodworking Tech. Mr. Mulderig truly enjoys the variety of coursework that teaching in the field Technology Education provides. Mr. Mulderig and his research students compete in The SourceAmerica IDEATE Challenge to design and develop assistive workplace technologies for people with disabilities. In the team's first year competing, they were national finalists and look to continue the success. At Brentwood High School Mr. Mulderig is also an advisor for the Robotics Club, Lemelson-M.I.T. IvenTeam, and A.C.E. Mentor Program for future Architects and Engineers. In his free time, he enjoys camping with his family and competitive rock crawling with his heavily modified 1972 Ford Bronco. As a NYS Master Teacher, he looks forward to engaging with and learning from other educators of all STEM disciplines throughout NYS.
Natasha Murray earned her BA in English and Education from City College of New York, MSEd in Education from Queens College, and PhD in Mathematics Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In the classroom for more than ten years, she has taught elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels, and currently teaches 8th grade Accelerated Algebra in the Copiague School District. Dr. Murray's dedication to the field of mathematics education through research and practice are evidenced in her presentations at national conferences including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the American Educational Research Association. Her professional interests include differentiated instruction in mathematics classrooms, instructional technology, culturally relevant pedagogy, curriculum development, and teacher education programs for mathematics teachers. She is a member of Phi Delta Kappa International and Mensa. Dr. Murray also serves on the editorial panel of Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, a peer-reviewed journal of the NCTM. As a NYS Master Teacher, she has participated in several mini-courses including Measuring Global Climate Change, and is a member of the Homework and the Tape Diagrams Professional Learning Teams.
Dawn Nachtigall earned her BA in Chemistry and Education, and Master of Arts in Teaching from Stony Brook University. She is presently working towards a PhD in Science Education at Stony Brook University. In the classroom for 17 years, Mrs. Nachtigall teaches 7th grade Life and Physical Science at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in Stony Brook. A strong advocate for differentiated instruction, Mrs. Nachtigall motivates her students by providing them with choices on how to master in-class activities and projects. To share her passion for differentiated instruction, she currently teaches courses on this pedagogical topic to in-service teachers and is a regular speaker for Stony Brook University pre-service teachers. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Nachtigall serves on the junior high school's Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) committee, planning anti-bullying events. She also organizes a yearly Science Awareness event showcasing student research projects. Mrs. Nachtigall is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and was recently inducted as a member of the local American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit. Mrs. Nachtigall is inspired by the following words of Claude Lévi-Strauss: "The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers; he's one who asks the right questions."
Cara Newman earned her BA in Education from Indiana University and her MS in Special Education from Touro College. In the classroom for 20 years, Mrs. Newman teaches 4th grade at Schwarting Elementary. She has experience teaching kindergarten, 1st grade, and 3rd grade. Mrs. Newman is a strong advocate of Growth Mindset learning, encouraging her students to embrace the power of “yet”. Outside of the classroom Mrs. Newman is an active participant in several Mindfulness Groups and loves to bring the practice of Mindfulness into the classroom. Her teaching philosophy has been to create an environment where her students are encouraged to reach their maximum potential in a safe and encouraging environment that promotes learning through hands-on, real-life experiences. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to connecting with other STEM educators who share a passion for education, students, and making learning fun and meaningful.
Carol Nicosia earned her BS in Biology from Fairfield University and soon after attended Stony Brook University to complete her Masters of Art in Teaching. While completing her Masters, she began teaching in 2009 in the Biotechnology Teaching Labs, was an adjunct professor of biology for ten semesters at Stony Brook, and completed five leave replacements throughout Suffolk County. She is a dually certified Biology and Chemistry teacher in the Carle Place School District where she teaches Advanced Placement Biology, Honors Chemistry, and Science Research. She has proposed, written, and taught two elective courses: Infectious Diseases and Genetics & Biotechnology. She is currently finishing her Educational Leadership degree at Stony Brook University which leads to certification in School District and Building Leadership. Carol is the co-advisor of the environmental action committee and works alongside her colleagues on the technology committee. She is most passionate about modeling in the classroom and making science come alive for her students. She is looking forward to building three dimensional lessons and authentic research opportunities. Carol is an avid runner and belongs to the Selden Hill Warriors running club. She likes to travel with her small family (her two children, Alyssa and Joseph, and her husband John). "Love takes up where knowledge leaves off."- Thomas Aquinas
Anthony Nobre earned his BS in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from SUNY Geneseo and his MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for more than 26 years, Mr. Nobre has taught Advanced Placement Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Regents Chemistry, and various electives at Rocky Point High School and also serves as the Secondary Science Chairperson. He is passionate about making science, Chemistry in particular, accessible and relevant to all students. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Nobre is the junior varsity girls and boys tennis coach, stage manager for the high school musical, and set designer/builder for the high school and middle school musicals. Additionally, he is the Rocky Point Teachers' Association Vice President and serves on several district committees, including the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR), Strategic Planning, and Technology committees. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends and is an avid hand-tool woodworker. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Nobre looks forward to collaborating with fellow passionate STEM educators.
Pamela O'Brien earned her BA in mathematics at SUNY Binghamton and MSEd from Dowling College. In the classroom 26 years, Ms. O'Brien teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics, and Calculus Honors at Ward Melville High School. Ms. O'Brien's goal is to create a classroom environment where students are engaged in meaningful activities, discovering new concepts, and able to see how the mathematics they are learning can be applied to their lives. Over the years, Ms. O'Brien has collaborated with colleagues to create math trails where students solve challenging math problems in the community. She is most proud of her role in helping to grow the AP Statistics Program at her high school. Ms. O'Brien would like to see as many students take statistics during their high school careers because of the data driven world we live in where statistical literacy is becoming more important. For the past two years, her statistics students have completed a portfolio project using data collected from a class trip to Lazerland. Ms. O'Brien has been a reader for College Board's AP Statistics grading which is a week where fellow statistics teachers share their ideas and love of all things mathematical. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, she is looking forward to the opportunities to keep learning and growing, as well as the chance to collaborate with other Master Teachers to create dynamic curriculum.
Stephanie O'Brien earned her BS in Chemistry and Master of Arts in Teaching in Chemistry from Stony Brook University and is pursuing her doctorate in science education. Her professional interests focus on Pre-Service and in-Service teachers' development of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) in Chemistry. In the classroom seven years, Mrs. O'Brien teaches Regents, Honors, and introductory level chemistry courses at Commack High School. A strong advocate for inquiry based learning, she involves her students in collaborative activities that allow for self-directed exploration of the content. She has embraced the "Understanding by Design" teaching philosophy which focuses on the use of essential questions to facilitate student learning and the design of assessments that show true mastery of knowledge. At her school, Mrs. O'Brien serves as the advisor to the Science Honor Society and is the science representative on the Secondary Education Literacy Committee. She is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and Science Teachers Association of NYS. Mrs. O'Brien mentored students in the local National Chemistry Olympiad Competition (sponsored by the American Chemical Society) and served as a judge for the NYS Science and Engineering Fair.
Nannette O'Grady earned her BA in Mathematics at St. John's University, MSEd in Mathematics Education at Queens College, and MS in Educational Technologies at Long Island University. A classroom teacher for 30 years, Mrs. O'Grady currently teaches Algebra 1 and AP Calculus BC at Half Hollow Hills H.S. West, but has taught every grade from 6th to 12th in her career. Mrs. O'Grady is an active member of the school community as the Business Manager for the school theater program, advisor to the Thespian Honor Society, and assistant advisor for the Senior Class. These activities allow Mrs. O'Grady to interact with students involved in the arts and in social activities outside the classroom. She finds inspiration with a look at a sign hanging in her classroom, a gift from a past student, “Teachers who love teaching teach children to love learning”. Mrs. O'Grady is an active member of her church, involved in the local Boy Scout troop where all 3 of her sons are Eagle Scouts, and is an avid hiker with a lifetime goal to visit every National Park. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to interacting with other dedicated professionals to enrich her knowledge in all STEM fields and in turn create an increasingly rewarding experience for every student in her classroom.
Jacqueline O'Neill earned her B.S in Biology from Molloy College and MA in Elementary Education from Adelphi University. In her 33 years teaching Science in private schools, the United Nations International School, and Jericho Public Schools (1996-present), Jacqueline has taught Biology (Regents, Honors), Chemistry (Regents, Honors), Microbiology, Genetics, and Computer Science. She currently works as an Elementary (K-5) Science Specialist teacher at Robert E. Seaman Elementary School where she actively engages the students in Science, Engineering, and Robotics. Jacqueline advocates a hands-on, minds-on, and HEARTS-IN approach to build on the children's natural enthusiasm. Design challenges, inquiry based science experiments and robotics challenges are inspired by the students' interests, movies, Maker Faires, nature, inventors' stories, and songs. Jacqueline organizes school-wide Global Cardboard Challenge events, coordinates STEM and STEAM themed Curriculum Fairs, and designs creative challenges for each grade level during Robotics Week and the Week of Code. In addition, she participates in the district's Parent University and Elementary STEAM Day to share her passion for STEM and robotics. Jacqueline was honored to be selected as a New York Hall of Science Design Teacher Fellow (2014) and the recipient of the Dr. Anton Banko Award for Excellence in Elementary Science Teaching by the Science Teachers' Association of New York State (2015). She looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers on Long Island and across the state to deepen her content knowledge and enhance her pedagogical practices.
Amy Olander earned a BA in Environmental Science from Binghamton University, a graduate certificate in teaching from California State University, and MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. She currently teaches 6th grade general science and English/Language Arts at Accompsett Middle school, in Smithtown. She has been trained in Smithtown's Social Emotional Learning program and participated in the English as a New Language training. She uses what she has learned from these programs to create a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe to challenge themselves. Two years ago, Amy was accepted into the Eco Classroom Program sponsored by Conservation International and spent two weeks at a field camp in Costa Rica. Currently, Amy is advisor for the Science Club and previously coached Science Olympiad. She looks forward to getting more involved in Science Teachers Association of NYS, of which she is a member. Amy strives to have students connect science to the world around them, especially as it pertains to the environment. She loves to garden, bike ride, and do anything that brings her outdoors. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to working with colleagues to explore new ways to help middle school students think critically and love learning.
