Lisa Alexander earned her B.A. from Hamilton College, with a major in mathematics and a minor in economics and her M.S. in education from Elmira College. Lisa teaches Pre-Calculus and Advanced Placement Calculus at Whitesboro High School where she serves as Mathematics Department Chairperson, Sophomore Class Advisor and member of the National Honor Society Faculty Council. Early in her career, Lisa assisted at Whitesboro's New Teacher Orientation, providing new teachers with "Steps to a Successful First Year." Lisa enjoys observing her students in many extra-curricular activities and encouraging them to share their love of mathematics. Lisa has a passion for mathematics and, with the help of her students, has held an "AP Calculus Parent's Night" and a "Calc – A- Thon," produced a show for Middle School students entitled "Math Opens Doors", and invited community members to her classroom to speak about occupations in STEM fields. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Alexander has taken the Mathematical Ideas in Curve Stitching and String Art mini-course, participated in a variety of PLTs and workshops, and helped plan and facilitate a conference in her region. Lisa looks forward to continuing to expand her opportunities for professional development and collaboration with top STEM educators.
Michael Amante earned his B.S. in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego and M.S.Ed. in Instructional Technology and Media Management from SUNY Potsdam. Over his 21-year teaching career, he has taught a wide variety of technology classes at both the junior & senior high levels. Currently, he teaches Introduction to Engineering Design (IED), Computer Applications, and Emerging Technologies. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Amante serves as a Building Representative for the New Hartford Teachers' Association, a member of several technology-related school committees, and an active member of NYS Association for Computers & Technologies in Education. Mr. Amante has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Certified Innovator, and holds his Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to fly small unmanned aircraft (drones) commercially but more importantly, to supervise students who fly as part of school activities. Since 2018, Mr. Amante has served as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Master Teacher for AP Computer Science Principles. This allows him to train incoming PLTW teachers to deliver PLTW's Computer Science curriculum in their classrooms after completing a rigorous Summer Core Training program. He is looking forward to joining the Master Teacher Program to not only expand his professional network but also share the innovative work his students are doing in the classroom.
Michael Arcuri earned his BS in biology and a minor in chemistry from Utica College of Syracuse University, and MS in Education from Utica College. Mr. Arcuri has 13 years of experience teaching Regents Living Environment and Chemistry, as well as grades 5-8 science. He has been involved in many extracurricular activities such as advising Student Council, Student Security, and Lego Robotics. As a Strengthening Teacher and Leadership Effectiveness-2 grant recipient, a "Who's Who Among American Teachers" nominee, and a finalist for WKTV's "My Favorite Teacher," Mr. Arcuri has been recognized as a "Teacher-Leader" by NYS and his community. Mr. Arcuri has served as Science Department Chair, Capitol Building Project member, mini-course presenter at Superintendent Conference Days, Mentor teacher, and a former coach of numerous sports and levels. In his spare time, Mr. Arcuri enjoys spending time with family, friends, and four dogs as well as working in his vegetable garden and fishing. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Arcuri is looking forward to forming professional learning communities with other Master Teachers throughout NYS, and sharing with colleagues. He is looking forward to the Summer Professional Development Programs such as the Summer Ashokan Retreat and taking the mini-course "Chemistry and Physics in Earth Science."
Frank Aurigema earned his BA from SUNY Plattsburgh and enjoyed his time doing research in the geology department under Steven Tice and Dr. Roden-Tice. Mr. Aurigema continued on to get his MS in Special Education (grades 5-9) from Touro University. He is certified to teach Earth Science grades 7-12 in New York State and is currently teaching Earth Science to 9th and 10th grade students at Clinton High School. Mr. Aurigema organizes the annual Science Fair and has begun the first schools first ever High School ESports League. He is an active member of STANYS and attends the annual conferences. Mr. Aurigema is currently Vice President of NYESTA (New York Earth Science Teacher Association) where he enjoys collegiality of like-minded Earth Science Teachers where they share their passion for all things Earth. He enjoys spending time with his young family, running, snowboarding, gardening or anything outdoors. Mr. Aurigema loves Earth Science and can often be heard telling his students that Earth Science is the best of all sciences by stating, “Earth Science is the most practical of all sciences because you are hopelessly connected to it and you just can't escape it.” Mr. Aurigema is looking forward to learning and exploring in the NYS Master Teacher Program with the hopes of it all benefiting students.
Lindsay Ballie earned her BS from SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome with a double major in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. She earned her MS through the Adolescence Education Apprenticeship Teacher Certification Program at Utica College. While at SUNY Institute of Technology she earned the Academic Achievement Award for Applied Mathematics and the Outstanding Student Award in Computer Science. She holds NYS Teacher Certifications in Mathematics and Technology. Lindsay began her teaching career in 2002 at Westmoreland Central School and currently teaches Regents Geometry and dual credit Statistics in the district. She strongly believes in teaching perseverance and critical thinking skills. In addition to teaching, Lindsay has served as yearbook advisor, class advisor, Key Club advisor, varsity cheerleading coach, and a new teacher mentor. She has also participated on various regional curriculum development committees at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES. Outside of school, Lindsay enjoys traveling, golfing, reading, and spending time with her family. As part of the Master Teacher Program, Lindsay looks forward to attending professional development activities to add depth to her content and collaborate with other STEM educators.
Stacey Bennett earned her B.A. in Biology from the University of Rochester, where she was a Bausch and Lomb Scholar, and her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Scranton. Mrs. Bennett teaches middle school math and Basic Algebra at Poland Central School where she serves on the Data, Grading, and Olweus Bullying Prevention teams. She advises the National Honor Society and Sophomore Class, co-advises Yearbook Club, and previously co-coordinated the district Science Fair. Prior to joining the Poland Central School faculty, Mrs. Bennett taught Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston. Stacey enjoys creating STEM activities that foster collaboration and critical thinking skills, with the goal of having her students become life-long learners who discover how math is tied to other disciplines. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Bennett presented a session at the 2017 Annual Conference in Albany about making students more effective learners and teachers more effective teachers, inspired by her PLT's reading of Peter Brown's Making it Stick. She looks forward to collaborating with other master teachers and expanding her knowledge about Project and Problem-Based Learning.
Kirsten Benson earned her BA in Geology from Hartwick College and her MS from Albany State University. In the classroom for 13 years, Ms. Benson taught at Marcus Garvey Technical High School in Saint Ann's Bay, Jamaica, West Indies. She currently teaches Earth Science, College Now Geology, and the Interconnections of Geology and Culture in Hawaii for Central Valley Academy. The Hawaii Course incorporates a field study for students in Hawaii, and is designed to guide students toward understanding how geology, the environment and ecology mold cultures and civilizations, and the importance of nurturing this relationship. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she is the advisor for Science and Outing Club, a volunteer educator for the Higher Order Thinking Skills Club for fifth and sixth graders, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Langheinrich Fossil Preserve. She has also coached soccer, skiing, and volleyball, and served on the Opening Day and Programming Committees. Ms. Benson has been recognized as the Educator of the Week by WFXV-TV, and awarded the Herkimer Diamond Mines "Inspiration Award." Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Ms. Benson looks forward to collaborating with and learning from other science teachers across the state.
Chad Blakesley earned his BA in Mathematics Education at The College of Saint Rose, and MA in Mathematics Education at the SUNY Albany. He has taught middle school mathematics for 17 years, and is currently teaching 8th grade math and Algebra I at the William H. Golding Middle School. Mr. Blakesley serves as the Department Chairperson, member of the Building Leadership Team, mentor to new teachers, and also assists with technology integration at this school. Mr. Blakesley also works with the LEGO Robotics and Technology club; he recently collaborated with science and math teachers to create activities introducing linear functions to 8th graders, with a LEGO robotic unit in a summer workshop at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Blakesley is a member of several local professional learning communities, including the Math 6-8 Common Core Support Network (through the Greater Capital Region's Teacher Center) and the Capital District Association of Mathematics Supervisors. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Blakesley looks forward to working with other Master Teachers to continue developing and implementing engaging STEM lessons and activities, providing an entry point for students of all levels and various interests.
Eric Boisen earned his BA in Psychology, MST for Pre-k to Grade 6 certification from SUNY Potsdam, and MS in Educational Leadership and Administration from Utica College. Mr. Boisen has taught computer coding and STEM for grades 5-6 with a focus on robotics at the Westmoreland Upper Elementary School since 2017. He has created a student driven environment that allows his students to take risks while building perseverance and problem-solving skills. Mr. Boisen also advises the Student Council, the School Bookstore, and the Helping Hands Club. Prior to teaching in Westmoreland, Mr. Boisen taught for one year at The House of the Good Shepherd in a 15:1:1 classroom and then for over 15 years in the Ilion/ Central Valley Central School District as a third-grade teacher for three years before transitioning to teaching sixth grade math. He created 6th grade math benchmark assessments and helped vertically align the math curriculum with grades 7-8. In addition to teaching in the Ilion/ CVCSD, he served as the sixth-grade level coordinator and coached cross country and track. He was known for connecting math lessons to these two sports. Mr. Boisen enjoys traveling with his family, woodworking, kayaking, skiing, and snowmobiling. He is looking forward to participating in professional development activities for coding, math, and science through the NYSMTP.
Emily Bonomo earned her BA in Mathematics from Nazareth College with teaching certificates in Mathematics (7-12) and Teaching Students with Disabilities (7-12), and her MSEd in Literacy from SUNY Cortland with a certificate in Literacy (5-12). Ms. Bonomo has been a teacher at Whitesboro High School since 2014, teaching special education Algebra, Topics in Geometry, and Topics in Trigonometry in the 15:1:1 setting. She is an active member of the school community as the Red Cross Club advisor and a member of the school's Renaissance Committee, a group celebrating the achievements of strong academics and well-rounded students. She loves seeing her students excel outside the classroom at musical and sporting events, sometimes participating in them herself! Ms. Bonomo loves to spend time with family, read, and golf and is a proud achiever of both a hole in one and an eagle! As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Bonomo looks forward to collaborating with teachers from other school districts to enhance her instruction and finding new techniques to reach students of all abilities.
Andrew Boyd graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Education in Secondary Science, and earned his MSEd in Adolescence Earth Science from SUNY Cortland. During his time at UVM, Mr. Boyd spent a summer at the Geological Observatory of Coldigioco in Italy, studying the geology of the Apennine Mountains and the K-T Boundary. Mr. Boyd has taught earth science at Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica since 2007. His enthusiasm for science is shared with his students through song parodies and unique mnemonic devices. He is the chairperson and Earth Science Subject Area Representative for the Mohawk Valley Section of the Science Teachers Association of NYS, and a Regional Director of the National Earth Science Teachers Association. Mr. Boyd is also a member of the NYS Earth Science Teachers Association, and a Union Representative and new teacher mentor at Proctor High School. He enjoys skiing, traveling, kayaking, and playing and listening to music. As a NYS Master Teacher, Andrew looks forward to collaborating with others to make science education a highlight of students' high school experience.
Jason Bradley earned his BS in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta in 2000 and his MS in Exercise Physiology from Ithaca College in 2002. In the summer of 2003, he enrolled in the NYS Apprentice Teacher Program at Utica College and began teaching Regents Chemistry at Westmoreland Sr. High in the fall of that year. Jason received his MS in Education from Utica College in 2006 and went on to complete his Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from SUNY Cortland in 2015. In 2013 Jason accepted the position of Science Curriculum Coordinator at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES and led a team of over 30 area teachers to develop a K-5 Elementary Science curriculum aligned to the newly released New York State Science Learning Standards. In 2015 Jason accepted a position with the New Hartford CSD, where he is currently teaching Regents Chemistry. Jason is the advisor for the Science Olympiad Club, and has developed a week-long elementary STEM camp in his home community. What Jason enjoys most about teaching STEM is the opportunity to engage, inspire, and motivate students to consider a STEM career, with the belief that a career in STEM can be a noble pursuit that positively impacts society. As a member of the Master Teacher Program, Jason looks forward to collaboration with exceptional educators toward the common goal of improving STEM education for our students.