Cody Onufrock earned his BA in Environmental Science from Binghamton University and MS in Earth Science Education from Long Island University. In the classroom 14 years, Mr. Onufrock teaches International Baccalaureate Environmental Science and Science Research at Long Beach High School. Engaging students in a hands-on study of real world issues is at the core of his teaching practice, and Mr. Onufrock enjoys motivating to learn by helping them see connections between the STEM topics from their class and their lives. For example, his classes examine and implement ways to reduce the environmental impact of students and the school on the local environment. His professional interests include the structure and functioning of ecosystems, and the interactions of humans and natural systems, and his recent projects focus on working with a civic organization to study relevant environmental issues with young residents in the community. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Onufrock serves as advisor to the "Adventuralists Club" and coordinator of the high school garden. He is a member of the National Science Teachers Association. Mr. Onufrock's favorite quote is from Albert Einstein, "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
Mary Pace earned her BS and MS in Environmental Science and Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, and Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology from Stony Brook University. In the classroom six years, Mrs. Pace runs the science research program and teaches Living Environment at The Wheatley School. She is a strong supporter of interdisciplinary learning and advocate for providing high-quality education to all students. She supports her students' individual learning styles in order to enhance engagement and mastery of content. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Pace is a district turnkey trainer for the Common Core Learning Standards and is on the board of trustees for the NYS Science and Engineering Fair, a state-wide science project competition for 6th-12th grades. Mrs. Pace is inspired by the words of African-American twentieth century author, Zora Neale Hurston: "Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose." Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, she is a member of the Research Teacher Professional Learning Team, which is dedicated to a review of research program initiatives within various schools.
Martin Palermo earned a BS in biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from SUNY Stony Brook and is currently pursuing a PhD in Science Education at Curtin University's Center for Science and Mathematics Education. Mr. Palermo has previously worked as an adjunct instructor at Stony Brook University teaching neurobiology laboratory focusing on physiology and neuromuscular function. In the classroom for eight years, Mr. Palermo currently teaches Regents and Honors level Chemistry at William Floyd High School. A strong advocate for flipped learning and peer instruction, he incorporates multiple technologies to engage students and assess understanding. In 2013 he was awarded Suffolk ASSET's Bright Light Award for Technology Integration in the classroom. Mr. Palermo is on the STEM advisory Committee at his school, which developed the first STEM academy at William Floyd High School and is a mentor for new teachers in his district. He looks forward to collaborating with NYS Master Teachers from all STEM disciplines to develop interdisciplinary lessons for k-12 teachers.
Wendy Parente has been teaching within the Sachem Central School District on Long Island since 2000. Ms. Parente earned her BA in Mathematics Education from LIU Brookville and her MS in School Counseling from LIU Brentwood. She teaches Common Core Algebra 2 at Sachem North High School where she also served as the Mathematics Department Chairperson from 2014-2018. In the classroom Ms. Parente cultivates student engagement through inquiry-based instruction and differentiated classroom activities with a focus on mindfulness and project-based learning. Ms. Parente has also worked with the NYS Department of Education's Board of Regents as a consultant in reviewing field testing questions and developing scoring criteria for Regents Exams. As the JV Girls Volleyball coach, Ms. Parente shares her experience and passion for the sport with her student athletes improving their communication and teamwork on the court. Since 2003, Ms. Parente has served on the board of directors of Sachem Community Youth Services providing a variety of programs and counseling for at-risk youth within the community. Wendy enjoys practicing yoga, coaching youth sports, and spending summers at her family beach house on Fire Island. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Parente is looking forward to collaborating with other dedicated educators to enhance her classroom environment and address the post-pandemic needs of her students.
Grace Parisi received her B.S. in Quantitative Analysis from St. John's University and M.S. in Mathematics Education from Hofstra University. Mrs. Parisi teaches sixth and seventh grade Mathematics at Long Beach Middle School and has served on numerous school-level and district-level committees. She is a member of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports committee for her school and is also the Parent Teacher Association teacher liaison. She was the advisor of the Math Club for three years. In addition to actively engaging in the mentor/mentee program, Mrs. Parisi works closely with the ELL (English Language Learners) student population as an afterschool advisor for the ELL program. Grace serves as the current treasurer for the Nassau County Math Teachers Association and has active memberships in the Association of Math Teachers of New York State and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Parisi looks forward to further collaboration with peers from other districts and to bringing a Middle School perspective to her cohort.
Christina Pawlowski earned her BA in Mathematics and Secondary Education and a MS in Mathematics from Hofstra University. In the classroom for eight years, she teaches International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematics Standard Level and IB Mathematics Higher Level/Advanced Placement Calculus BC at Commack High School. A strong advocate for teaching through modeling and "think aloud" questioning, Ms. Pawlowski integrates technology, group work and various problem solving strategies to engage her students in a variety of hands-on, inquiry-based lessons. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Pawlowski is a member of the Secondary Level Literacy Committee and the "Understanding by Design" Instructional Committee at Commack High School.She is a member of the Suffolk County Math Teachers Association and recently presented workshops at the Long Island Language Arts Council Spring Conference and at the Annual Middle Level Conference sponsored by the NYS Middle School Association. Ms. Pawlowski was nominated for Teacher of the Year for her contributions to Commack High School.
Jordan Pekor earned his B.A. in Physics from Hofstra University and M.S. in Science Education from CUNY Queens College. Mr. Pekor teaches AP Physics 1 and Aeronautics at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School and has taught Advanced Placement (AP) Physics C, AP Physics B, Regents Physics, and Science Research. In addition to teaching science, Mr. Pekor coaches the Boys Varsity Cross Country, Winter Track, and Spring Track teams at JFK High School and is the head building representative for the Plainview Congress of Teachers. Outside of school, Jordan enjoys running and spending as much time as possible boating on the south shore of Long Island. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Pekor looks forward to learning more science and teaching techniques with his fellow Master Teachers.
Krista Peterson earned a BS in Biology and MA in Science Education (Biology) from Stony Brook University, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in STEM Education from the New York Institute of Technology. Prior to teaching high school, Mrs. Peterson was an adjunct instructor at Stony Brook University, teaching two inquiry based Biology lab courses. She also taught in the Biology Teaching Labs, and helped to develop the protocol for the Advanced Placement (AP) lab activity "Restriction Enzyme Analysis-Varying Enzyme Conditions". Mrs. Peterson has been in the classroom for nine years, and is currently teaching AP Biology and Accelerated Chemistry at Bayport-Blue Point High School. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Peterson is the advisor for the Class of 2021 and Students Against Destructive Decisions, where she helped bring the Red Watch Band, an alcohol awareness and emergency response training, to the Bayport-Blue Point Community. She is also a member of many committees within her school, and looks forward to working with the Social Emotional Learning committee this year. Outside of Bayport-Blue Point, Mrs. Peterson has volunteered at John Glenn HS's "Full STEAM Ahead Nights" and seeks to bring a similar event to her school in the future. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Peterson is looking forward to working with both current and preservice teachers, particularly elementary teachers to help bridge the gap between elementary and secondary science education.
Elena Phillips earned her BA in Psychology and Special Education from Marist College and her MA from Hofstra University in Math, Science, Technology. She achieved her National Board Certification, which has instilled in her a strong, reflective practice. Since the beginning of her career at Plainedge School District20+ years ago, Mrs. Phillips has taught a variety of grade levels, as well as Academic Intervention Services (AIS) and Enrichment. She currently teaches 4th grade at Schwarting Elementary School. These experiences have helped to mold her philosophy of teaching, which is student-centered and focused around inquiry and exploration to motivate curiosity and perseverance in her students. Mrs. Phillips served on the Building Leadership Team for over 15 years, facilitated the Beautiful Me program, served on curriculum committees, was a member of the Plainedge Teacher Center, and took part in many other district-wide initiatives. Outside of school, Mrs. Phillips enjoys spending time with her family, running, serving on the local swim team board, and teaching religion classes. As a NYS Master teacher, Mrs. Phillips looks forward to not only learning from and collaborating with her peers but also sharing her passion for creating an engaging STEM environment for all students.
Elizabeth Philp earned her BA in Mathematics from SUNY Geneseo and MS in Mathematics Education from Binghamton University. In the classroom nine years, Mrs. Philp teaches Algebra, Geometry, Functions and Statistics, and Computer Science in Smithtown High School East. An advocate for student-centered learning, she has incorporated group discussions, technology, experiments and alternative assessments into her teaching practice. At Binghamton University, Mrs. Philp was a graduate assistant for the Teacher Leadership Quality Project and led workshops for teachers learning how to incorporate interactive geometry software into the classroom. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has served as class advisor, prom chaperone, and has participated in various school events such as Homecoming and community service projects. A passionate and knowledgeable supporter of the Common Core Learning Standards, Mrs. Philp has been part of the team to implement the Algebra and Geometry modules into her school's curriculum, and has facilitated presentations at Smithtown School District's "Parent University" and local Board of Education meetings. She is a member of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Philp participates in a Professional Learning Team that will present at the Long Island Mathematics Conference.
Donna Plante earned her BS in Business Administration from SUNY Geneseo, BA in Earth Science from SUNY Fredonia, and Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science from Stony Brook University. Following her undergraduate education, Mrs. Plante spent several years working as a Field Hydrologist on Long Island. While she enjoyed the experience, she knew her passion was teaching and eagerly completed her Masters degree to fulfill that dream. In the classroom for ten years, Mrs. Plante teaches Regents Earth Science, Inclusion Regents Earth Science, as well as an Earth Science Support class at Great Neck North Middle School. She has been the co-advisor for her school's Science Olympiad team for the past eight years, and has been newly appointed as co-advisor for the Environmental Club. Outside of school, Mrs. Plante enjoys helping the local community by participating in clean-up activities with the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group. She is a strong proponent of getting students involved in their local communities. As a STEM teacher, Mrs. Plante's passion is providing opportunities for students to connect to the curriculum in their everyday lives and to encourage the same passion for Earth Science that she has. In her free time, Mrs. Plante enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, including her husband and 3 and 4 year old daughters. They enjoy going to the beach, camping, and fishing. Mrs. Plante is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers to continue to become the best teacher she can be for her students.