Jeffery Brown earned his AS in Chemistry from Herkimer College, his BA in General Science with a concentration in Chemistry and a minor in Middle and Adolescent Education from Alfred University, and his MSEd in Literacy Education at SUNY Cortland. He has been a committed STEM teacher since 2012. Prior to devoting his career to education, he has experience as a Quality Control Chemist. Mr. Brown has taught at Utica Notre Dame, Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Ostego BOCES, West Canada Valley, and currently teaches at T.R. Proctor High School in Utica. Mr. Brown has taught a great variety of courses including Regents and Non-Regents Chemistry, Regents and Non Regents Physics, Life Science, and CTE Integrated Science. Mr. Brown has been very active in the school communities. He has coached football, basketball, softball, bowling, tee ball and soccer. Mr. Brown has also advised science clubs with college visits, senior class advisor, Envirothon, and has served as a science department head. Outside the classroom, Mr. Brown loves making memories with his family, enjoys running, skiing, camping, hiking, and boating. He is looking forward to collaborating strategies, best practices, and labs with other passionate STEM New York State Master Teachers.
Russell Brown earned his MS in Secondary Education and his BS in Geology and Expeditionary Studies from SUNY Plattsburgh. In the classroom for nine years, Mr. Brown teaches Earth Science, Astronomy, and other science electives in an alternative educational setting at Adirondack Academy. He strives to create a student-centered environment in his classes that allow students to develop perseverance, self-advocacy, and technological skills to succeed. Outside the classroom, Mr. Brown focuses on building systems for grading automation and data collection to streamline communication among colleagues. He is a member of the Professional Learning Plan Committee that develops the long-term professional development plan for the district. As a strong proponent of using technology in the classroom, Mr. Brown holds workshops to share techniques with his colleagues. He is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of NYS and presented at the July 2022 Southern Regional Educational Board's Annual Conference in Grapevine, TX, on literacy strategies in the science classroom. Outside of school, Mr. Brown is an avid outdoorsman and certified NYS Guide, spending most of his time in the mountains or on the water. He has worked as a ski instructor, raft guide, and backpacking guide and considers himself a lifelong learner and educator outside of the classroom. As a NYS Master Science Teacher, Mr. Brown is looking forward to collaborating with other STEM educators and pre-service teachers to help improve student outcomes across the state.
Kimberly Burkhart earned her BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta and her Master of Education in Literacy from the University of New England. She was the recipient of Educator of the Year from Unadilla Valley Central School in 2010. Having entered her first teaching position in 2003, Mrs. Burkhart is in her 15th year of teaching. After teaching in Montana, Unadilla Valley, and Sherburne-Earlville, she is currently teaching third grade at Milford Central School. She has always felt a strong desire to teach. Spending her younger years working with elementary children solidified that this was her calling and passion. Through Trout Unlimited, Mrs. Burkhart is a Trout in the Classroom teacher. She has been a cheerleading coach, swim coach, Morning Program committee member, and Character Education committee member. Mrs. Burkhart is the current president of Cooperstown Youth Football. She enjoys gardening, canning, and raising animals. She also enjoys hiking, camping, and watching football with her husband and two sons. She is most passionate about inspiring kids in the STEM areas – from hatching chicks in the classroom to designing an amusement park using area and perimeter. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge in all the STEM areas so she can become increasingly comfortable in offering more wide-ranging STEM projects.
Barbara Jo Butka earned her BS in Biology Education from SUNY Fredonia and her MS in Inclusive Education from Utica College. Mrs. Butka started her teaching career in 1997 at Louisburg High School in North Carolina where she taught Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Earth Science. In 2003, she returned to New York State where she began teaching Physical Science and Life Science at Whitesboro Middle School. Mrs. Butka is the National Junior Honor Society Advisor, Parent Teacher Organization liaison, and is an active member in the Mohawk Valley Reading Council. She found her passion for science and the environment through many dedicated years as a Girl Scout and discovered her love of teaching at a young age when she was asked to become a dance instructor at her childhood dance studio. Mrs. Butka enjoys walking, hiking, spending time outdoors, and playing volleyball. She enthusiastically teaches her students to challenge themselves and to love science as much as she does. Barbara Jo is looking forward to collaborating with the other professionals in the NYS Master Teacher Program, and bringing ideas and strategies back to her classroom and school.
Katherine Butler earned her BS in Mathematics and BS in Adolescent Education and MS in Educational Technology from SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. Butler has taught middle school mathematics since 2013 and is currently teaching 7th grade math and AIS math at William H. Golding Middle School at the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District. Mrs. Butler serves as the 7th Grade Team Leader, member of the Building Leadership Team, member of the Strategic Planning Team, WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Boomerang Project Teacher Leader, Curriculum Writing Member, Interview Committee Member, and assists with technology integration at her school. Mrs. Butler has been the commissioner of the girls youth basketball program in her community, a modified softball coach, JV girls basketball coach, AAU girls basketball coach, Running Club co-advisor, Comic Community Club advisor, Celebration Club advisor, as well as a Jr. Iron Chef judge. In her community, she is a member of the Summit Conservation Club, Summit Sno- Riders Snowmobile Club, and Schoharie County Jeep Club. She enjoys outdoor motorsports, camping, fishing, and competing in and watching athletics with her husband and two sons. Mrs. Butler is passionate about educating, inspiring and empowering her students in the STEM areas as they become creative, engaged and productive young adults. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Butler is excited to work with other Master Teachers to continue creating and enhancing engaging STEM lessons and activities in her classroom that foster cross-curricular ties with Science, Technology, and other Math curriculums.
Carla Calenzo earned her BS in Environmental Science from Nazareth College and MS in Reading, K-12 from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Calenzo is certified in Biology, Earth Science, General Science and Reading. For the past 32 years, she has taught a variety of subjects to students from preschool age through adulthood. Currently, she teaches Regents Earth science at Proctor High School and serves as the Mentor Coordinator for the school district. Each week she visits a different school to meet with new teachers and shares a STEM-inspired activity. As an Education Specialist for NYSED, she writes regents exam questions and reviews rating guides. She was a Science Affiliate at Colgate University, facilitates two book clubs, instructed elementary teachers through a STEM grant and collaborated with area teachers through BOCES to begin redesigning science kits. She served on the ELA Instructional Practices Committee as a content specialist and presented at a NYS ENL conference on incorporating STEM activities for English language learners. Last year, she was named Educator of the Year by the Utica City School District. She enjoys traveling with her husband and fellow science teacher, Richard.
Richard Calenzo has been a teacher of STEM since 1993. He received his Associates degree in Fisheries and Wildlife at SUNY Cobleskill, completed his Bachelors in Physics at Utica College, and then earned a Masters in Mathematics Education from SUNY Oneonta. Richard currently teaches at TR Proctor High School in Utica and serves as the Science Department Chair. He teaches Advanced Placement Physics along with AIS Living Environment. He facilitates a science department of 28 teachers and serves as a leader and role-model. As a mentor and leader, Richard has hosted numerous student teachers and mentored several first-year teachers. He takes pride in the number of his high school students who have gone on to careers in teaching science and who now work with him as colleagues. Richard recently started the Proctor Environmental Club and wishes to impart a renewed sense of environmental conservation to a younger generation. For the past three years, he has conducted a "Physics Bowl" competition among neighboring schools that tests their competence and skill in physics. On his off time, Richard enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. Richard looks forward to collaborating with teachers outside his district and also to working more closely with his fellow teachers in Utica.
Christine Calogero received her BS in Biology from LeMoyne College, her MS in Education and Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Calogero has taught in the Rome City School District in a variety of grade levels and content areas. She was the Rome Rotary Teacher of the Year. She was a summer school teacher and Co-Principal for Madison-Oneida BOCES. Currently, Mrs. Calogero is teaching Living Environment Biology and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry General Biology/Advanced Placement Biology at Rome Free Academy High School (RFA). She is the RFA Science department Teacher Coordinator and co-advisor of the RFA Science club. She has lead writing teams of Regents Science curriculums and their correlation to the common core and NYS Science Learning Standards. She has worked on the Rome District Academic Intervention, Discipline, Data, District and School based improvement, Response to Intervention, School and District Educational Development committees. She teaches her students to value their classmates, school, community, and the living world around them. She is involved in her children and students' extracurricular activities. She enjoys gardening with her husband. She looks forward to the exciting and unique opportunities to broaden her science knowledge.
Salvatore Carollo has been a teacher in the Rome City School District for 16 years, during which he has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. For the past nine years, Mr. Carollo has been teaching regents Living Environment, primarily focusing on students with special needs. After earning his BS in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, and his teaching certification from Utica College, Mr. Carollo went on to earn his MA in Special Education from Touro College. In the classroom, Mr. Carollo searches out ways to engage his students with hands on activities to reinforce concepts that are sometimes seen as abstract. From laboratory activities to using technology in the classroom, STEM affords the opportunity to engage students in a variety of ways. Along with teaching, Mr. Carollo is also the co-coach of Rome Free Academy's Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) team, as well as the modified swimming coach for both girls and boys. Outside the classroom, you can find him almost anywhere outdoors. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and camping in the Adirondacks. He also travels to different natural wonders to explore whatever Mother Nature has to offer. Through the Master Teacher Program, he looks forward to collaborating with like-minded teachers and bringing students into nature to experience authentic learning.
Lorraine Cittadino earned a BS in Biology from Utica College, MS in Inclusive Education from Utica College and an MLS in Information and Library Science from SUNY Buffalo. She has been teaching a variety of biology courses including Living Environment, Anatomy & Physiology, and AP Biology at Westmoreland Jr- Sr High School for the past 20 years. Prior to teaching at Westmoreland, Mrs. Cittadino was the Curator of Education at the Utica Zoo and developed many classes for children and adults. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Cittadino serves as the Science Department Chair for Westmoreland Central School and is a member of the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). She is an avid kayaker and enjoys the beauty of New York's Adirondack Mountains. She looks forward to joining other Master Teachers in exploring new strategies to enrich students' understanding of the natural world.
Brian Connery earned his B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University, and M.S. in Physics 7-12 from SUNY Plattsburgh. Mr Connery has since been employed by the Rome City School District for the past seventeen years teaching physics, chemistry, and technology. As part of his graduate thesis for engineering, he conducted microgravity fluid jet experiments at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH. Prior to pursuing a career in teaching, he worked for two years at Pioneer Aerospace in South Windsor, CT as a project engineer. During that time, Mr. Connery worked on numerous parachute design projects including the design of the disk gap band parachute for the Mars Explorer Rover missions commissioned by NASA JPL. He made a career switch to high school science and technology education in 2001. Outside of the classroom, he has coached varsity boys and modified girls swimming, Griffiss Institute STEM teams, ANDRO high school drone teams, and instructed a two week Lego robotics course to BOCES students. Me. Connery is a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS and been inducted into Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma, the national and mechanical engineering honor societies. He is a licensed instrument rated private pilot, skydiver, and competitive triathlete. Mr. Connery is intrigued with astronomical and quantum physics and is eager to gain knowledge and content through the Master Teacher Program that he can share with his students.
Stephen Costanza earned his BS in Molecular Genetics from the University of Rochester, and his Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology from Cornell University. He has taught at Whitesboro High School for the past 14 years, and is currently teaching both Advanced Placement and Regents Chemistry. He has coached the Science Olympiad for 13 years, and has been the Mathletics Advisor for the past three years. Since 2009, he has also served as a Union Representative for his school. Outside the classroom, Mr. Costanza is an active member in his local Optimist Club, assisting in the selection of Students of the Month, and is driving instructor. In 2014, he mentored two students in the Griffiss Institute Air Force Research Lab Challenge Competition, resulting in a first place finish. In his free time he enjoys reading and watching baseball, football, and movies. His interest in STEM fields began developing in high school and continues to increase exponentially each year. He is looking forward to collaborating with others in Professional Learning Teams, serving as a mentor, and learning new material and pedagogical techniques in the NYS Master Teacher Program with the ultimate goal of inspiring his students in new ways.