Michael Polochak earned his BS in Natural Science and Mathematics from Dowling College and MA in Liberal Studies from Stonybrook University. Mr. Polochak also studied abroad in Tonga and Fiji to conduct coral reef studies with Long Island University, Southampton. In his 25th year of teaching, Mr. Polochak has taken on the role of “outdoor educator”. His AP Biology and Forensic Science classes can often be found outdoors on the Lindenhurst High School campus. He continues his passion for outdoor education as an advisor for the Science Club and Environmental Club where students create and manage a large native garden and participate in citizen science programs. More recently, Mr. Polochak has joined Western Suffolk BOCES as an outdoor educator for their Summer Marine Science Program. Whether teaching his Lindenhurst students or campers, Mr. Polochak shares his love for Long Island's diverse ecosystems by teaching students how to seine, orienteer, and identify native plant and animal species. Outside of school, Mr. Polochak loves hiking and kayak fishing in the Long Island Sound.
Derek Pope earned his BS in Mathematics from Seton Hall University and Master of Arts in Teaching in Mathematics from Stony Brook University and was awarded National Board Certification in Math. In the classroom 10 years, Mr. Pope teaches Integrated Algebra and International Baccalaureate Precalculus at Commack High School. A strong advocate for inquiry-based learning, Mr. Pope involves his students in engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions. His professional interests include effective questioning techniques, technology integration to promote discovery learning, and "Lesson Study," a professional development practice championed by Japanese educators. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Pope participated in the Climate Change Mini-Course and is a member of three Professional Learning Teams (PLT): Mathematical Radian Measure PLT, Homework Policies PLT and the PLT Facilitator Training. Mr. Pope is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Suffolk County Math Teachers Association, and is a Senior Fellow of the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation. He was awarded the Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award, an award presented annually to 250 educators nationally, in conjunction with the Coca-Cola Scholars Program in recognition for work done to support students in the pursuit of their goals for higher education.
Danielle Reed earned her MSEd from Long Island University and her Med in Educational Administration from Stony Brook University. As an elementary teacher since 2003, she has worked with students from first to fifth grade at Signal Hill Elementary School. She works to inspire her current fourth grade students to “be a voice, not an echo,” encouraging them to persevere through challenges by taking risks and making mistakes. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Reed is a Canvas and Google certified teacher, helping colleagues and students engage with technology in creative ways. Her inspiration for teaching came from helping beginners learn to groom and ride horses. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Reed loves spending time with her family, riding horses, and traveling. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Reed is looking forward to learning new and exciting ways to approach science and math in the classroom.
Christopher Regini earned his B.A. in Physics from the University of Connecticut and his M.A. from Stony Brook University. He has spent 14 years in the Half Hollow Hills school district. As a Raspberry Pi certified educator, he incorporates physical computing, robotics, and 3D printing into his middle school science classes. Mr. Regini's goal is to thread design thinking into the curriculum; he takes a learning-by-making approach that allows his students to creatively express their knowledge of content while establishing a digital portfolio. Their flagship project is a fully automated vertical hydroponic farm and soil-based CNC Farmbot that double as a community garden. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Regini advises the Code Club which explores the integration of various sensors and IoT projects into these systems. Their research has been facilitated by partnerships with Princeton University, NASA, and Island Harvest, and he has showcased his students' work at Suffolk ASSET, Long Island Maker Faire, and Night of Code. Mr. Regini broadens the lens through which his young learners view the world by linking his program with nearly a dozen schools on four continents. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to participating in the Engaging Students Beyond the Classroom PLT as well as designing mini-courses to help others bring electronics, coding, and hydroponics to their science labs.
Steven Roach earned his BA in Biological Sciences from the University at Buffalo and MSEd in Biology Education 7-12 at Buffalo State College. For his master's project, he wrote a cell biology lab manual with a focus on inquiry-based exercises. Mr. Roach has taught science at Bayport-Blue Point High School for 14 years, teaching Living Environment, Marine Biology, and Current Issues in Science. He currently teaches Advanced Placement Biology and Science Research. With an emphasis on discovery learning, his focus is on making science visual and tangible in his classroom. It is his hope that students will view science as a process, rather than information in a textbook. He is inspired by the words from American Physicist, Frederick Seitz: "A good scientist is a person in whom the childhood quality of perennial curiosity lingers on." In addition to teaching, Mr. Roach is co-advisor for the Interact Service Club, co-advisor for Science Olympiad and is a mentor for first-year teachers. As a NYS Master Teacher he has enjoyed the opportunity to work with other Master Teachers in the Inquiry Professional Learning Team (PLT) and the High School Research PLT, and looks forward to the "Evolution and Health" mini-course.
Danielle Rodrigues earned her B.S. in Public Relations from Syracuse University from the Newhouse School. Pursuing her love for science, she worked in the pharmaceutical division of Porter Novelli for the Pfizer and Amgen teams on the release of new pharmaceutical technology. Then she decided to pursue her Masters in Biology Education from CW Post Long Island University. Ms. Rodrigues grew up in a bilingual home, speaking Portuguese with her family. Using this lifelong skill, she furthered her education following her graduation by pursuing her Bilingual extension, in Spanish, and her ENL extension. Ms. Rodrigues teaches the Bilingual/ENL Regents Living Environment course, sections of Bilingual Science Investigations, and ENL Science Investigations, a course for which she created the curriculum, at Walt Whitman High School. Ms. Rodrigues is currently a co-advisor for The Latino Heritage Club and a mentor and member of the Positive Partnership Program (PPP), part of the Natural Helpers program. She also teaches a staff and educator development course for skills and knowledge of the ELL (English Language Learner) student in her district. In her free time, Danielle is a member of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. She is very excited to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher Program to gain new and exciting professional experiences, expand her knowledge base, improve her craft, and learn and share with all of her colleagues in the program.
Jaime F. Rogers Jr. earned his BS in Respiratory Care and post-graduate certificate in School Building/District Administration from Stony Brook University, and MS in Secondary Education from Dowling College. Mr. Rogers holds certifications in EMT-Critical Care, Registered Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonary Function, Neonatal Respiratory Specialty, and has earned his Professional Association Diving Instructors (PADI) Dive Master. Prior to teaching, he worked as a Respiratory Therapist. In the classroom for over 13 years, Mr. Rogers teaches Honors Physics, Robotics (offered for college credit through SUNY Farmingdale), CPR and First Aid at Walt Whitman High School. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Rogers started the Amateur Radio and FIRST/ VEX Robotics Clubs, and has raised over $140,000 for Childhood Cancer Research. In 2014, he was named the South Huntington Union Free School District "Teacher of the Year." Outside of school, he serves as an Ex-Captain in the Terryville Fire Department, volunteering as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for Critical Care. Mr. Rogers loves the outdoors—running obstacle races, and riding his motorcycle. Yet his greatest achievement is becoming a father of Dorothy and James. Mr. Rogers is looking forward to building camaraderie and sustaining the professional network established by the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Anthony Rohm graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in biology and a Masters of Art in Teaching Biology from Stony Brook University. As a certified "Let Me Learn" Education Specialist™, Mr. Rohm integrates a unique set of learning tools into his classroom instruction based on the learning patterns of his students. He is an advocate for hands-on learning that is student-centered and science inquiry-based. Mr. Rohm has been teaching for 12 years, including forensic science, anatomy, and physiology at Shoreham-Wading River High School as well as life science and physical science at Albert G. Prodell Middle School. He was selected for a panel of Expert Cooperating Teachers for Stony Brook University's Education Department and has supervised more than ten student teachers. Mr. Rohm is looking forward to working with the Long Island region's summer 2015 professional development conference Real World Math and Science Professional Development for Master Teachers. Aside from his experience in education, he has presented a seminar entitled Effective Leadership Skills to management professionals at KPMG. Mr. Rohm teaches with the spirit of Steven Covey's quote in mind:"People do not care about how much you know, until they know how much you care."
Annmarie Roth earned her BS in Biology from Villanova University and her MS in Elementary Education from Long Island University-C.W. Post. Mrs. Roth has been teaching elementary science at West End Elementary in the Lynbrook School District for 21 years. She currently teaches second through fifth grade science and involves her students in inquiry-based projects and STEM challenges. Mrs. Roth was the recipient of the 2017 Science Teachers Association of New York State Anton Banko Award for Excellence in Teaching Elementary Science. She is the chairperson of West End's Science Fair Committee, chairperson of Family STEAM Night, a committee member for the district's Women in STEAM event, and a building union representative for the Lynbrook Teachers Association. Mrs. Roth is a member of Molloy College's Team STEAM committee and collaborates with their faculty and students to plan STEAM events. Mrs. Roth loves sharing her love of science with her young students. Her goal is to provide her students with a strong foundation in science that will last a lifetime. Mrs. Roth is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers, mentoring pre-service teachers, and implementing innovative STEM practices to inspire her students to become future STEM leaders.
Megan Roth-Ueno earned her BA in East Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and her MA in Childhood Education from New York University. She taught TESOL and worked in Japan prior to becoming a classroom teacher in New York in 1995. Ms. Roth-Ueno currently teaches sixth grade math and science at Port Jefferson Middle School. She participated in Alan Alda's Flame Challenge annually with her fifth grade students, a program designed to improve communication in the field of science, and has incorporated some of Jo Boaler's teaching suggestions, such as number talk, into her math curriculum. Ms. Roth-Ueno has been a member of her district's Curriculum Development Council and Technology Committee, and has taught Google workshops for her district. Outside the classroom Ms. Roth-Ueno co-founded the Suffolk County Elementary Mathematics Tournament in 2008 and became a Google for Education Certified Trainer in 2017. She also co-founded and ran a Japanese language school for children interested in Japanese language acquisition from 1999 to 2003. The language school moved to Stony Brook University in 2003 and became the Pre-College Japanese Language Program. Ms. Roth-Ueno is looking forward to collaborating with Master Teachers and using technology to better communicate ideas and student understanding in all STEM areas.