Abby Costello earned her BS in Secondary Education in Biology and MS in Adolescent Education from the SUNY Oneonta. Ms. Costello has taught Living Environment and Advanced Placement Biology at Unatego High School for the past 7 years. A strong advocate for students' active engagement in science, she involves her students in a variety of laboratory practices in order to provide them with opportunities to act as actual scientists while reinforcing content. Her professional interests focus on helping students understand the interconnectedness of the living world from the micro to macroscopic, and recent projects include using concept maps, graphic organizers, and other visuals to display that interconnectedness. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Costello is the senior class advisor at Unatego, a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS, and annually hosts methods students and student teachers from SUNY Oneonta. She was honored with the SUNY Oneonta Secondary Education Department Award for Exemplary Service for her work with pre-service science teachers. Ms. Costello likes to say to her students, "you are the result of billions of years of evolutionary success…act like it!"
Christopher Cottrell earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Plattsburgh and his MST in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. Currently, he teaches fifth grade at Milford Central School, where he has served for 17 years. Mr. Cottrell is the Elementary Department Chairperson and serves on the Milford Central School District's Comprehensive District Education Plan (CDEP), Technology, and Liaison committees and mentors teachers who are new in the district. Mr. Cottrell facilitates his school's quarterly newsletter, has directed several school musicals, and serves as a yearbook advisor and as the Parent Teacher Student Association President. Since 2019, he has held the position of Adjunct Professor at SUNY Oneonta, teaching Reading and Literacy II and Math and Technology in Elementary Education. Outside of the classroom he enjoys spending time with his foster children, camping and boating. During the summer he continues a lifetime passion of showing a competitive six horse hitch of Belgian Draft horse mares across the United States and Canada. As a new NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Cottrell looks forward to working with others to continue developing and translating modern curriculum through STEM activities to the students in his small rural district.
Jaclyn Countryman earned her BS in Elementary Education with a Minor in Biology from Elmira College, and her MA in Science Education, Biological Sciences, from Western Governors University. She holds professional certifications in Childhood Education and Biology, Grades 7-12. Mrs. Countryman is trained in iPads, Chromebooks, and Google Apps for Education, and is passionate about technology and its use in the classroom, especially at young ages. She has presented at the NYS Rural Schools Conference, and at the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education Annual Conferences. Mrs. Countryman is also a proud member of the Elmira College Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame for her team's winning of the 2007 National Championship of Competitive Cheerleading. For 12 years, Mrs. Countryman taught 5th grade Math and Science at Memorial Park Elementary in the Waterville Central School District. She has now joined her alma mater, the Whitesboro Central School District, as a 3rd grade Teacher at Marcy Elementary School. As a new Master Teacher, Mrs. Countryman looks forward to collaborating with her Master Teacher peers to create hands-on learning experiences for her students. In her spare time, Mrs. Countryman enjoys boating, crafting, and spending time with her husband and their 3-year-old son, Carson.
Audrey Cucci earned her BA in Mathematics and MA in Secondary Education from Utica College. In the classroom for eight years, Mrs. Cucci teaches Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Contemporary Mathematics at Frankfort-Schuyler High School. A strong advocate of educational technology especially the flipped classroom model, she has designed a paperless flipped classroom utilizing multiple technologies. Her professional interests focus on educational technology and project based learning. She has asked her students to create bottle rockets to study parabolic paths or use temperature probes connected to handheld technology tools to study the rate at which a "body" cools after death. Mrs. Cucci serves as the Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator K-12 for the Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District. She was named one of the country's top "50 Innovators in Education" by The Center for Digital Education and Converge, one of "20 To Watch" by the National School Board Association and has received the Mohawk Valley Education Distinguished Service Award from the Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region. Mrs. Cucci is a life-long learner inspired by Albert Einstein's words, "Pure mathematics is, in its own way, the poetry of logical ideas."
Nicholas Darrah is a mathematics teacher from Herkimer, New York. He earned a BA in Mathematics and a BS in Secondary Education from Plattsburgh State University in 2003 and an MS in Information Technology Design from SUNY Institute of Technology in 2011. He is currently an employee for the Westmoreland Central School District in Westmoreland, NY where he has worked as a high school and middle school mathematics teacher since September 2004. This year, his course load includes Algebra 1, Algebra 1B, college credit Precalculus, and college credit Introduction to College Mathematics and Algebra. Nick has also been an adjunct instructor at Mohawk Valley Community College, a curriculum material writer at Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES, and assistant manager at DiOrio's IGA since 1998. Through his work at Westmoreland, Nick has become an active member of the Freedom Writer Teachers and is a regional coordinator for Central New York Matheletics. As a NYS Master Teacher, Nick hopes to gain insights into best teaching practices to make mathematics more accessible for all students.
Shaundra Davis earned her B.A. in Adolescent Education and Earth Science from SUNY Oneonta, and M.S. in Geosciences from Mississippi State University. Mrs. Davis currently teaches Regents Earth Science, Curriculum for Agricultural and Science Education (CASE) Natural Resources and Ecology, CASE Introduction to Agricultural Science, Food Sciences, and Natural Resources, CASE Agricultural Business Foundations, Astronomy, and seventh grade middle school science. She has also been an adjunct professor facilitating instruction for pre-service Earth Science teachers at SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. David has coordinated opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, including SUNY Cobleskill's High School Agriculture Day, and Oswegatchie Outdoor Education Center's Environmental Leadership Program. Mrs. Davis also serves as the Science Department Chairperson, Envirothon Advisor, Future Farmers of America Advisor, and mentors new teachers. For her district, she led the differentiated instruction train-the-trainer and presented workshops at an EDU CAMP for Superintendent's Conference Day. Mrs. Davis has written several grants for the Agricultural Science program at Richfield Springs. She has a hobby farm consisting of Jacob sheep, Flemish Giants and one Angora Agouti/Satin rabbit, and an apiary. Mrs. Davis looks forward to enhancing her pedagogical strategies to learn and share with her colleagues within the NYS Master Teacher Program and professional learning family at Richfield Springs Central School District.
Joanne DeMars earned her B.A. in Biology from The College of Saint Rose and M.S. in Adolescent Education from Utica College. Mrs. DeMars has spent the last 18 years teaching Living Environment and Environmental Science at Gloversville High School. She is a founding member of the high school's literacy team, co-advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance, participates in the Trout in the Classroom project, organizes a biennial Whale Watching field trip to Boston, and is a co-advisor for the school's Esports team. Mrs. DeMars is most passionate about educating her students on local environmental issues and guiding them as they explore their role in possible solutions. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking for her large extended family, listening to live music and road trips with her husband and their children. As a Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with her colleagues to ensure her students are prepared as 21st Century Learners.
Katelynd DeSanctis earned her BS in Childhood Education with a Mathematics Concentration from The College of Saint Rose and her MS in Literacy from SUNY Cortland. Ms. DeSanctis has taught primarily middle school math for the last 12 years and is currently teaching 7th grade math at Holland Patent Middle School. In addition to teaching, Ms. DeSanctis is a club advisor for the Mathcounts Team and National Junior Honor Society. She is also an active member of the District Technology Committee and the Holland Patent Teacher Center Policy Board. In her free time, Ms. DeSanctis enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and traveling. Prior to becoming a NYS Master teacher, Ms. DeSanctis participated in the Mohawk Valley Math PLT Conference "We're All in This Together-A Day of Sharing Mathematics" and found the day to be extremely informative. It was part of what inspired her to become part of the NYS Master Teacher Program. Ms. DeSanctis is looking forward to collaborating with other math teachers and bringing new ideas back to her students.
Steeves Devlin earned a BA in Biology and Pre-Medicine from SUNY Oneonta. He then went on to receive a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College. After retiring from private practice, he earned a Masters of Education from Utica College. He was inspired to become a teacher by his father, who was a teacher, and his inherent love of teaching and helping others. Dr. Devlin teaches Biology and Environmental Science at T.R. Proctor High School in Utica, NY. He is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of New York State. Dr. Devlin has been a board member of the YMCA of Utica, Board President of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation Board and a member of the Utica Rotary Club. In his free time, he loves to travel and spend time with family and friends. As a NYS Master Teacher, Dr. Devlin is excited to help develop health and medical mini-courses
Kelly DiNatale earned her BS in Marine Biology, Secondary Education Teacher Certification from the University of New England, MS in Teacher Education from the College of Saint Rose, and National Board Certification in Young Adolescent Science. In addition, Mrs. DiNatale has extensive field research experience with green sea urchins, coral reef research in Belize, and Steller sea lion research in Alaska. She previously worked for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation as a Marine Biologist overseeing marine habitat restoration projects on the Hudson River. Mrs. DiNatale taught 6th-8th grade science, STEM, and marine biology at Broadalbin-Perth Junior High School for 10 years. She served as National Junior Honor Society Co-Advisor, founded the Community Service Club, and served on the Building Leadership Team. Additionally, she established a biannual Splash Into Science trip to the Florida Keys that introduced students to marine ecology and conservation. While at Broadalbin-Perth, Mrs. DiNatale received both the Barnes and Noble “My Favorite Teacher Award” and the Patriot of the Year Award. Mrs. DiNatale now teaches Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology at Fonda-Fultonville Senior High School. Loving all things sand and sea, Mrs. DiNatale relishes time spent with family in tropical locales, snorkeling with the resident marine life. She looks forward to learning from her talented colleagues in the NYS Master Teacher Program and will continue to promote and engage in opportunities for girls in STEM, conservation, and climate change awareness.
Kathleen Donovan earned her BFA in the Visual Arts from the University of Bridgeport, an MS in Education Technology from The College of St Rose, a graduate certificate in Engineering Education from Tufts University and is currently taking courses in the Creativity & Leadership program at SUNY Buffalo State. After ten years of professional graphic design work, she entered the world of education as an elementary Computer Technology instructor. Mrs. Donovan earned her certification as a (K-12) Education Technology Specialist, taught for seventeen years at New Hartford Schools, and is currently the district's STEAM Enrichment Specialist where she designs STEAM enrichment opportunities for elementary students. She has participated in the planning of the district's Spring-STEAM event and currently advises The Character Lab at Myles Elementary School. She regularly assists her colleagues in digital technology integration and is also on the district's socio-emotional learning training program sponsored by Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Donovan continues to work on her own creative skills with her visual art and writing to fuel her STEAM pedagogy. Her passion to participate in the jam-band music festival scene keeps her vitally aware of the joy it is to learn through improvisation. She is looking forward to sharing her learning experiences with other Master Teachers and, in turn, continuing her own education through the passion and leadership of their work.
Meghan Dote earned her BS at SUNY Brockport in Childhood Education and her Masters Degree from Touro College in Students with Disabilities. Since obtaining her Master's Degree, she has taken many content graduate classes to earn a teaching certification in Science. Mrs. Dote currently teaches 15:1 Science in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades at Whitesboro Middle School. Although teaching since 2007, this is her fourth year teaching at Whitesboro Central Schools. Outside of her teaching, Mrs. Dote is involved with the Whitesboro School District community as a Varsity Assistant Field Hockey Coach, is a member of the Compass Committee. She has also created and advised a club called Accomplishments in STEAM, where women in the STEAM field speak to the club about their path taken, struggles, and accomplishments. Mrs. Dote is also a member of the Woods Valley Ski Patrol, where she assists injured patrons and helps them seek the medical attention they need. She enjoys being very active, particularly through outdoor activities such as downhill skiing, hiking, kayaking, and waterskiing with her family. Mrs. Dote looks forward to the many opportunities that the NYS Master Teacher Program offers especially guiding and helping future teachers find their paths, and helping to enrich her students' learning.
Colin Douglass earned his B.A. in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Technology from Grand Canyon University. Mr. Douglass has been teaching for 11 years, eight of those have been for Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES Career and Technical Education Center where he teaches the Emerging Technologies and Cyber Security course. Mr. Douglass teaches students fundamental technical skills to promote employability in the ever-growing Information Technology and Cyber Security fields. He serves as a member on several Computer Science and Cyber Security advisory committees for local colleges and BOCES organizations. He is also the Lead Instructor for the National Security Agency's GenCyber camp and regularly attends national conferences hosted by the NSA. In 2018, Mr. Douglass received the Observer-Dispatch Amazing Teacher Award. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys spending time kayaking, canoeing and relaxing at camp with his wife and children. He is looking forward to working with other Master Teachers to engage elementary students and educators in computer sciences and increase the presence of females in Cyber Security and STEM-related fields.
Shauna Douglass earned her BS in Biology from Siena College and her MS in Education from Utica College. Mrs. Douglass discovered a love for teaching while employed as an Environmental Educator for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. She went on to pilot a winter outdoor education program in local urban schools districts as an Americorp Team Leader and also worked with special education students in the Utica City School district as a transition specialist. Mrs. Douglass began her career as a formal educator in an alternative education setting where she worked with Career and Technical Education teachers to create authentic STEM learning experiences for middle school students. Mrs. Douglass currently teaches Living Environment at Proctor High School where she enjoys collaborating with her colleagues in the science and special education departments to create effective lessons for a wide range of learners. In her free time, Shauna likes taking her own small children outside to search for bugs, snakeskins, antler sheds, and other treasures to share with her students. She is very excited to expand her professional learning network as a Master Teacher and looks forward to learning more about nanobiotechnology and sharing ideas with other educators.
Lynne Duffy earned both her BS in Biology and her Master of Science in Teaching in Education from Le Moyne College. She began teaching in 2008 to inspire students to look critically at their world while helping them to understand the nuances of the living environment. Currently, she is teaching Living Environment and co-teaching English as a New Language Living Environment at Rome Free Academy. In the past, Lynne has also taught Marine Biology, Physical Science, and Accelerated Living Environment, in addition to designing curriculum for and teaching Forensic Science, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Global Environment. Lynne currently serves as the co-advisor for the Senior Class of 2019 of Rome Free Academy, assisting students with school activities, community involvement, and end of the year celebrations. She is also a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS and looks forward to the annual conference to enhance her teaching and her students' learning. During her precious free time, Lynne enjoys going to movies, baking many goodies, playing with her two children, and spending time with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Lynne is eagerly anticipating working with teachers and leaders from other schools to smooth the transition into the Next Generation Science Standards with new ideas and more hands-on science activities.
Michele Dunn earned her Civil Engineering Technology degree at Mohawk Valley Community College. She worked in the Water Resources engineering field for 22 years for Stetson-Harza and for Gomez and Sullivan Engineers. Her work entailed Dambreak analyses and hydroelectric powerplant relicensing, as well as dam inspections and rehabilitation. Michele's love of mathematics led her to a desire to teach and, so, she returned to school where she earned her BS in Applied Mathematics from SUNYPoly and MS in Education from Utica College. Mrs. Dunn is passionate about encouraging and empowering students to pursue a career in a STEM field. She teaches Precalculus Honors and AP Calculus AB at Clinton High School where she serves as the Mathematics Department Leader and advisor of the National Honor Society. As a NYS Master Teacher Michele looks forward to collaborating with top STEM educators and participating in Master Teacher professional communities in order to bring new ideas into the classroom.
Michael Dunne earned his BA and MA in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam and his MS in Education from Utica College. Mr. Dunne feels very lucky to return to his alma mater, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, and continues to bring an intense level of enthusiasm and involvement in his community. In the classroom for ten years, he teaches Math 7/8/Accelerated and Automatic Identification System (AIS) 7/8. Outside the classroom, Mr. Dunne has been an assistant in the Varsity Baseball program for eight years and just began a 20-year stint (optimistically speaking) as coach of the Boy's Cross Country program. He frequently emcees various school events and enjoys supporting several extracurricular activities in the Red Devil community. A lifelong math geek, Mr. Dunne is a member of American Mensa. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Dunne has participated in the statistics mini-course and is a member of the Mathematics in Media Professional Learning Team. The best part of his life is time spent with his beautiful wife and their baby boy.
Frank DuRoss Jr. earned his BS in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont, MS in Science Education from Syracuse University and pursued coursework in Systems Ecology at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. In the classroom for 15 years, Mr. DuRoss teaches 7th grade Life Science at Perry Jr. High School. A strong advocate for a classroom environment built upon a foundation of personal relationships, he involves his students in coursework that engages their curiosity and connects to their everyday experiences. He enjoys teaching science because the disciplines are constantly changing, requiring him to continually seek out opportunities to expand his content knowledge. Mr. DuRoss' professional interests focus on integrating technology into classroom instruction. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as the head coach of the New Hartford girls' varsity soccer team, and is a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the Science Teacher Association of NYS. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. DuRoss has participated in The Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods, Measuring Global Climate Change, and The Changing Ecology of the Great Lakes mini-courses, a workshop on Pond Ecology, and is a member of the Project-Based Learning for Human Body Systems Professional Learning Team.
Justin Eberley earned his BS in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Med and MSEd in Adolescence Education Biology from Utica College. Mr. Eberly, in his 15th year, teaches middle school science and facilitates the Makerspace classroom. He advises the Makerspace and Technology Clubs at Holland Patent Middle School where his students compete in FIRST Lego League Robotics. He serves on various committees within the district. In the community, he is involved with the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee for Research at Utica College and CNY FIRST Robotics. Mr. Eberley has received many awards including the 2019 Teacher of the Year from the Library Media Specialists of OHM BOCES, the 2019 Coach/Mentor Award from FIRST Lego League-Utica Region, and the 2016 Outstanding Educator in STEM Education from the Mohawk Valley Engineering Executive Council. He loves to develop curriculum and provide professional development through the Holland Patent Teacher Center. He has also set up trainings to instruct coaches about Robotics. He is sought after to develop and teach summer camp courses for local colleges. Mr. Eberly has many passions ranging from fixing houses, watching sports, the Olympics, writing music, traveling, and creating art where he has won twice in the amateur mixed media category at the New York State Fair.
Michael Eisinger Michael Eisinger earned his BA in Physics from SUNY Geneseo and his MSEd in Curriculum and Development from SUNY Oswego. In his eighth year of teaching at his alma mater, Sauquoit Valley High School, he teaches Regents Physics, Advanced Placement Physics through Herkimer College, and Consumer Math. In addition to being the Content Area Coordinator for science teachers in the high school, Mr. Eisinger advises the Chess Club and coaches boys junior varsity and girls modified volleyball. In the past, he has worked with other science teachers over the summer to develop resources for local elementary school teachers and was chosen by his students to receive Rotary International's Outstanding Educator Award for Sauquoit Valley in 2019. Outside of school, Mr. Eisinger enjoys playing volleyball, supporting Syracuse University athletics, and hiking in the Adirondacks, as he has just become an Adirondack 46'er this past summer. Mr. Eisinger remembers the exact day and homework question that he was working on when physics, to that point somewhat of a struggle, finally "clicked" for him, and he has loved every step of that journey ever since! He is looking forward to meeting other Master Teachers in the area, collaborating with them on best practices, and learning through workshops and other meetings, how to better inspire and advise his students in their science endeavors.
Sarah Elacqua earned her B.S. in Biology and her M.S. in Liberal Studies from Utica College and attained her teaching credentials in Adolescent Education from Le Moyne College. Prior to teaching, Sarah worked as a research assistant in Neuroscience at Utica College with a somatosensory focus on hearing, balance, and proprioception. As an educator, Mrs. Elacqua's focuses on bringing technology to the classroom via the use of iPads and Chromebooks and on the use of brain-based learning strategies. Sarah has experience teaching in private, public, and charter schools and currently teaches Living Environment and AP Biology at Waterville Jr./Sr. High School. She previously taught AP Biology, Living Environment, Field Studies, Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Health at middle and high school levels. Outside of her high school classroom, Sarah is an adjunct instructor of Biology at Mohawk Valley Community College. She encourages her students to view themselves as a part of the greater community and the world and to challenge their perceptions regarding science and the natural world. Above all, Sarah has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and is excited about working with other Master Teachers in their Professional Learning Teams, presenting and attending conference whenever possible, and bringing new educational opportunities to her students.
Michael Eramo earned his BS in Physics and BS in Adolescent Education from SUNY Oneonta and his MS in Mathematics from the University of West Florida. While studying at SUNY Oneonta, Michael was awarded the Robert. J. Noyce Scholarship for teaching STEM subjects in "high needs" schools. Mr. Eramo has taught Physics, Conceptual Science, Algebra, 7th Grade Life Science, 8th Grade Physical Science, and AIS Math at New York Mills High School. Since 2015 Michael has also been an adjunct professor in the Mathematics Department at SUNY Polytechnic, teaching College Algebra. Voted the 2016 – 2017 Outstanding Educator at New York Mills, Michael takes great pride in pushing students to work beyond the scope of the standard high school science and math curriculum. He is the co-advisor of the National Honor Society and oversees an engineering team at the yearly Air Force Research Lab Engineering Competition. Michael is often found working on different types of independent projects with his students such as programing video games, building homemade musical instruments, or learning to design and solder complex electronic circuits. Michael's hobbies include playing guitar, designing and building guitar effects pedals, learning about computer programming, and ethical hacking. As a Master Teacher, Michael hopes to learn new techniques to help motivate students to passionately explore science and math concepts that lie outside of the normal high school curriculum.
Brandon A. Fleming attended UC of Syracuse University as both an undergraduate and graduate student, earning his BS in Physics and Geoscience, and MS in Adolescent Science Education. Prior to entering the field of physics and engineering education, Brandon worked as a microelectronics scientist in Utica, NY managing laser-ablation mass spectrometers, real-time X-ray, as well as scanning electron, acoustic, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy systems. Currently, in addition to his duties as adjunct professor in the Utica College physics department, Brandon teaches Advanced Placement Physics 2 at Westmoreland Central High School, as well as a two-year / four-semester STEM program which includes introductory astronomy and civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering courses. A former Spanish-speaking representative with the U.S. Department of Education, Brandon still enjoys conversing in Spanish, and Italian with his foreign exchange students. Mr. Fleming currently serves as an academic summer intern at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY working alongside the ion trapping team as they design and construct quantum information laser systems. In his free time, he coaches ultimate Frisbee or spends time with his wife and their three children (Isaac, Xavier, and Nikola) and their chocolate lab, Joule. As a NYS Master Teacher, Brandon is hoping to share a more enduring experience with future students.
Audrey Foote earned her BS in biology from Quinnipiac University, MS in Adolescent Education from Utica College, and MS in biology from the University of St. Joseph. Ms. Foote was guided by her mother and began her career in science when she was very young while working in the garden at home and discovering baby rabbits. Reading about the life cycle of rabbits, she found a love for science and how the world works. As an undergraduate, she completed a Summer Fellowship in the Molecular Cell Biology department at the Masonic Medical Research Lab in Utica and assisted her professors in the developmental biology research lab. Ms. Foote has been teaching for eight years, spending the last five at New York Mills teaching 7th grade science and Regents Chemistry. She helps develop Chemistry curriculum for a Learning Management System and the elementary science curricula at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Ms. Foote is also an active member of the Utica Curling Club and has played in the United States Women's Curling Association National Bonspiel. She is looking forward to continuing the path her mother set for her at a young age: learning at every possible moment and opportunity. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Ms. Foote plans to participate in the Mohawk Valley's 2015 Summer Institute @ the Oswegatchie Educational Center.