Kristen Rozell earned her BA in Mathematical Sciences, cum laude, from Binghamton University and worked as a pension consultant for three years before completing her MS in Teaching from Pace University. Ms. Rozell teaches at her alma mater, Northport High School, where she credits her former mathematics teachers with inspiring her to study mathematics in college. In her 18- year teaching career, she has directed a dozen high school plays and musicals and has taught every level of grades 7-12 mathematics. She currently teaches Advanced Placement Calculus BC, International Baccalaureate Mathematics SL, and Algebra I. Ms. Rozell is a member of the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS, and the Suffolk County Mathematics Teachers Association. Ms. Rozell is excited to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher Program where she can share her passion for using hands-on, inquiry-based, and discovery learning techniques. She looks forward to collaborating with other teachers in the program to deepen her content knowledge and learn new pedagogical strategies that will improve student learning.
Arlene Salazar earned her BA in Mathematics, Foreign Language and Education from Portland State University, and MS in Educational Technology from Long Island University. She has been teaching since 1998. Her career started In Portland Oregon, continued in New Orleans, LA and she is now teaching 7th and 8th grade mathematics at Plainedge Middle School on Long Island. During her career she has taught Spanish, Algebra, Geometry and Calculus, many of them in an inclusion setting. Mrs. Salazar serves as a team leader and is part of various committees to implement district initiatives. She is also the advisor to the Mathletes club. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Nassau county Math Teachers Association. Mrs. Salazar has been involved with various soccer and swimming clubs in Nassau County as a coach and an official, some of which include Lynbrook/East Rockaway soccer club and Long Beach Aquatics. She is an avid gardener, a love she acquired in her home country Bolivia. She goes back yearly to participate in forestation efforts with her family’s company “Tunturi”. Mrs. Salazar is looking forward to learning and collaborating with other NY Master Teachers. She is eager to bring new and exciting STEM lessons to inspire and engage her students.
Christine Sanfratello attended C.W. Post Long Island University where she earned her BS in Biology Education and MS in Biology, both with Cum Laude distinctions. Mrs. Sanfratello has 20 years of experience, teaching Living Environment, Science Research, and Chemistry at Lindenhurst Senior High School. Inspired by her own undergraduate research, she has dedicated much of her career to developing and designing the science research program. As a mentor to young researchers, she takes great pride in guiding her students to explore the world around them in a way they have never experienced before. Mrs. Sanfratello advises the Science C.A.R.E.S. club which is dedicated to supporting student awareness and advances in medical research. In addition, she also advises the Science Research club which challenges students to participate in various STEM-based competitions. Mrs. Sanfratello is an instructor for the OWL center in which she designs and instructs professional development courses offered to fellow teachers. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling with her husband. Whether road-tripping to Buffalo for a Bills game or jet-setting to Mexico for a beach getaway, she loves experiencing local culture and cuisine wherever she is. As a NYS Master Teacher and forever student herself, Mrs. Sanfratello hopes to soak up as much knowledge as possible while collaborating with like-minded professionals. She plans to become an active member of both the Science Research and Biology professional learning teams.
James Scannell earned his B.A. in Biology, with a minor in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Pennsylvania State University, M.A. in Education from Molloy College. He achieved certification in both Living Environment and Special Education, all while maintaining a Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society membership. Currently, Mr. Scannell works for Oceanside School District in Nassau County, where he teaches specifically at their Alternative High School, Castleton Academy. He has taught a variety of science courses in the classroom for 8 years, including Living Environment, Earth Science, Forensics, Marine Science, Horticulture, and Science Research. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Scannell serves as the boy's JV Volleyball Coach, co-advises the Castleton Student Council, and the Coordinator for the district's Arboretum. Mr. Scannell gained a great deal of inspiration from attending NSTA conferences with his father, who was also a Science teacher, as a child. As a teacher, he strives to uphold the following Jim Henson quote: “[Kids] don't remember what you try and teach them. They remember what you are.” Mr. Scannell looks forward to bringing his knowledge of sustainability to the Master Teacher Program and hopes to learn more about maintaining honey bees within the classroom.
Andrew Schlendorf earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences from Duke University and his M.A. in Secondary Science Education from Teachers College. He is currently in his eighth year at Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District in Long Island, where he currently teaches AP Physics, Regents Physics, Introduction to Engineering and Stony Brook University Engineering. Mr. Schlendorf previously taught at Williamsburg Charter High School in Brooklyn. Before pursuing his masters, he worked as an assistant teacher in Montessori Elementary schools in Oakland, California and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Schlendorf serves as the coach of the First Tech Challenge Robotics and mentors new teachers. As a teacher leader within the science department, he has created initiatives to try to eradicate single-use plastic water bottles in the high school and educate all students in the district about the 2017 solar eclipse. Mr. Schlendorf is very excited to enter the NYS Master Teacher Program and to collaborate with other engineering teachers and to work with forward-thinking teachers as they develop curriculum and programs that can help to battle climate change in New York.
Meghan Schmiedecke earned both her BS in Biology and MS in Secondary Education from Quinnipiac University. Throughout her years tutoring and volunteering for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Ms. Schmiedecke developed a love of teaching. She started teaching at William T. Rogers Middle School in 2006 and currently teaches 7th grade Life Science, 8th grade Physical Science, and both 7th and 8th grade STEM courses, where she loves helping kids reach their full potential and is passionate about encouraging her students to take chances in class. As the advisor to the Science Olympiad, Meghan has the ability to foster a love of science in many students throughout the school. She also wrote the STEM 7 and STEM 8 curricula for her school, participates in the Science Expo her school offers every year, and is the assistant coach for girls Varsity track. In her spare time, Meghan puts her physics knowledge to good use on the slopes when snowboarding. She is a member of the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS), and attends conferences to further her professional development. As a NYS Master Teacher, Meghan is most looking forward to acquiring new STEM practices and being involved in a Professional Learning Team.
Marianne Schoepflin earned her MS in Electrical Engineering from Polytechnic University, MA in Mathematics Teaching from Stony Brook University, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Science Education at Stony Brook University. In the classroom 13 years, Mrs. Schoepflin teaches Algebra 2 and Advanced Placement Calculus. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is the advisor for the Smithtown High School East chapter of the National Mathematics Honor Society, math team, and Maker Space Club where she enjoys building STEM projects with her students. She also teaches engineering classes to high school students through the Institute for STEM education at Stony Brook University. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is at the center of her teaching, and she is a strong advocate for this practice. She is currently doing research in SEL in mathematics education. She recently completed and submitted the four components for National Board Certification in mathematics and learned a great deal from the experience. Mrs. Schoepflin enjoys traveling the world, learning about everything, and incorporating her life experiences into her math lessons. She strives to incorporate research-based practices into her classroom, many of which were learned through her four years in the Master Teacher Program.
Peter Schuchman earned his BS in Geological Sciences at the University of Oregon, MS in Hydrogeology, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. Prior to teaching, Mr. Schuchman worked as a Hydrologic and Biologic Technician with the Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service in the national forests of Oregon and as a land surveyor in NYS. In the classroom now for 14 years, Mr. Schuchman teaches Regents Earth Science and Earth SMART, an advanced Earth Science Research course that he developed 10 years ago. Mr. Schuchman has also been involved with his school's award winning Science Olympiad team, served as an advisor for Earth Science club, helped organize the schools Science Fair (Science Awareness Day), and developed a fishing club. An avid fisherman and kayaker, Mr. Schuchman enjoys warmer days at the beach or on the water. Also employed as an educational consultant by the NYS Educational Department, Mr. Schuchman has written, edited, and offered a "final eyes" review of NYS Regents examinations in the Physical Setting/Earth Science. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Schuchman looks forward to participating in the Chemistry and Physics in Earth Science mini-course, and becoming part of this statewide professional learning community.
Michael L. Shanzer earned his BA in Communications from SUNY Oswego, BS in Physical Therapy from SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, MSEd in Secondary Education from Dowling College, and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College. In the classroom 11 years, Dr. Shanzer teaches Regents and Honors Chemistry, Regents Living Environment, Anatomy and Physiology, and English as a Second Language Earth Science at Bay Shore High School. Dr. Shanzer's vision is to help students realize their dreams early in life through the practice of introspective and critical thinking. Within the Master Teacher Program, Dr. Shanzer is active in two Professional Learning Teams (PLT): Creating Flipped Lessons PLT and Practical Strategies for Flipping Students' Learning PLT. He is also co-founder and co-facilitator of the Long Island Association for Chemistry Teacher Supports, a group composed of chemistry Master Teachers who meet monthly. He is a certified Advanced Reiki practitioner and a licensed practicing physical therapist, providing physical therapy services for 19 years. In his spare time, he enjoys running, exercising and silversmithing.
Thomas Shea earned Bachelor of Science degrees in both Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from SUNY University at Buffalo, a Master of Science in Thermo-Fluid Dynamics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an MBA from CW Post, and a Master of Arts in Education from Hofstra University. Mr. Shea also holds teaching certifications in secondary Mathematics, Technology and Business. Prior to teaching, Mr. Shea worked as a thermal analyst and test engineer for Lockheed Martin, ATK and Northrop Grumman on various military aircraft including classified hypersonic flight vehicles. In his nine years in the classroom, Mr. Shea has taught at both the middle and high school levels and engaged students in all four of the STEM components through the use of VEX robotics in the Technology classroom and independent research and technical studies in advanced Mathematics and Science Research survey courses. Mr. Shea currently teaches Algebra II and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Civil Engineering and Architecture in Commack High School. He has been Advisor for MathCounts and Research Advisor and mentor for regional math and science fairs and competitions. Mr. Shea is very excited about participating in the NYS Master Teacher Program, and looks forward to learning from the experiences and expertise of his cohort as well as the statewide network.