Kevin Ford earned his BS in Meteorology from SUNY Oswego and his MS is Adolescence Education at Utica College. Mr. Ford teaches Regents Earth Science, Environmental Science, and College NOW Physical Geology through Herkimer College at Poland Central School. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Ford is a co-advisor of the middle/high school student council, co-chair of the annual PCS Science Fair, and the varsity tennis coach. Since 2008, he has served on the NYS Council on Leadership and Student Activities state board, representing Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, and Otsego counties, in 2010, he was named the NYS CLSA State Advisor of the Year for student council. Mr. Ford has traveled with numerous student groups to leadership conferences around New York, the Mid-Atlantic, and other parts of the country. Since 2014, he has traveled with People to People International Student Travel to Canada, England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales with student groups from grades 4-12. As a STEM teacher Mr. Ford enjoys working with students to find out why and how events or phenomena occur. As a NYS Master Teacher, Kevin looks forward to working with others in and out of his content area on increasing student achievement.
Kayla Foster earned her B.A. in Mathematics with a minor in computer science from Russell Sage College and M.A.T. in Mathematics from Sage Graduate School. While studying at Russell Sage she published a paper entitled, “Does Randomization Mask Responses to Sensitive Questions?” and graduated as a Kellas Scholar. Mrs. Foster is currently teaching Algebra I, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus at New Hartford High School. Previously, she taught mathematics for 13 years at Rome Free Academy. Mrs. Foster was Teacher Coordinator and a member of several district committees at RFA. Mrs. Foster believes in creating a safe, fun, collaborative learning environment where students feel encouraged to learn mathematics. Her use of APL Teaching Strategies and flipped classroom model has improved her students academic achievement. Mrs. Foster hopes to inspire more students to become educators, just like her math teacher influenced her. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Foster enjoys attending her student's sporting events, musical performances, and chaperoning school dances. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys. You can usually find her cheering on her boys at the baseball field or hockey rink. Mrs. Foster is excited to be a part of the Master Teacher Program so she can collaborate with and learn from other STEM teachers in the Mohawk Valley.
Brian Frantz earned his BS in Chemistry Education from SUNY Geneseo and his MSEd in Chemistry from SUNY Cortland. As an undergraduate, he worked as a tutor and a lab instructor, and became interested in the science and art of teaching so he began taking education classes. Mr. Frantz's first teaching opportunity came in 2008-09 as a year-long substitute in 7th grade science. After an enjoyable and instructive stop at Whitesboro HS teaching chemistry and other courses, Mr. Frantz was hired at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES to teach vocational science in their Career and Technical division. He currently teaches lessons in most of their programs including courses like Auto Body, Auto Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary, Criminal Justice, and Welding. Mr. Frantz is passionate about teaching students to do their own research, question everything, and experiment to find the best method to accomplish a technical task. This passion is exhibited in the volunteer work he does for the SkillsUSA club which culminates in an annual 3-day trip in Syracuse where students compete in their various disciplines. Outside of school, Mr. Frantz loves BBQ, live music, and the great outdoors. Mr. Frantz is excited to join the Master Teacher Program for access to science specific professional development and to work with excellent teachers.
JoAnn Fredette earned her BS from The College of Saint Rose, and her MS from SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. Fredette has been teaching various grade levels and STEM subjects for 24 years, and her teaching experiences range from presenting a live interactive grade school science series at a television studio in Toledo, Ohio, to the science labs at Schenevus Central School where she teaches Regents Living Environment and Regents Chemistry. She is constantly on the lookout for novel and effective ways to approach science with her students by attending workshops during summer, creating videos for her flipped lessons, concocting a new lab in her kitchen, or "shopping" for unique items at garage sales. Her favorite part of teaching is watching the moment a student truly understands the concept. Those "light bulb" moments keep her excited about returning to the classroom each day. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Fredette likes to garden, paint botanical specimens, and read "nerdy" books. Most often, you'll find her encouraging her three sons and their love for learning, and working as a roadie for their band, "Skinny Guys with Glasses." Mrs. Fredette looks forward to attending many of the NYS Master Teacher Program professional development activities planned for this summer.
Sarah L. Gaasch earned her MS in Education and BS in Biology from Utica College and teaches Living Environment and Advanced Placement Biology at New York Mills Union Free School District. A strong advocate for inquiry based learning, she engages her students in learning science through exploration and discovery. She strongly believes in the old adage, "Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand." Her professional interests focus on exploratory approaches to learning science in everyday life, and her current projects include expanding student involvement in the Medical Olympiad and Regional Science Fair, as well as development of an online Living Environment Course. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is co-advisor for the senior class, coordinator of her schools Medical Olympiad Team and Science Fair, member of the Technology Committee, Building Leader Team, the Science Teacher Association of NYS, and the National Science Teachers Association. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, she has taken the Changing Ecology of the Great Lakes mini-course and a workshop on population genetics, and co-facilitated a talk at the annual professional development conference entitled "On the Biology Teacher's Bookshelf."
Richard Gallo earned his BA in Secondary Education with minors in both Biology and Chemistry from SUNY Oneonta and MA in Instruction and Curriculum from SUNY Oswego. Mr. Gallo has certifications in earth science, general science, living environment, and is authorized to teach Advanced Placement Biology by College Board. Mr. Gallo has used these certifications to teach more than 10 different courses during his 15 year career in public education. He is very active in Remsen Central School, where he teaches and Adirondack Central School, where he serves as the Board of Education Vice President. Mr. Gallo is a member of the district's Technology Committee, Remsen Teacher Resource Center Policy Board, and has served as a mentor for new educators in his school. Community involvement is also important to Mr. Gallo and led him to be a LEGO Robotics coach as well as an active member of the Boonville Environmental Council. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Gallo looks forward to working with others in his region to provide the most high quality science education for all students in the Mohawk Valley Region.
AnneMarie Giles earned her BA in Biology from Hartwick College, and MS in Education from SUNY at Albany. In the classroom for 15 years, Ms. Giles teaches Regents Biology 9 CP at Amsterdam High School.
Heather Grant earned her BS in Environmental Earth Science from SUNY Oneonta, and an MS in Geology from the University of Vermont. Ms. Grant's entry into teaching began in 2008, when she applied for a substitute teaching position at Lyndon Institute, an independent school in Northeastern Vermont, teaching AP and Honors Physics. After teaching for several years in Vermont, she returned to New York, and received her Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Adolescent Education. Over the last 13 years in the classroom, Ms. Grant has taught high school and middle school level Physics, middle school Chemistry, Earth Science and Environmental Studies. In addition, Ms. Grant is a Curriculum Specialist for the Otsego County Conservation Association Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, specializing in Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences, and works with Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring as a citizen scientist, collecting and analyzing stream water samples in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. She also works with her local Town Board through Climate Smart Communities, to ensure watershed protections are in place at the town level. Ms. Grant is an avid outdoors person, who enjoys hiking, mountain biking, backpacking and gardening and coaching the local National Interscholastic Cycling Association mountain bike team. Ms. Grant is looking forward to participating in the NYS Master Teacher Program, especially the Earth Science Rocks PLT, and any opportunity to dive into local and regional geology.
Scott Gray earned his BT in Plant Science with a minor in Turf Management from SUNY Cobleskill in 1995. As a machinist and quality control coordinator at Edgcomb Metals, Scott expanded his computer-aided design skills. Working as a mentor in the machine shop, he found his love for teaching and went on to get his MAT with a major in Technology at Union Graduate College. Scott began his teaching career at SUNY Cobleskill in 1996 as an Adjunct instructor for the Plant Science Department, and has also taught in the Information Technology and Agricultural Engineering Departments. He currently teaches two Computer-Aided Drafting courses and 3D printing technology, as well as a STEM summer camp program for middle school students at the college. Scott has been the Technology Coordinator and a Technology Teacher for the Middleburgh Central School District since 1998 where he teaches 7th and 8th Grade Technology, CIHS Television Production, Design and Drawing for Production, CIHS CADCAM 3D, Materials Processing, Architecture, CIHS Construction Engineering, Principles of Engineering, and Manufacturing. He also serves as the Stage and Audio Visual Coordinator, the advisor for the TV Production Club and the Technology Club, and as a member of the Roundtable Parent Teachers Association. Mr. Gray is always innovating with his classroom curriculum, implementing new technology, new skills, and hands-on learning activities. When he is not at school, he can be found in his garage restoring antique Ford trucks or in his shop crafting metal and woodworking projects. Scott is looking forward to sharing ideas with other STEM educators, with the hope of expanding his course offerings to the K-6 students at Middleburgh Elementary School.
Ralph Greco earned his BA in physics from Potsdam College, and MA in Science teaching from Syracuse University. He holds National Board Certification in Adolescence and Young Adulthood Science, is a certified GlobalLearning and Observation toBenefit the Environment (GLOBE) program instructor, and a NASA Moon Rock Certified Instructor. In the classroom for 23 years, Mr. Greco teaches Earth Science and physics at Whitesboro High School. An advocate of student-centered, problem-based learning and technology integration to enhance student learning, Mr. Greco enjoys teaching STEM because of the relevance of the topics in his students' everyday activities. As Science Club Advisor, Mr. Greco has coached several students in local and national science fair competitions. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Greco is an item writer for the National Board, an online curriculum developer for Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and an active member of the National Science Teachers Association. Within the NYS MTP, Mr. Greco has participated in The Geoscience of Hydro-fracturing and The Changing Ecology of the Great Lakes mini-courses, the Ashokan Retreat designed and facilitated by the NYC Region and is a member of the Project-Based Learning Professional Learning Team.
Jessica Hamilton earned her BS in Elementary Education from Elmira College and her MA in Special Education from Touro College. Mrs. Hamilton taught 6th grade math for 19 years and recently embarked on a new journey of teaching 6th grade Science. She is the Student Council Advisor at Parkway Middle School and her main goals for her students are to promote school pride, create a sense of school community, work together for the greater good of her school, and give back to their community. In addition to being the Student Council Advisor, she enjoys participating as the Teacher Representative in the Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). This experience has given her the opportunity to be more of a leader on the Middle School campus and build stronger relationships with families in her community. Mrs. Hamilton's leadership roles with both Student Council and the PTO represent her core belief in leading by example. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to Florida to visit family, boating, spending time with friends, and making memories with her family. She is excited about continuing her life-long learning through experiences with her fellow teacher peers, and is honored to work with and learn from like-minded educators to better her craft and share her knowledge with her school district.
Amanda Hartnett graduated magna cum laude from Utica College with a BS in Chemistry, and earned her MBA from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, formerly SUNY Institute of Technology. Prior to her teaching career, she worked as an engineer in the private sector, focusing on electronic manufacturing technologies. She began her teaching career 9 years ago, and has been a driven and dedicated 7th grade science teacher at Sauquoit Valley Central School for the past 6 years. In addition to teaching, she advises her school's technology club, chaperones the ski club, supports the Sauquoit Valley Foundation, taught in her school's STEM Summer Enrichment Program, and recently hosted her first student teacher. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Hartnett has served as a children's catechism instructor and volunteers her time at the public library. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, working on her home restoration projects, skiing, and reading by the water. Mrs. Hartnett is honored to be selected as a NYS Master Teacher and is looking forward to collaborating with accomplished STEM educators. Her aim is to learn and implement the best practices to prepare her students with 21st century skills.
Krista Harwick earned her BS in Animal Science from Cornell University and teaches Living Environment, Ecology, and Advanced Placement Biology at Central Valley Academy. The 2014-2015 school year will mark her eleventh year of teaching. With a background that includes three months studying wildlife management in Kenya, and certification as a Master Naturalist through Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ms. Harwick is a strong advocate for experiential learning techniques. She involves students in field research and data analysis to promote a deeper understanding of scientific principles and inquiry methods. As the advisor for her district's Ecology Club, current projects include replenishing school grounds through plantings, and starting a vegetable garden that uses food waste as compost to supply supplemental food for the cafeteria. She was recently honored with the Environmental Science Teacher of the Year Award by the Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation District. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Ms. Harwick has participated in the Population Genetics Workshop, The Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods, and The Changing Ecology of the Great Lakes mini-courses, and is a member of the Biologists' Bookshelf Professional Learning Team.