Nora Sheppard earned her BS in Biology Education from SUNY Oneonta and MA in Biology from CUNY City College. In the classroom for 20 years, Mrs. Sheppard teaches science at Merrick Avenue Middle School. She was the coordinator of the Junior High School Natural Science Program at the American Museum of Natural History, and taught science in New York City and in Tanzania, Africa before her work at Merrick Avenue. Mrs. Sheppard is a strong proponent of problem-based learning where students are engaged in solving problems in a practical real world context. Accordingly, her teaching aims to engage students in the creative process of understanding the natural world. With the NYS Master Teacher Program, she has participated in the Safety of Genetically Engineered Food mini-course and is a member of the Middle School Science Professional Learning Team. Mrs. Sheppard is active in various professional communities and regularly teaches workshops in the Real World Science Program for Elementary teachers at Stony Brook University.
Michael Silvering earned his BS in geology at Binghamton University where he researched sedimentology and groundwater remediation, and MS in Earth Science Education at Stony Brook University with studies focused on Long Island glacial features. In the classroom for nine years, Mr. Silvering teaches 8th grade Honors Earth Science, 8th grade General Science, and 7th Grade General Science at Islip Middle School. His fascination in Earth Science was sparked as a child while visiting caves, exploring beaches and state parks, and fossil hunting in upstate NY. Mr. Silvering shares his passion for science with his students, encouraging them to relate each lesson to real-world applications. He has served as mentor to the Islip Middle School Science Olympiad team, which has earned its way into the state competition in recent years. An active member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS, Mr. Silvering collaborates regularly with other science teachers to develop curriculum and activities that promote inquiry and enthusiasm among students. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Silvering looks forward to engaging in professional development to learn new ideas and techniques for teaching science, and sharing those ideas with other dedicated educators from across the state.
Richard Slesinski earned his MS in Physics Education from SUNY New Paltz. In the classroom 26 years, Mr. Slesinski teaches Advanced Placement Physics at Syosset High School. His primary focus is to foster a classroom environment conducive to learning and promoting excellent collaboration between students, parents, and himself. He enjoys engaging his students by creating cooperative learning opportunities which provide them with ownership in the lessons. Mr. Slesinski continues to expand his knowledge through his participation with "Quarknet," a national program sponsored by the National Science Foundation promoting collaboration between PhD physicists and high school physics teachers and students. Mr. Slesinski combined his passion for playing the accordion and his love of physics by working as a full time research assistant at Bard College for four summers focusing on the physics of musical instruments. He is an active member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS and the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Katharine Smerechniak earned her BA in Elementary Education from St. Joseph's College and MS in Special Education from Long Island University. She has been an elementary teacher in Smithtown Central School District for 24 years, as a K-2 classroom teacher, K-1 instructional math coach, and current role of STEM instruction specialist at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School. Teaching science and math has given Mrs. Smerechniak the opportunity to delve deeper into her content knowledge and grow as an educator, which has served her work developing math and science curricula. Outside the classroom, she teaches SCOPE STEM, a STEAM enrichment program to K-3 students. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially on the beach and the Great South Bay. Mrs. Smerechniak is excited when students connect topics they explore in class to their experiences beyond the classroom. Mrs. Smerechniak is thrilled to work with fellow NYS Master Teachers to deepen her understanding of the science content she teaches to provide her students the strongest foundation in STEM and to continue them to be lifelong learners.
Brian Smith earned his BA in Mathematics with a Minor in Secondary Education from Hofstra University and MA in Liberal Studies/ Educational Technology from SUNY Stony Brook. In his 25th year of teaching, Mr. Smith currently teaches 7th grade math and 8th grade Algebra Extension and serves as 7th grade Team Leader at Plainedge Middle School. After school, Mr. Smith is the drama club director and advisor. He has directed and musically directed over 20 musicals there. He teaches performance, set design, lighting, sound and stage management, and serves as Light & Sound Tech Advisor for school events. Mr. Smith has also served as Yearbook Advisor, Advisory Committee, and Marching Band Assistant. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTMA), Nassau County Math Teachers' Association, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Awards include the NYS Liberty Award presented by Sen. Kemp Hannon for organizing a fundraiser to benefit the American Red Cross in the wake of 9/11. In 2012, the NCMTA named him Teacher of the Year. A father of two, he and his wife write music and musicals for families which have been produced at the Long Island Children's Museum, local libraries and music festivals. A performer in his own right, he has appeared in dozens of regional theater productions.
Lisa Smith earned her B.A. in Marine Science from Southampton College and M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education in Biology from Hofstra University. Miss Smith currently teaches Marine Biology and Oceanography and Forensic Chemistry at Uniondale High School. Passionate about marine biology since she was a child, Miss Smith spent her life learning about the ocean and has created a unique curriculum with that passion throughout her 13 years of teaching. In her classroom, she brings science to life through firsthand experiences, her poetry, and photography, and students are inspired to be ocean-minded citizens of the world. Her classroom has an aquatic laboratory with various habitats, fishes, and invertebrates. Miss Smith has participated in the Trout in the Classroom program with the DEC and EPA to raise Brook Trout, allowing her students to appreciate valuable water resources, local ecosystems and foster conservation and stewardship awareness. Outside of school, she loves to travel and explore beaches to gather photos and natural artifacts for her classroom. Miss Smith enjoys taking care of her organic apartment garden and using her creative side for painting, writing and creating art from collected beach glass, shells, and driftwood. As a new Master Teacher, Miss Smith is excited to collaborate and learn with other teachers who share her passion for the ocean.
Nina Smith earned her BA in Elementary Education from Dowling College and MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. Mrs. Smith is certified in Earth Science, Social Studies, English 7-12, and TESOL. She is a 26 year veteran in the Eastport South Manor School District where she strives to impart the love of science and investigative skills to her 6th grade students. She is an advocate of hands-on, immersive learning and creates exciting lab experiences that engage young scientists. Mrs. Smith serves as a New Teacher Mentor, a member of the committee implementing the P-12 Science Standards, and works with colleagues to create an elementary science education that bridges intermediate and secondary sciences. Mrs. Smith was recognized by Science Teachers Association of NYS (STANYS) as the 2014 Elementary Science Teacher of the Year and is a member of STANYS and National Science Teachers Association. Outside of school, Mrs. Smith is a marathoner and triathlete, completing an ironman and 9 marathons, and a volunteer coach for Team in Training, a branch of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She loves spending time with her husband and two college daughters. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is excited to collaborate with fellow teachers and bring that learning back to her students. In the words of Socrates, Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.
Michael Stano earned his MS in Earth Science Education from Long Island University, BS in Biology from Stony Brook and is completing his Master of Professional Studies in Environmental Management from Stony Brook. In the classroom 10 years, he teaches Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Regents Earth Science at Garden City High School. Mr. Stano believes that technology can be a wonderful tool to reach students and lead them toward success and he strives to bring science into his students' lives by showing them real world scenarios through his lesson. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he helped create Garden City Middle School's First Lego League Robotics Teams and had advised the high school's stage crew. Mr. Stano implemented a "flipped" classroom model for his Regents Earth Science curriculum, and presented to his colleagues about his experience at the National Council for Exceptional Children Conference in Philadelphia and at the first annual Long Island Connected Educators Conference. With the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Stano has led a workshop on inquiry based labs.
Jon Steigerwald earned his BA in biology and MA in secondary education from Dowling College, and an Advanced Certificate in school administration from Hofstra University. In the classroom for ten years, Mr. Steigerwald teaches eighth grade general science at Robert Frost Middle School in Deer Park. He is a strong advocate for hands-on science, technology-infused activities, inquiry-based learning, and making science relevant to the students. He involves his students in science fair projects with topics of their choosing and human disease research projects. His professional interests focus on the use of data to drive instruction, cross curriculum projects and his current projects include building a class website, and the development of a modified flipped classroom. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Steigerwald serves as the Science/Environmental Club advisor, a model classroom teacher, and is an active member of Science Teachers Association of NYS and the National Science Teachers Association. With the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Steigerwald has participated in the Geo-Science of Hydraulic Fracturing and the 3-D Printing mini-courses. Mr. Steigerwald is inspired by the words of Albert Einstein, "Imagination is more important than knowledge."
Carisa Steinberg earned her BS in Environmental Science at Cornell University and her MA in Secondary Education in Biology at Teachers College, Columbia University. In the classroom at Syosset High School for 18 years, Ms. Steinberg teaches Advanced Placement Biology, recently co-writing curriculum that incorporates the flipped classroom model and other technology tools. A strong advocate for improving diversity in STEM, she focuses on teaching biology through a multidisciplinary lens to encourage more students to visualize science as an integral component of their lives. Ms. Steinberg serves as a mentor to newly hired biology teachers and co-leader of Syosset's Professional Development Committee, Teachers Actively Collaborating, which encourages educators to share their pedagogical strategies and engage in non-evaluative peer-to-peer observation. She also advises Interact, the Community Service Club, working to create opportunities for her students to give back to others. In the last decade, the Club has raised over $200,000 to fund myriad life-saving cardiac surgeries for children in need. In 2015, Long Island University-Post named Ms. Steinberg Long Island Teacher of the Year. She enthusiastically looks forward to collaborating with other dedicated Master Teachers to foster the next generation of STEM educators.
Ryan Stephens earned his BA in Actuarial Science and MA in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph's University. During his time as an undergraduate student, he traveled to Poland's Jagiellonian University to study the history of mathematics, where the universal language of mathematics was apparent to him. In his sixth year of teaching, Mr. Stephens teaches Geometry, Python Programming a Game Based approach and a college-level Java Programming course at Seaford High School. After school, Mr. Stephens is the club advisor for Mathletes, the Computer Science Club, and the National Honor Society. He believes that taking on a role outside of the classroom in the content area he loves allows him to share his passion with his students beyond the scope of the curriculum. In his spare time, Mr. Stephens loves to dabble in landscape architecture. Finding the beauty between nature, symmetry, and measurement is a relaxing and enjoyable pastime for him. As a Master Teacher, Mr. Stephens is eager to collaborate with other STEM educators across New York State to further pedagogical practices in the classroom and inspire future generations to pursue their own endeavors in STEM.