Jennifer Hazzard earned her BA in Biology with a concentration in Chemistry at SUNY Oneonta, and her MSEd in Chemistry Education from The College of Saint Rose. She is certified in biology, chemistry and physics. While at Oneonta, she was inducted into Beta Beta Beta, the Biology Honor Society for excellence in the field of biology. At Saint Rose, she was the recipient of the Sister Anne L. Clark Scholarship for undergraduate merit. Jennifer chose a career in education after falling in love with teaching while tutoring chemistry at Oneonta, and became a full time teacher in 2009. She currently teaches chemistry and physics at Gloversville High School in Gloversville, N.Y. and serves on the PBIS and literacy teams. In addition to her work at the high school, she is also an adjunct science instructor and cross country coach at Fulton Montgomery Community College. As a STEM educator, Jennifer is most passionate about inspiring her students to make the world a better place through curiosity, innovation and problem solving. Outside of the classroom, Jennifer loves spending time with her son, Boone, and her family and friends, and enjoys hiking in the Adirondacks. As a Master Teacher, she looks forward to learning new and exciting ways to bring science to life through professional development and her fellow Master Teachers.
Laurie Hennessy earned her BS in Biology and Adolescent Education from SUNY Oneonta, where she received the Secondary Education Department Academic Achievement award for the Class of 2010. She went on to receive her MSEd in Literacy Education from SUNY Cortland and began teaching in 2010. Ms. Hennessy currently teaches Regents Living Environment and Advanced Placement Biology at Little Falls City School District where she is an advisor for the Little Falls Chapter of National Honor Society and for the Class of 2019. She was inspired to pursue a career in biology because she has always been fascinated by the interconnectedness that can be seen across nature, beginning at the micro level with chemical reactions within the human body to the macro level exhibited by environmental phenomena. Laurie loves to share this passion with students, which has led her to a successful career in education. Ms. Hennessy is an active member of the Cornell Institute of Biology Teachers, a professional learning team of teachers dedicated to developing authentic laboratory investigations to facilitate hands-on learning. She is passionate about the belief that science is a subject to be learned through experiences and questioning. Outside of the classroom, Laurie enjoys spending free time exploring the Adirondacks while hiking, kayaking, or biking. As a part of the Master Teacher Program, Ms. Hennessy looks forward to collaborating with colleagues to develop engaging activities that will interest and hook students into pursuing a career in the field of science.
Debora Henry earned her BA in Speech and Language Pathology from SUNY Cortland and MA in Literacy from The University at Albany. With certifications in Speech and Hearing Handicapped, Elementary Education Pre-K-6, and Reading K-12, her experiences span multiple age groups, a variety of disciplines, and multiple school settings. Debora has spent the past five years of her 16-year career, as a 6th grade math teacher at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School (CRCS). This role has provided her the opportunity to bridge learning expectations between elementary and middle/high school curriculums while integrating literacy and math skills. She is passionate about emphasizing risk-taking, strategy, and a growth mind-set. Among involvement in multiple collaboration efforts, she is a Middle School Inquiry Team member, a co-coordinator of a STEM club, and a co-advisor to WEB (student mentoring program). Debora served as an education specialist for NYS Education Department in a variety of capacities related to state assessments. Working with pre-service education students at Hartwick College is one of her greatest professional contributions. Participating in the Master Teacher Program will provide her with innovative learning strategies to implement in her own classroom and share with eager pre-service students. Her free time is spent as a CRCS fan cheering on her sons' sports teams.
Loreen Hobart earned her A.S. in science from Herkimer County Community College, her B.S. in Biology and Secondary Education from SUNY Cortland, and her M.S. in Education from Walden University. She teaches Living Environment and AP Biology at Frankfort-Schuyler Central School and tutors homebound students. At Frankfort-Schuyler, Loreen has mentored new teaches and advised the Senior High National Honor Society and the Senior High Student Council. Mrs. Hobart was selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction for Excellence in Teaching by the National Society of High School Scholars and has taught night classes as an adjunct professor of nutrition at Herkimer County Community College for several years. Loreen is an avid enthusiast of the outdoors and all things related to science, and she encourages this in her 3 children, who are her greatest joys. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Hobart has attended The Biology of Cancer mini-course and facilitated a session at the 2017 NYSMTP Annual Conference in Albany on engaging ways to use podcasts in the science classroom. She looks forward to continuing collaboration with other master teachers from across the state on strengthening the sciences in our schools.
Julia Hudyncia-Davis attended SUNY Cobleskill before transferring to Cornell University where she earned her BS in Animal Science and Master of Art in Teaching in Agriculture Education. Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis taught an array of agriculture science courses since 2010, including Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Equine Science, Dairy Science, Plant Science, Food Systems, Wildlife/Conservation Management, and Agriculture Mechanics. Currently, she teaches at Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville (OESJ) Central School, and is advisor of the Mohawk Valley Future Farmer of America, a youth organization focused on leadership, personal growth, and career success. Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis has been recognized for her teaching at the state and national levels including being named the New York Association of Agricultural Educators (NYAAE) Teacher Turn the Key Winner, and Outstanding Teacher Award. Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis has held many leadership roles in and out of school. At OESJ, she's an active participant in the Building Leaders Team and coordinator of “Cookie and a Compliment.” Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis is an active member of her family farm where they milk Registered Holsteins, raise organic grass-fed beef, and operate a garden and greenhouse to supply a local school and farm store. Recently, Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis was the New York Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Winner. As an educator, it is her goal to bring her passion and involvement in the agriculture industry to her students. Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis is looking forward to being able to share her passion and experiences in agriculture with other STEM content teachers.
Patricia Jenks is currently in her 20th year of teaching at Oriskany Central School. She earned her MS in Education in Curriculum & Instruction and BA in Math Secondary Education, both from SUNY Plattsburgh. She is currently teaching her dream courses of Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Ms. Jenks is the advisor of Key Club, a student-led organization that focuses on community service. She is also the co-chair of the Pre-K to 12 Mathematics Committee, a member of the Technology and Innovation Committee, a mentor to Math Teacher-Interns, a mentor to student teachers, and treasurer for the Oriskany Teacher's Association. She was the cheerleading coach at Oriskany for 14 years and proud to have been a part of twelve Section III championships. Patricia enjoys travelling, especially to tropical areas. Her dream vacation would be a trip to Hawaii. Ms. Jenks has had the opportunity to attend Statistics workshops offered by area Master Teachers and learned a great deal in a short period of time. She is honored to have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow from the best educators in the area.
Danielle Kiefer earned her BA in Biology and Master of Arts in Teaching from SUNY Binghamton. During her time in high school and college, she tutored students in math and science, and the sense of achievement she felt piquing students' interested in difficult subjects inspired her to become a teacher. Mrs. Kiefer has been teaching at the Town of Webb UFSD in Old Forge for six years, and currently teaches Living Environment, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Bioethics. She is a strong advocate of keeping science fun and engaging for students, and you can often find her classes conducting experiments or having discussions related to scientific topics. Mrs. Kiefer is an advisor to the science club at the Town of Webb, as well as, a co-leader of the peer-guided Sources of Strength group, which works to provide students with healthy sources of support. She is also a member of the Science Teachers Association of New York, and looks forward to the annual meeting of teachers from around the state. In her free time, she enjoys reading both scientific literature and fiction. She looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers in her region to incorporate new practices into the ever evolving field of science teaching!
Deborah Kiskiel earned her BA in Science and Math Education from SUNY College at Potsdam and her MEd from SUNY Cortland. A middle school math and science teacher for 22 years, Mrs. Kiskiel started her career at her alma mater, Adirondack Central School District. Currently, she teaches middle school science and Academic Intervention Services (AIS) Math at Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School District. She is a Team Leader in her building, and serves on building and district level committees. Mrs. Kiskiel is part of a committee developing an accelerated science program for middle school students and implementing an interdisciplinary project based learning with a focus on STEAM. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Kiskiel has participated in the mini-course about the Geoscience of Natural Hydro-Fracturing and various workshops. Mrs. Kiskiel's favorite part about teaching STEM is being able to give her students the opportunities to be active learners by completing laboratory investigations, projects, and activities that teach students how to think like scientists and to collaborate, the latter being a lifelong skill that every person needs.
Jon Krawiec earned his BS in Geochemistry and Geology from SUNY Oswego and MA in Education with a concentration in Geosciences from SUNY New Paltz. In the classroom for 17 years, he teaches Regents Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics at Waterville Central School. Mr. Krawiec is an advocate of hands-on inquiry based learning. For this reason, Mr. Krawiec's professional interests focus on workshops that help him design and build simulators that his students can later manipulate and use to further their understanding of scientific concepts. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Krawiec has been Science Department Head, Education Specialist for New York State Education Department, and a member of the Science Affiliates of Colgate College and of the Geologic Society of America. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Krawiec has attended various workshops, including one on hydro-fracturing and another on invertebrates. Mr. Krawiec's favorite part of teaching STEM is the investigative nature of science. He enjoys helping his students make observations in search of their own understanding of why thing are the way they are.
Jillian Kreppel earned her B.S. in Mathematics from The College at Brockport and M.S.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from SUNY Potsdam. Ms. Kreppel holds NYS Teacher Certifications in Mathematics and Special Education in Early, Elementary, and Secondary Education. With her multiple qualifications, she has taught a wide range of classes. An educator for seven years, she currently teaches Regents Geometry, co-teaching Algebra, pre-Algebra, and a 15:1 pre-algebra class at Mayfield Middle High School. Ms. Kreppel wants her students to succeed and experience meaningful, interesting learning that will help them become lifelong learners and productive citizens. She works on accomplishing this through the use of hands-on activities, cooperative learning, and an integrated curriculum consisting of diverse learning experiences and technology. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Kreppel looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers. She always enjoys learning something new to add to her repertoire of content knowledge.
Wes Laurion earned his BA in Physics from SUNY Oswego, BS in Adolescent Education from SUNY Oswego, and MS in Computer Science from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. He is a member of the American Modeling Teachers Association and uses modeling techniques frequently in his classroom. Mr. Laurion was inspired to be a teacher by his parents, who are both teachers, and by his high school Physics teacher. In 2010, Mr. Laurion began teaching Physics at Ilion High School, and now teaches all levels of Computer Science at Central Valley Academy, a merged district consisting of the former Ilion and Mohawk Central School Districts. He hosts Video Game Club and works as the Yearbook Advisor for the school. Mr. Laurion is passionate about Computer Science Education, believing that all students should have the opportunity to be exposed to this new and exciting field before they get to college. Outside the classroom, Mr. Laurion enjoys writing and recording music. He sings and plays all the instruments in his songs. As a member of the Master Teacher Program, Mr. Laurion looks forward to working with other Computer Science teachers who can help him improve his teaching ability so that he can deliver a fantastic education to his students.
Rebecca Leahy earned her BS in Biology from Molloy College and MS in Adolescent Education from The College of Saint Rose. Ms. Leahy spent the last 12 years teaching Living Environment, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, AP Environment, and Chemistry. She currently teaches Living Environment at Gloversville High School, and is currently starting an outdoor club at the High School. Professionally, Ms. Leahy is a member of the Science Teachers Association of New York State. In addition, she is most passionate about relaying her love of learning Science to her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking in the Adirondack High Peaks, skiing, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends. As a Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with colleagues on implementing the new Science standards.
Jonathan Levine earned his BS in Physics and Adolescent Education as well as his MS in Educational Technology from SUNY Oneonta. Upon completing his Bachelor's degree, Jonathan briefly worked as an adjunct for SUNY Oneonta facilitating physics and chemistry labs. Currently, Jonathan teaches Physics and Advanced Placement Physics at Thomas R. Proctor High School and is advisor to the Proctor High School Chess Club. As an advocate for science education, Jonathan has participated annually in: Proctor's Celebration of Learning by creating and facilitating science demonstrations, Martin Luther King Elementary School's Science Night engaging younger children and families in interactive science displays, and a “Physics Bowl” competition amongst neighboring schools with his students. Jonathan has also worked for Mohawk Valley Community College through several programs serving at-risk students including On Point for College as a teacher of mathematics and computer skills, Upward Bound as a tutor for science and mathematics, and Gear-Up as an advisor to its Robotics Club. Jonathan is passionate about integrating technology into his classroom for the betterment of his students. As part of his Master's Thesis, Jonathan conducted a flipped classroom case-study with his students at Proctor High School. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, golfing, and gaming with his friends. Jonathan looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers to find new ways to create meaningful learning experiences for his students and the community.