Brian Strack earned his BA in Mathematics Secondary Education from St. Joseph's College and MA in Liberal Arts from Stony Brook University. In the classroom 13 years, Mr. Strack teaches Introductory and Advanced Placement Computer Science at Half Hollow Hills High School East. Mr. Strack engages his students through collaborative problem based learning, providing meaningful activities which allow students to actively think about what they are doing. His professional interests focus on the integration of technology in the classroom, developing a growth mindset in students, and expanding participation in higher-level STEM courses to all student populations. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Strack is a member of the Suffolk County Mathematics Teachers Association, Long Island Computer Science Teachers Association, as well as the Head Coach of the Varsity Girls Cross Country and Track & Field programs at Half Hollow Hills East. Mr. Strack looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded STEM teachers throughout New York State in order to enhance the STEM experience for all students in the Half Hollow Hills community.
Jeanne Suttie earned her BS in Environmental and Forest Biology with a minor in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology and Management from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, MS in Educational Technology from C.W. Post, and Master of Arts in Teaching in Earth Science from SUNY Stony Brook. Prior to teaching she was an Environmental Interpreter for New York State Parks – Long Island Region. In the classroom for 15 years, Ms. Suttie currently teaches Regents Living Environment, and a STEM elective class at Commack Middle School. She has created interdisciplinary projects each year to engage students school-wide in environmental conservation issues. She is currently one of the advisors for the S.T.R.E.A.M. club (formerly Science Research), and as a member of the District Literacy Committee, is a leader in literacy professional development for the department and the building. As Dr. Jane Goodall said, "Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to continuing her growth as a teacher by collaborating with other Master Teachers and participating in professional development opportunities in order to bring best practices to her students.
Anya Swiss earned her B.S. and M.A.T. in Biology, with an additional certification in Earth Science from Stony Brook University. Ms. Swiss currently teaches AP Biology and Regents Earth Science at William Floyd High School. She has also taught Living Environment, Meteorology, Astronomy, Marine Science, AP Environmental Science, and Non-Regents Earth Science throughout her 10-year teaching career. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Swiss advises Stony Brook's Science Technology Entry Program where she runs an after-school club and also teaches Introduction and Advanced Research during summer programs and at Saturday classes. Most recently, Ms. Swiss created and advises the William Floyd Chapter of the New York State Science Honor Society. In addition to extracurricular activities, Ms. Swiss mentors new teachers, students who need support, and was recently selected as an Alumni mentor to current students at Stony Brook University. During her spare time, she enjoys being active, whether it is running the NYC Marathon, kickboxing or taking a hike in a park. As a new Master Teacher, Ms. Swiss is eager to broaden her content and pedagogical knowledge with like-minded peers from all over New York State.
Agnieszka Taciak earned her MSEd from Warsaw University in Poland and her MA from SUNY Stony Brook. In the classroom for 14 years, Ms. Taciak teaches Earth Science and AP Environmental Science at the Centereach High School. Lucky to have been inspired by her own educators, Ms. Taciak aspires to make all learners feel confident, motivated, and comfortable to take ownership of their learning process. She is focusing on the scientific literacy and communication skills of her students. Agnieszka is passionate about encouraging her students to pursue careers in geoscience, hydrology, and meteorology by organizing trips and bringing speakers from respective fields to enhance the instruction. In her district, Agnieszka is involved in curriculum writing and Next Generation Science Standards alignment, and is a member of the Building Safety Committee. She serves as a professional development provider for the Polish Supplementary Schools of America, Inc., which provides (Language Other Than English) LOTE instruction to native English speakers. Agnieszka is an avid rock collector with an unquenchable desire to travel with her family to atypical vacation spots like Iceland and Chernobyl. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Taciak is excited to collaborate with her colleagues to learn from their experiences on addressing the ways technology influences new generations of students.
Robyn Tornabene earned her BA in Biology from Hofstra University, MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University, and PhD in Science Education at Stony Brook University. In the classroom for 17 years, she teaches International Baccalaureate Biology, Living Environment, and various electives at Long Beach High School. Dr. Tornabene strives to ensure culturally relevant instruction while employing a mixture of constructivist, multisensory, and metacognitive approaches to help students make meaningful connections to course material and grow personally and academically. She believes students should not only engage in doing science, but understand the broader role of science in society. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Tornabene has led district professional development workshops on educational technology and science instruction, and served as a Class Advisor, New Teacher Mentor, Saturday Enrichment Instructor, and District Curriculum Committee member. Active in professional associations, Dr. Tornabene has presented her doctoral research on assessment in genetics at international meetings of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching and presented a poster about the history of biology education at the regional Association for Science Teacher Education meeting. Dr. Tornabene's work on genetics and evolution assessment has also been published in peer-reviewed science education journals. As a NYS Master Teacher, Dr. Tornabene is a member of several professional learning teams and is excited to start the new Empowering Opportunity PLT.
Kevin Tranchina earned a BS in Biochemistry from Siena College and MS in Adolescent Biology Education from Molloy College. Before teaching, he spent 4 years as a lab manager at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. He began teaching in 2014, and has taught Chemistry, Living Environment, and Physical Science at Lynbrook Senior High School since 2015. Mr. Tranchina is the current moderator of the school’s Science Olympiad team and Future Doctors Association, having previously filled the same role with the Marine Club. Additionally, he has enjoyed building years-long relationships with students as advisor to the classes of 2020 and 2026. He was honored with the Lynbrook High School Excellence in Teaching Award in 2022. His involvement in the Lynbrook community extends to membership on the school’s Health and Safety Committee and the district-wide Assessment/Weighting/Grading Commission, along with multiple terms as a building representative for the Lynbrook Teachers Association. Mr. Tranchina is a member of the American Chemical Society and American Association of Chemistry Teachers, and was appointed in 2022 as the Nassau section Chemistry representative for the Science Teachers Association of New York State. He balances his work life by finding time for reading, drawing, giving too much attention to fantasy sports, and watching his nieces’ and nephews’ many activities. As a member of the Master Teacher program, he is eager to learn from a network of passionate colleagues at the leading front of science education.
Mitchel Troise Sr. earned his B.S. in Mathematics and Physics, M.A. in Mathematics, and M.S. in Secondary Education from the University at Albany. Mr. Troise holds New York teaching certifications in Secondary Mathematics and Physics and is a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) certified teacher in Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) and Principles of Engineering (POE). During his nine years in the classroom, Mr. Troise has taught all levels of Mathematics and presently teaches Regents Physics, PLTW IED and PLTW POE at Half Hollow Hills High School West. Mr. Troise engages students through collaborative problem-based learning using hands-on scaffolding activities that lead students to a level of metacognition in the STEM disciplines. He lives by the motto of Shifu, “If you only do what you can, you'll never be more then you are now,” encouraging his students to step out of their comfort zone so that they can better themselves as learners and individuals. Mr. Troise serves as a member of the NYS Mathematics, Science, Technology and Supervision and Curriculum Development Associations along with their National affiliates, advises the FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics teams, coaches Girls Varsity Cross Country Coach, and District Pole Vault. Mr. Troise is excited to begin collaborating with teachers across the state and looks forward to helping STEM become more accessible to all.
Preston Tucci earned his BS in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Cornell University and MA in Liberal Studies with a specialization in Mathematics Education from Stony Brook University. Inspired by the findings of the Trends in Math and Science Studies early in his career, he participated in the Mathematics Instructional Practices in Science program at Hofstra University, one of NYS's first collaborative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cross curriculum training programs. Mr. Tucci has been a proud member of Middle Country Schools, teaching and coaching at Selden Middle School for over 20 years. A passionate member of his district's 8th grade Algebra for All program, he connects Mathematics to real world investigations and individual student interests. Mr Tucci also enjoys incorporating instructional opportunities that blend STEM content with his interests as a former restaurateur and triathlete. Incredibly grateful for the STEM interventions throughout his career, he's most proud that shifts in his mathematics instruction seem to have helped students answer for themselves the question “when will we ever use this?” Mr. Tucci looks forward to continuing to expand STEM curriculum opportunities and networking relationships through the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Jessica Ullrich earned her B.S. in Biology from Bucknell University and M.A.T. from Stony Brook University. Mrs. Ullrich currently teaching Biology and AP Biology at Brentwood High School. Before finishing her graduate work, she worked with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in the Midwest. It was through this program that she began her commitment to work for social justice and equity in education. While working at Brentwood, Mrs. Ullrich seeks to expose students to hands-on inquiry-based investigations to foster thought and purposeful learning. She is always looking for ways to engage students and spark their interest. Mrs. Ullrich comes to the Master Teacher Program with a willingness to perfect her craft and to ensure that her students at Brentwood High School are challenged daily. She looks forward to inter-disciplinary collaboration to incorporate engineering practices into her Biology curriculum.
Michael Vaccariello earned his B.S. in Biology, Genetics Concentration, from Cornell University, M.S. in Secondary Science Education from Hofstra University, and Ph.D. in Cancer Studies from Stony Brook University. Prior to teaching, he performed research on Human Papilloma Virus. Dr. Vaccariello coordinates and teaches Science Research at Sachem High School East. The "Science Research Program" is a high-level elective, grades 9 through 12, for authentic, independent, student-mediated research. Unlike conventional science education, "failed experiments" provide learning opportunities, and surprising findings propagate unpredictable directions. His philosophy has been to allow students to foster their own interests and curiosities, and he makes every effort to not limit creativity and passion for science. Michael is a devoted organic gardener and he takes students on Amazon Rainforest expeditions. He has earned numerous awards, including the Department of Energy's "Academies Creating Teacher Scientists" and two Synchrotron-based projects at Brookhaven National Laboratories. He is motivated by the words of visionary artist Alex Grey: "If we cannot envision a better world, we cannot create one." As a NYS Master Teacher, Dr. Vaccariello is inspired to participate in Professional Learning Teams, both in and outside his area of expertise, to further promote "STEM" or "STREAM" education.
Thomas Van Bell earned his BS in Chemistry and Master of Arts in Teaching in Chemistry from Stony Brook University, while he was an American Chemical Society-Hach scholarship recipient for pursuing science education certification. Mr. Van Bell has been teaching science since 2008, and currently teaches chemistry and forensic science at Huntington High School, where he also serves as advisor to the Regional Quiz Bowl team. Prior to working at Huntington, Mr. Van Bell served as chemistry and science research teacher for the East Williston and North Babylon school districts. Mr. Van Bell is proud to have experience working in different high schools, and serving an extremely diverse population of students. He spends every summer immersing himself in authentic science research programs and engaging with students, and has been involved with research programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Stony Brook University. He is a member of both the National Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of NYS. He looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers to deepen his knowledge of content and pedagogy, as well as to make deeper connections with the school community.
Alexis Vandergoot earned her BS in biology with a minor in chemistry from SUNY Geneseo, and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Stony Brook University. She is a certified teacher in biology, chemistry, and General Science. Mrs. Vandergoot has been working in Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for six years and has taught at both John F. Kennedy and Mepham High Schools. During this time she has taught Living Environment, chemistry, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, College Anatomy and Physiology, and Forensics. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she is the advisor of the Protein Folding Challenge Team that has been competing at Stony Brook University since 2009, was the Varsity Girls Lacrosse Assistant Coach from 2010-2013, and is science club advisor, looking forward to taking her team to the NYS Science Olympiad competition this year at Le Moyne University of Syracuse. Mrs. Vandergoot is an active member of various professional organizations including Chem Union, Science Teachers Association of NYS, National Science Teachers Association, and the Bellmore JFK Parent Teacher Association. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with fellow Master Teachers to deepen her content and pedagogical knowledge, and to discuss best practices for helping students become passionate about the sciences.
Gina Varacchi earned her BA from SUNY Cortland and MA in Educational Computing from Stony Brook University, and holds a Students with Disabilities certification. As an undergraduate student, Mrs. Varacchi completed her student teaching in London, England and enjoyed backpacking throughout Europe. Mrs. Varacchi is currently the STEM teacher for grades K-6 at Setauket Elementary. She collaborated to develop the STEM curriculum for the Three Village School District, and designed the STEMroom course as professional development for academic staff so teachers can experience three-dimensional learning for themselves. Continuing her interest in adult learning, Mrs. Varacchi developed courses related to Educational Podcasts and using YouTube in the classroom, both used by several districts on Long Island. Mrs. Varacchi co-chairs the Setauket School's Science Club for children in grades K-4, and co-chair of the district's Professional Development Committee. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Varacchi looks forward to continuing to grow as a professional educator. Her goal is to take advantage of elementary opportunities within the program so she can provide greater learning opportunities for her students and share resources with her colleagues.
Bobby Varughese earned his BS in Mathematics from Stony Brook University and his MS in Secondary Education in Mathematics from Dowling College. Mr. Varughese is a life-long Commack resident and alumnus of Commack High School. He currently teaches International Baccalaureate Standard Level (Methods), College Calculus, and Intermediate Algebra at Commack High School, and has been an early adopter of collaborative learning software for his classes. An avid and competitive pool-billiard player, he competes at the local and national levels. Mr. Varughese is excited to be part of the NYS Master Teacher Program and feels that being part of a group of teachers that will spend the extra time to discuss the art and science of teaching and instructional methods to help colleagues will only help him become a better teacher. Since joining the Long Island region, Mr. Varughese has participated in mini-courses on geometry and statistics, and plans on working with a pre-service teacher next year.
Jennifer Verwys earned her BS in Biology and Secondary Education and MA in Science Education with a concentration in Earth Science from Queens College. In the classroom for 25 years, she began her career with the New York City Board of Education before moving on to her current position at Merrick Avenue Middle School where she teaches regents Earth Science, General Science inclusion courses, and Investigations in Science. Mrs. Verwys has helped to design several curriculums for the district including the new elective Investigations in Science which she also piloted. Mrs. Verwys is a technology mentor within the district helping teachers incorporate various programs and technology into their lessons. She is also the Kickline coach and co-chair of the Science Club which competes at Science Olympiad. Mrs. Verwys aspires to create a culture in her classroom where students appreciate the extent to which science impacts their everyday lives using lessons that pertain to the local area they live in. Mrs. Verwys also has a passion for helping teachers on their journey to becoming certified teachers, taking on student teachers from various local universities. Mrs. Verwys is looking forward to the collaboration between teachers through the Master Teacher program as they enter the world of the new NGSS standards.
Charles Vessalico earned his BS in Biochemistry, Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology from Stony Brook University, and is a Robert Noyce Master Teacher fellow at Stony Brook University. In the classroom for nine years, Mr. Vessalico teaches Advanced Placement Biology, Science Research, and Engineering Applications at Malverne High School. A strong advocate for project-based learning and a technology-infused curriculum, he involves his students in hands-on research projects focused on solutions to real world problems. His current work includes developing engineering courses in robotics and a biotechnology-based research program. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as the F.I.R.S.T. robotics coach for the Malverne High School Team 884, is the lead instructor for the Biotechnology Summer Camp at Stony Brook's Center for Math and Science Education, and is a Malverne Teacher Center Policy Board Member. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, he has participated in a mini-course on Genetically Modified Foods, and is a member of the High School Research Teachers and Biology Teachers Professional Learning Teams. He is a member of the National Science Teacher Association and Science Teachers Association of NYS, and was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award for his contributions to Malverne High School.
Linda Waldbaum received her BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and began a PhD at the University of Vermont studying mating type in fungi. During her graduate studies, she was a Teaching Assistant for several classes and discovered her love of teaching. This motivated her to switch her career path and leave UVM to enroll in Queens College's Master of Science Education program. While attending school, she worked full-time as a research associate at the Feinstein Institute in Manhasset, researching cell cycle regulation. Ms. Waldbaum published two papers from this research specifically describing the role of MRK protein in cell cycle G2 checkpoint regulation. Ms. Waldbaum has taught Advanced Placement Biology, Living Environment, and Regents Chemistry and various electives during her 18 year tenure at Plainedge High School. She also served as assistant advisor to Plainedge High School's Robotics team and advisor to the Quiz Bowl team. Ms. Waldbaum received a mentor certification for the Cold Spring Harbor Barcode Long Island (BLI) program and has overseen two BLI student research groups. When she is not working with students, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and paddling on the waters of Long Island. Ms. Waldbaum is excited to participate in the Master Teacher Program and looks forward to collaborating with fellow educators to develop new teaching strategies that fit the needs of students.
Lisa Wall earned her BS in Business Management from SUNY Stony Brook. She started a career as a restaurant manager at Marriott Hotels and a representative for Robert Mondavi Winery. Later, Mrs. Wall followed her true passion and became a certified teacher at Dowling College. Mrs. Wall has been teaching at Setauket Elementary in the Three Village School District since 2000. She spent years teaching fourth and sixth grades. Today, she is the Lead Math AIS Teacher. Her goal is to provide small group support for students in K-6, focusing on gaps and providing instruction to accommodate academic needs using kinesthetic, visual, and hands-on approaches for math. Mrs. Wall is the Three Village Teachers Association Representative at Setauket School. She sits on the Elementary Math selection committee, the Safety Committee and the Sustainability Committee. She is also an active member of continuing education programs, teaching integration of Math Workshops into the elementary classroom, and using Go Math digital tools while teaching from home during the pandemic. After training and running two marathons, Mrs. Wall started the Setauket Running Club for grades K-6 through Rising NY Road Runners organization. The club gives students the opportunity to experience the transformative power of physical activity - developing confidence and desire to be active for life. She is also the Math Games Club advisor. Mrs. Wall creates games to teach math while providing a fun and engaging mathematical atmosphere. She helps students develop a love for mathematics! As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to learning and collaborating with other passionate educators.
Alicia Walsh earned her BA in Elementary Education from MidAmerica Nazarene University, MA in Education from Avila College, and MS in Educational Administration from St. John's University. In the classroom for 25 years, she teaches 7th grade science at Oregon Middle School in Medford. A strong advocate of learner-centered, inquiry-based instruction, Mrs. Walsh engages her students in rigorous learning experiences that incorporate research activities. Her professional interests focus on working collaboratively to develop interdisciplinary units of study that include higher-order thinking skills while attending to science standards. Current projects include the organization of a school-wide "Water Day" fair and designing cross-curricular learning activities for use at the district's outdoor learning lab, "Fish Thicket." She was a part of Pine Barrens Society's Long Island Groundwater Curriculum initiative, "Middle School Kids Go to College," and MiSP (Math Infusion into Science Project), a program that created and implemented 8th grade STEM units of instruction. With the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Walsh has participated in the Safety of Genetically Modified Food mini-course and workshops including Professional Learning Team Facilitation and Flipping the Classroom. One of her favorite STEM quotes is by Edwin Powell Hubble: "Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe and calls the adventure science."
Stephen Wefer earned his BS in Biology and Chemistry from SUNY Plattsburgh, MS in Biology Education, and PhD in Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In the classroom for 17 years, Dr. Wefer teaches Genetics, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and Living Environment at Sachem High School East. Prior to teaching, Dr. Wefer worked in a laboratory at Stony Brook University investigating developmental genetics, and participated in the Department of Energy's Academy Creating Teacher Scientists program at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Dr. Wefer is interested in the proliferating field of bioinformatics and how it impacts STEM education, and continues to maintain relationships with local scientists at Brookhaven. He was awarded the Toyota Tapestry Grant to implement bioinformatics based lessons in his classroom, and has published several articles related to bioinformatics in science education. Outside of the classroom, he coaches the Sachem East Chess Team. Dr. Wefer is delighted when his students are enthusiastic after making personal connections to lessons, and is inspired when his students build confidence after solving challenging problems. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Dr. Wefer is a member of the Biology Professional Learning Team, and has participated in the Biology of Cancer mini-course and the Salt Marsh Changes Related to Climate Change workshop.