Samantha Levine earned her dual BS in Childhood Education and Spanish at SUNY Oneonta and an MS in Second Language Education at SUNY New Paltz with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. In English as a New Language (ENL) elementary grades classrooms for nine years, she teaches first, second, forth, and sixth grade students at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. Science is a core component of Mrs. Levine's curriculum: Science vocabulary and content are explicitly taught in ENL so students can develop a strong foundation for future science explorations in middle and high school. Her students can be observed germinating plants, experimenting with animals' coloration, creating models of the Earth, and crafting Lego bridges. Mrs. Levine has served as Chair for the school's Multicultural Night and is a member of the school's Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports team and of the Faculty Affairs Committee. When she is not at school, Mrs. Levine loves to spend time outdoors hiking, skiing, or running, which reminds her of J.R.R. Tolkien's famous words: Not all those who wander are lost. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Levine is mostly looking forward to learning new science to share with her class and sharing her expertise on making science curriculum more accessible for English Language Learners.
Heidi Libertella earned her BS in Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude, and her MSEd from LeMoyne College. Mrs. Libertella has been teaching at her alma mater of Camden Central since she entered the teaching profession 23 years ago. She began her teaching career at the middle school level and for the last two decades teaches at the high school level. Her true passion in life is watching her students grasp science concepts through both lecture and lab experimentation. Mrs. Libertella credits her inspiration for becoming a chemistry teacher to her former high school chemistry teacher. Mrs. Libertella teaches a variety of science classes including Regents Chemistry, Community College level Chemistry, Forensics, and Food Science. Mrs. Libertella is advisor to the National Honor Society and is the district wide chemical hygiene officer. In addition, she spends summers teaching school, has been a member of the external review team for her local BOCES and has served as educational specialist for the New York State Education Department. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Libertella looks forward to collaborating with her peers to deepen and broaden her knowledge in science content and pedagogical strategies. In her free time, Mrs. Libertella loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors watching the seasons change.
Dana Lindfield-Wadnola earned her BA in Biology and Master of Science in Teaching in Biology from SUNY Potsdam. In the classroom for 16 years, Ms. Lindfield-Wadnola teaches Living Environment and Regents Chemistry at Whitesboro High School.
Hanz Litz earned his BS and MS in Biology from SUNY Buffalo as well as his MS in Secondary Science Education at SUNY Albany. Mr. Litz entered the teaching profession in 2000, with a passion sparked by his father – a Biology teacher as well – and cultivated by numerous teachers of all fields to learn more about the natural world. He currently teaches Advanced Placement Biology, Forensics, and Living Environment at Johnstown High School. Mr. Litz has served as an advisor for various classes and travelled with his students on service-oriented trips, including a class trip to New Orleans to clean and replant the green spaces devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He also has coached over 25 different seasons for various sports team and is currently on the football staff. In his school, he helped found and advise the SCUBA club, coordinate his district's Backpack Meals program, and has been involved in his school's Climate Committee and Professional Development team. As a member of NSTA, Mr. Litz has presented both locally and nationally on implementing and creating inquiry labs. An avid hiker and SCUBA diver, Mr. Litz is looking forward to expanding his content knowledge and working with pre-service teachers.
Adam Lovecchio received his BA in Physics and minors in mathematics, psychology, and philosophy and his Master of Scient in Teaching both from Le Moyne College. Mr. Lovecchio has been a teacher since 2007 and has been teaching at Proctor High School in Utica, NY since 2016. He also works as a physics adjunct at SUNY Poly in Utica, NY. Mr. Lovecchio teaches courses in Regents Physics, Nanotechnology, and Bridges Science. He is currently working on his National Board Certification in Physics. Outside of the classroom, he coaches the school's robotics team, works as the school’s Audio Visual Coordinator, helps as an advocate in STEP Up Physics (helps increase the number of women working in the physics field), helps advocate for energy conservation through the NYS Energy Department and is a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers. He loves spending time with his family, dog, and two cats. In the Master Teacher Program, he looks forward to working with others to get new ideas on how to better improve students’ understanding of the STEM field.
Jake Lutke earned his BS in physics and mathematics from SUNY Albany and his MS in Secondary Education from Utica College. He has been teaching Physics and general sciences for 11 years and is currently at Central Valley Academy. A strong advocate for hands-on, inquiry-based learning, he involves his students in problem solving and technology infused activities and projects. He has recently introduced two teaching strategies into his classroom: The Flipped Classroom and Modeling Physics. His professional interests focus on nanoscience and nanotechnology and raising student awareness of the future opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. His current projects include work with the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services Video Project and the Regents Physics Curriculum Development Team. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Lutke has participated in The Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods and Fractals & 3D Processing mini-courses. Mr. Lutke wants all to know that he is a huge Syracuse University Orange Basketball fan!
Teresa (Penny) Mann earned her BS in biology from Utica College, earned her MS in Reading Education from SUNY Cortland, completed a Leadership Academy at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and achieved National Board Certification AYA Physics from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Mrs. Mann has spent the past 26 years teaching science at Oriskany Central School, and wants everyone to know that "her chemistry students do matter”, she loves having "phun" with her physics students and she is extremely excited to be introducing a “Physics First” program to 14 “Gr8 students” in 2019. Additionally, she has taught AP Physics B, OCC Physics 103 dual enrollment, Physics 151 Lab and Physics 152 Lab at Utica College, and Educational Psychology at Utica College. Mrs. Mann is an active participant in professional associations including the NYS Master Teacher Program, the NYS sections of the AAPT and AACT, the Science Teachers Association of NYS, and the Oriskany Central School District Mentor Teacher Internship Program. These are important to providing her with opportunities to continuously grow, support her colleagues and improve educational opportunities for students. She also actively seeks opportunities to engage with local businesses, institutes of higher education and community organizations. Over the past several years, Mrs. Mann has used evidence from cognitive science research to support every procedure, practice and strategy employed in the classroom. She has shared the evidence that supports each decision with students. She is looking forward to participating in the NYS Academy of Master Teachers because she wants to continue to be challenged and supported by a dedicated community of outstanding and generous colleagues. She believes that together, this community can empower all students to create, access and optimize opportunities for life-long growth and service, resulting in a happier and healthier society.
Rose Mauro earned her B.S in Medical Technology from Utica College, M.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Potsdam, and C.A.S. in School District Administration from SUNY Cortland. For the past 29 years, she has held many positions including 6th-grade science and English Language Arts teacher, Assistant Principal at New Hartford High School, and her present position as a 7th-grade life science teacher at Perry Junior High. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Mauro serves on the district's Teacher Center, and mentors new and student teachers from multiple SUNY campuses. She was part of a professional learning team that redesigned the OHM BOCES science kits to align with the NYS Next Generation Science Standards. After participating in the BOCES sponsored Semi/High-TechU course, she realized the importance of exposing her students to more enriched, meaningful STEM content. She believes in a whole student approach to learning. This led her to direct book studies on how students can be successful learners in and out of the classroom. Mrs. Mauro looks forward to collaborating with fellow Master Teachers which will, in turn, benefit her students.
Kelly Maynard earned her BS in Childhood Education with a concentration in English Language Arts from the SUNY Oneonta, and an MS in Special Education from Fort Hays University. While in college, Mrs. Maynard worked part-time in the outpatient lab at a local hospital and was promoted to perform data collection for the hospital. Mrs. Maynard also worked as a court stenographer for the Otsego County Public Defender's Office for a time during graduate school. In the classroom for ten years, Mrs. Maynard teaches special education resource room classes to 6th graders, is consultant teacher for 6th grade math and combined 6,7, & 8 science at Oneonta Middle School. Mrs. Maynard has been a part of several volunteer experiences throughout the years including chairing the school food backpack program, volunteering at Susquehanna SPCA with her daughter, and serving at the Lord's Table food pantry. She attended the Sense of Place Workshop at the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development where she learned to integrate resources from and about the Catskill Region and upstate New York into the curriculum. Mrs. Maynard has always yearned to see new places and ways of life and has traveled to other parts of the world including places like Africa and Japan. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Maynard is looking forward to participating in the Diverse Learners Professional Learning Team and the Strategies for Tough Times workshops.
Charlene Mazur received her BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and MS in Adolescent Education both from Utica College. Ms. Mazur began teaching at Thomas R. Proctor High School in 2005 and is currently teaching Advanced Placement Chemistry and Regents Chemistry. She has served as a sports coach for volleyball, softball, and soccer. Ms. Mazur has enjoyed a partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College STEM program where she continues to assist Proctor students compete in the STEP Statewide Student Conference (Student Research Poster Presentation) in Albany. Ms. Mazur is also the Chemistry Subject Area Representative for the Mohawk Valley Section of Science Teacher's Association of NYS (STANYS) and is a scheduled presenter for the STANYS conference. Outside of school, Ms. Mazur enjoys playing golf and volleyball. Ms. Mazur is looking forward to collaborating with fellow Master Teachers on increasing student engagement and promoting girls in STEM initiatives.
Mark McFarland earned his BA in Mathematics from Utica College of Syracuse University, and MS in Adolescence Education from Utica College. In the classroom for nine years, Mr. McFarland currently teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics and Common Core Geometry at New Hartford High School. During his time at New Hartford, he was awarded an AP Access STEM Grant for a high level of achievement while increasing enrollment and participation in AP Statistics amongst minority and female students. He was also recognized as a Genesis Outstanding Education in the Mohawk Valley Region. Mr. McFarland is currently the Boys' Varsity Soccer coach and Boys' Varsity Swim coach at New Hartford High School. He has led the swim team to 4 Section III Class B Championships in six years, and was named Coach of the Year three times. He is also a Junior Class Advisor and helps with fundraising and coordinating for the Junior Class prom each year. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. McFarland is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers in Mohawk Valley and across NYS to help bring best practices to the classroom and enhance the learning process for all students.
Julie McKee earned her AAS in Veterinary Science from SUNY Delhi. She worked as a Veterinary Technician for several years before completing her BS and MS in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta. Julie taught 5th & 6th grade science for 18 years, Math AIS for 1 year, and has been a 2nd grade teacher for the last 5 years in the Oneonta City School District. Over her 24 year career, Mrs. McKee has hosted many student teachers, taught education classes at SUNY Oneonta, started a 3rd – 6th grade annual science fair, mentored new teachers, coached high school girls and boys diving, attended the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, and served as a member of several committees. Mrs. McKee is passionate about inspiring children at a young age in the areas of STEM. Outside of school, Julie is an East Coast Masters Diver, rides four-wheelers and horses, loves snow and water skiing, and takes every opportunity to soak up family time. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. McKee is looking forward to professional development in STEM for younger students and to collaborating and learning with other Master Teachers.
Lisa Meschutt believes her love of science began with growing up on a dairy farm in upstate NY. She earned her BA in Secondary Earth Science Education and Anthropology, and her MA in Reading Education from SUNY Oneonta. Her teaching career began in 1992. with the last 20 years in the Oneonta Middle School. She is also a visiting anthropology lecturer with SUNY Cobleskill. She served as treasurer of the OMS PTO for 13 years, has been in Who's Who Among America's Teachers three times, and is a recipient of SUNY Oneonta's Exemplary Service in Teaching Award. Her most recent passion is being on the founding committee of TEDx Oneonta. Regarded as the most rewarding thing she's ever done as a teacher, she takes 50 8th graders to the Grand Canyon each year. Although she is the proud mother of two sons, a screenwriter, and a US Marine officer, they have left her a big empty house which she is using to host guests through Airbnb and loving every minute of it. She is currently developing a physical anthropology course for college credit and hopes to connect with other teachers with similar interests and resources in the Master Teacher program.