Laura Wenzel earned her BA in Business Communications from SUNY Oswego and after working in the business world for four years, decided to return to school to become a science teacher. Mrs. Wenzel earned her Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science and Masters of Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. In the classroom for 23 years, Mrs. Wenzel teaches Earth Science and Advanced Placement Environmental Science at Roslyn High School. Mrs. Wenzel advises the Environment Club and constantly looks for ways to increase her students' awareness of their roles in today's environmental issues. Outside of school, Mrs. Wenzel is a professional musician and volunteers at local charity organizations. Mrs. Wenzel is a member of the National Science Teacher's Association and through hands-on inquiry, she hopes to instill a passion for life-long learning that will guide her students to always question and discover. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Wenzel looks forward to collaborating with peer Master Teachers to cultivate new strategies for developing innovative thinkers.
Sabrina Whitaker earned her BS in physics from Indiana University at South Bend, her MS in Earth science from The Ohio State University, and her Master of Arts in Teaching physics from Stony Brook University. She is certified to teach Physics, Earth Science, General Science with 5-6 extension, and has her Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages certificate. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Whitaker worked as a science editor with scientists from around the world at Ehime University in Matsuyama, Japan. She received the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship for working in high-needs districts and the Albert Shanker grant to pursue National Board Certification. In the classroom for seven years, Mrs. Whitaker teaches Regents physics and College Forensics through the Syracuse University Project Advance program at Farmingdale High School. She is an English-as-a-New-Language Summer Literacy and Community STEM Teacher Coordinator and serves on the Seal of Civic Readiness Committee and the Science Curriculum Review Committee. She is a co-advisor for Farmingdale High School's National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and advisor to the DigiTech Club. Outside school, she co-advises her local Girl Scout troop while knitting in her free time. Mrs. Whitaker considers herself a lifelong learner who strives to instill that same love of learning in her students. She promotes hands-on, inquiry-based learning via a flipped classroom. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers and finding multiple opportunities to enrich her teaching.
Dan Williams earned his B.S. in Biology at St. Joseph's College and Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology from Stony Brook University. Dan teaches AP Biology, NYS Living Environment, Anatomy and Physiology, and Marine Science and runs the Science Research program at Shelter Island High School. He is the advisor of the after school Science Club, a hands-on research and environmental sciences organization. Dan is a Teacher Fellow at Brookhaven National Laboratory's Office of Educational Programs, helping students and teachers develop research projects and gain access to the National Synchrotron Light Source II. Dan is also a Teacher Fellow at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory assisting in the DNA Barcoding program, helping to run workshops for students and teachers on sample collection and DNA sequencing. Additionally, he works with the Center for Biomolecular Modeling at the Milwaukee School of Engineering helping to develop curriculum and materials around understanding three dimensional protein structures and how they work in the body. Dan is incredibly excited about joining the Master Teacher community and looks forward to growing through professional development, bringing more real world science to his own students, and sharing with other Biology teachers.
Kimberly Williams earned her B.S. in Biology/Marine Science and M.S. in Coastal Oceanography from Stony Brook University. Ms. Williams is certified in 7-12 Earth Science, Biology, and General Science 6-8 with a 4-5 Grade Extension. She teaches Oceans/Oceanography and Marine Ecology/Long Island Sound Science and Use at Smithtown High School and also serves as an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University teaching duel enrollment courses. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Williams serves as a board member or committee chair for several non-profits where she helps bridge the gap between science and the public. She has spent summers researching with scientists and students at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, Roger Payne's Whale Research Facility in Patagonia, aboard a variety of research vessels, serving as a “Teacher At Sea” for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and as a Marine Science Camp Director for underserved students from around New York. As a conservationist and water advocate, Ms. Williams is looking forward to learning from fellow Master Teachers, sharing her own experiences, and encouraging others to spend as much time in the field her as possible.
Laura Williams earned her B.S. in Biology from Mary Washington College, her Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies at Stony Brook University, and her Students with Disabilities Certification through NYSUT. Mrs. Williams teaches Regents Living Environment to general education and inclusion students as well as a self-contained Regents Biology course, which is designed to engage students who learn in a variety of different ways, in the Three Village Central School District. Her primary classroom goal is to engage all students in classroom discussions, with an emphasis on making connections between what they are studying and what is occurring in the world around them. Within the district, Mrs. Williams has written curricula and collaborated with colleagues to better address the learning needs of students with disabilities. As a NYS Master Teacher, Laura looks forward to working in professional learning groups whose focus is the special needs population and mentoring new and pre-service teachers as they embark on one of the most rewarding yet challenging professions of today.
Gillian Winters earned her BS and MS in Physics from McGill University and PhD in Physics from the University of Delaware. In the classroom 11 years, Dr. Winters teaches physics in the Smithtown Central School District. A strong advocate of hands-on, inquiry-based learning, she involves her students in a variety of design-and-build competitions, such as the school's annual "Pumpkin Chuckin" catapult competition and hands-on stations for small children in the school's Spooky Hallways event, and community-based learning programs, such as the Particle Physics MasterClass and the Physics Olympics. She is the Instructional Specialist in her department, and serves as vice president of the Long Island Physics Teachers Association. Dr Winters' professional interests focus on teacher training and women in physics, and she was as speaker at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Program for International Women's Day and was the American Association of Physics Teachers representative t the 2014 Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Dr. Winters is a member of the Physics Professional Learning, and has participated in discussions with her peer Master Teachers about the Next Generation Science Standards.
Marlene Yolango earned her BS in Education from SUNY Geneseo Summa Cum Laude and her MS in Education from Hofstra University with a specialization in Reading with distinction. She is certified to teach General Science and Biology as well as Elementary Education, Special Education and Reading. She has been teaching in the Northport-East Northport School District for 19 years. Through these various certifications, Marlene has had the opportunity to share her love of science with children in many capacities. She has served as a push-in special education teacher in elementary classrooms where she often led the science lessons. She also was an advisor for the elementary science club. She is currently teaching inclusion and special class Living Environment at Northport High School where she tries to make science meaningful for students of all abilities. She is a strong believer in helping students find ways of learning that work for them. One of the things she loves most about teaching is all of the people she meets each year. Each student, parent, and new colleague shapes the way she teaches and thinks. She is very excited to be part of the Master Teacher Program where she will meet more educators with similar interests to share ideas and continue to grow.
Julie Yoo earned her BS in Biology and MA in Secondary Education in Biology and Chemistry from Suny Stony Brook. In the classroom for 12 years, Mrs. Yoo has taught various levels of 7th-12th grade science and currently teaches Advanced Placement Biology at Syosset High School. With her unique experience of coming to the country at the age of 16 from South Korea, she recognized the importance of an in-depth understanding of the content by making interdisciplinary connections rather than simple rote memorization. As a strong advocate for promoting safe learning environments, she serves on the district's Diversity and Inclusivity Task Force Committee. Mrs. Yoo also advises USA Biology Olympiad, Syosset STEM Newsletter Group, and HOSA (Future Healthcare Professionals) Group to encourage students outside the classroom to enjoy and explore science from different angles. As a resident and a parent of three children in her own district, she served as a Cub Scout Den Leader for Pack 205 and participates as an active PTA member especially to foster cultural diversity. She has a second-dan black belt in Kumdo, Korean Sword Martial Art, and won multiple medals in various competitions. Two years ago, she became a certified sailor and wishes to participate in racing Regattas with her husband who is also a certified sailor. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Yoo is looking forward to collaborating with other dedicated STEM teachers to grow professionally as a leader in science education.
Rajalakshmi Zawistowski earned her BA in Mathematics & Education with a minor in Spanish at SUNY Geneseo, and an MS in Mathematics Adolescence Education from SUNY Old Westbury. In the classroom for 11 years, she has taught classes ranging from 7th grade math to Precalculus. She currently teaches Math 8 and Algebra 1 Accelerated at Jericho Middle School. Mrs. Zawistowski creates a positive and engaging environment where students can take risks, find value in both successes and failures, and embrace a growth mindset. Her philosophy as an educator is to provide meaningful opportunities for students to be creative, reflective, and collaborative problem solvers. During her time as a teacher, Mrs. Zawistowski has written curriculum for the Math Department, conducted before and after school regents review, participated in English-Language-Learner tutoring programs, and has served as co-advisor of the Gay-Straight Alliance, as well as a facilitator for the Beautiful Me program. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Zawistowski enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, has been a longtime volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, is actively involved in her home district's PTA, and is a lead teacher for a local summer camp. Mrs. Zawistowski is excited to work collaboratively with her peers to develop innovative ways for increasing student motivation and success.
Andrea Zinn earned her BS in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science, her MA in Mathematics from Hofstra University, and her MS in Mathematics Education from St John's University. She is a former New York City Teaching Fellow and Math for America Early Career Fellow. Her first six years of teaching were with the New York City Department of Education, and has been at Great Neck South High School for seven years. Throughout her career, she taught Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus, and Computer Programming courses ranging from introductory to post-Advanced Placement level in 5 different programming languages. In addition, she succeed in expanding Computer Science offerings at Great Neck to include courses such as Data Structures and Game Development. Her favorite moments in the classroom are the exclamations of excitement when a student's program works properly. Outside of the classroom, she has been involved with the Robotics team as their programming and electronics mentor, and is the advisor of the Computer Programming Club, overseeing in-house competitions. In her free time, Mrs. Zinn enjoys seeing live theater, watching television, doing puzzles, swimming, and spending time with her family and friends. As a New York State Master Teacher, Mrs. Zinn looks forward to the collaborative environment and is excited to develop new ways to engage her students.