Lisa Meyers earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta, M.S. in Reading from SUNY Cortland, and completed a K-12 Teacher Engineering Education Certificate Program at Tufts University. Mrs. Meyers began teaching in the Utica City School District in the late 1990s and has taught fourth grade at the New Hartford Central School since 2000. Mrs. Meyers is an active contributor to both the New Harford Science Committee and STEAM initiative; while serving on the district STEAM committee, she organizes an annual SpringSTEAM event for grade K-6 students to inspire students to pursue STEM studies. Through her school district, Mrs. Meyers piloted Novel Engineering, a research-based teaching approach developed by Tufts University that integrates engineering, science, math, and literacy. Her current research interests include mindfulness and its relationship to STEM learning. She teaches professional development pre-engineering and mindfulness courses in-person and online at the New Hartford Teacher Center, and is a facilitator for the Novel Engineering course at Tufts University. Mrs. Meyers is a passionate lover of the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, reading, and yoga. She is a dedicated wife and mother to her husband and four children. She is thrilled to be a member of the NYS Master Teacher program, and hopes that through collaboration and reflection with regional educators, she will bring new ideas to both her peers and her students.
Heather Monroe earned her BS in Biology and Adolescent Education at Utica College of Syracuse University, with teaching certifications for Biology (7-12) and General Science (7-12), and continued her studies at Utica, majoring in Leadership and Instruction for Inclusive Classrooms to earn her MSEd. At present, she is pursuing her second MSEd in Literacy Education (5 – 12) through SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. Monroe has been a teacher in the Utica City School District since 2014, teaching Physical Science, Environmental Science, and most recently Biology. She is an active member of the school community, serving as the head coach for Girls Varsity Cross Country Team, as well as the assistant coach for both Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. She loves being able to see her students excel inside and outside of the classroom in their individual endeavors in athletics and the arts! Mrs. Monroe enjoys spending time with her husband and dog. She is an avid reader, runner, and enjoys hiking the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. Mrs. Monroe is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers and sharing ideas for ways to enhance lessons and laboratory activities in the classroom.
David Morell earned his BA in Physics and Mathematics with a concentration in Astronomy from SUNY Oneonta, and Master of Arts in Teaching in Mathematics. He currently teaches college Calculus and Physics in the New Visions Engineering program for accelerated high school seniors. He also instructs a project-based Engineering course to the NVE class which includes CAD design 3D-printing, multiple robotic platforms, green energy concepts, a capstone project, and a variety of field trips to industries where the class interacts with the engineers and personnel. Outside of class, he is a SkillsUSA mentor, a FIRST Robotics mentor, CFES participant, Scoutmaster of Troop 23 in Oneonta, and is an Eagle Scout himself. His primary focus is to help students become better problem solvers so that they can effectively solve a wide variety of challenges in the real world. Outside of school, he enjoys his children's participation in sports, Scouting, music, and enjoys participating in their interests himself. He is an avid reader, runner, and roller-skater. Dave thoroughly enjoyed his time as a Master Teacher from the excellent professional development to the many interactions with other MT's. He plans on providing PD for the MT program in the coming years as an emeritus.
Melody Morris earned both her BS in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics and her MS in Curriculum and Instruction from SUNY Oswego. Mrs. Morris has been in the classroom for 24 years and currently teaches Algebra II Common Core Regents, Intermediate Mathematics, and Elementary Statistics at Whitesboro High School. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Morris has served as the Community School Organization liaison, the Mathletics advisor, a Staff-Student mentor, a cooperating teacher, and a member of the Joan Skahan Scholarship Committee. In her free time, Mrs. Morris enjoys spending time with her husband and cheering on her four children at their soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling matches. Prior to becoming a NYS Master teacher, Mrs. Morris participated in the Mohawk Valley Math PLT Conference "We're All in This Together-A Day of Sharing Mathematics" and the Mathematical Ideas in Curve Stitching and String Art mini-course. She found these opportunities to be extremely informative and was inspired to become part of the NYS Master Teacher Program. Mrs. Morris is excited to be part of the Master Teacher Program and looks forward to attending the many professional development activities as well as collaborating with other STEM teachers from across the state.
Mary Anne Murray earned her B.F.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of the Arts, M.A. in Education from LaSalle University, and National Board Teacher Certification in 2018 as a middle child generalist. Currently, she is teaching 6th grade Math and Science at Clinton Middle School. Mrs. Murray began her teaching career at the Clinton Central School district at the elementary level where she taught Kindergarten, second and fourth grades. She also worked as a K-5 math intervention specialist where she developed a program with SUNY Poly that allowed a college student to come to the classroom and teach 5th graders about a future in programming and gaming. Mrs. Murray has served as an ambassador for OHM BOCES where she worked with other elementary and middle school teachers to turnkey the Common Core Math Standards. Working with a diverse group of administrators, parents, and colleagues from across New York State, she collaborated in reviewing, revising and explaining the 3-5 math standards. Through these professional experiences, Mrs. Murray has found a passion focusing on Math and Science instruction on the 8 Mathematical Practices. As a way to ease mathematics anxiety in her students and to bring mathematics into other subject areas, mathematical practices continue to be a strong focus in her instruction. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Murray is looking forward to learning with and from other colleagues so that she can better provide purposeful, life learning lessons to her students.
Michael Nacheman earned his BS in Education from SUNY Oswego, and MS in Curriculum and Instruction from SUNY Plattsburgh. Michael spent three years working as the science coordinator at the Saratoga Independent School where he was able to differentiate many scientific activities for the students and community members. For the past ten years, Michael has been teaching middle school science at the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District (BPCSD). Here he has the opportunity to coordinate the science club, work on many professional committees, and has helped bring various STEM activities to his sixth grade students. Michael also serves on an advisory board at BPCSD that helps to provide teachers with meaningful professional development options. In his free time, Michael enjoys skiing, biking and hiking in the Adirondack playground as well as spending time with his family. He is excited to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher Program and looks forward to collaborating with other members of Professional Learning Teams across the state.
Jason Nowicki earned his BS in Biomedical Science from Marist College and Master of Science in Teaching Adolescent Education from Le Moyne College. Mr. Nowicki possesses dual certification in Biology and Special Education. He worked at Rome Free Academy (RFA) for 9 years as a Living Environment teacher in both the general education and 15:1 setting. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he served on the RFA Scheduling Committee and is the creator and advisor of the RFA Fantasy Football Club. Mr. Nowicki is also a proud board member of the “Captain John J. Levulis Scholarship for Leadership”, which is given to an RFA senior who has exemplified leadership, both in the classroom and in the community. Coaching is one of Mr. Nowicki’s greatest passions. He has served as the RFA Varsity Ice Hockey coach for the past 9 years and was named Section III, Division I “Coach of the Year” for two seasons. In his spare time, he loves exploring the outdoors and sharing his love for the environment and biology with his family. Mr. Nowicki is always eager to strengthen his practices in the classroom and is excited for the opportunity to work with other NYS Master Teachers with the goal of inspiring his students to become passionate, lifelong learners in the area of STEM.
Elaine Ojeda earned her BS in Education from Keuka College and her MS in Reading from SUNY Geneseo. In 5th grade, Mrs. Ojeda decided she wanted to be an educator like her teacher, who engaged the class with hands on activities and by taking an interest in their individual lives. Her passion for science comes from growing up on a farm and she enjoys inspiring students in the rural community to see science in their everyday lives. Since 1989, she has taught science in grades 3-6 and has attended a variety of workshops. Currently, she is a 5th grade departmentalized science teacher at Mount Markham CSD. There, she also enjoys attending student performances, and leading student groups in recycling efforts. She has been involved in creating BOCES science kits, in preparing regional tests, and in the new teacher mentor program. During her summers, she reenergizes by creating new flower beds at her home. She looks forward to being engulfed in the energy of Master Teachers and to seeing what it will mean for her students.
Gary Osarczuk, inspired by his Chemistry teacher, earned his BS in Earth Science and Adolescent Education from SUNY Oneonta and his MS in Geoscience from Mississippi State University. Mr. O has eight years of experience teaching Earth Science, Environmental Science, Living Environment, and Physics. He currently teaches Earth Science at Broadalbin Perth High School. An aspiring 46'er, Mr. O founded and advises the Hiking Club. As a STEM teacher, Mr. O enjoys the ever-changing, discover- based, peer-reviewed nature of science that keeps him constantly learning and questioning the world around him. An avid mineral collector, Mr. O enjoys traveling to mineral localities to collect samples to bring into his classroom. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is excited to participate in scientific and pedagogical discussions with others.
Andre Paradis earned his BS in Zoology with a minor in Genetics from North Carolina State University, MS in Science Education from Syracuse University, and National Board Certification in Science. Beginning his 20th year teaching, Mr. Paradis has taught numerous courses including Chemistry, Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Forensics. Through a grant from Google and The College Board to increase under-represented student populations in STEM, Mr. Paradis started an AP Environmental Science (APES) course. The most exciting part of APES is the opportunity to travel with students to Costa Rica, which gives the students a chance to engage with a nation that makes environmental concerns a top priority. Students study field ecology and geology, agriculture, energy, and sustainability. Mr. Paradis also serves as the Science Department Chair and Advisor for Science Olympiad. He is the Head Coach and Executive Director for the Clinton Cudas Swim Club with athletes ranging from beginners to NCAA champions. Mr. Paradis was the recipient of First Source Credit Union "My Favorite Teacher" Award. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Paradis is interested in deepening his content knowledge, especially climate change, and other environmental issues. He is looking forward to mentoring pre-service and new science teachers.
Tracey Parker earned her BS in Elementary Education, with a 7-9 Mathematics Extension, from SUNY Oswego, and her MSEd from SUNY Oneonta. In the classroom since 1994, Mrs. Parker has taught 5th-8th grade and high school math. She currently teaches Academic Intervention Services to 6-8 math students, Math Prep 8, Algebra, Algebra B, and Geometry. Mrs. Parker was recognized with the SUNY Oneonta Exemplary Service Award for mentoring student teachers. She has served her school community in a variety of roles: Mathematics Department Chair, Milford Teachers Association treasurer, Safety Patrol advisor, member of interview, scheduling, and Comprehensive District Education Plan committees, volleyball, and Math Olympiad coach, and class advisor. Mrs. Parker enjoys camping and spending time with her husband and four children. Her favorite pastimes are watching her children play soccer, basketball and baseball/softball. Mrs. Parker is passionate about helping struggling students succeed and looks forward to expanding her STEM content and pedagogical knowledge as a NYS Master Teacher. She is particularly interested in learning how she can help students consider STEM related careers as viable opportunities.
Amy Parr earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Science from Binghamton University. Prior degrees include a BS in Environmental Science from The College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse and an AAS in Ecology and Environmental Technology from Paul Smith's College. Mrs. Parr started teaching junior high science in 1997. She has focused on helping students relate science to their lives in meaningful and memorable ways while encouraging them to be curious. Her passion for connecting students to science through their community and the natural world was recognized with the 2013 New York State Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year award. She has also been selected twice as an Expeditionary Learning National Conference Master Class presenter and has completed training with Mindful Schools: Fundamentals and Mindful Educators Essentials. Her facilitation of the Envirothon Team has students exploring applied soil science, aquatics, forestry, and current events. Being an avid gardener and outdoor enthusiast, Mrs. Parr enjoys time spent with her family hiking, exploring dark forests, and supporting the Youth Food Movement. She is excited about collaborating with teachers in the Master Teacher Program to study physics, dendrology, field-based science inquiry, and meeting the needs of diverse learners.
Carol Pierce earned her BA in mathematics from Hartwick College, along with her teaching certificate, and her MA in mathematics from SUNY Albany. All throughout her six years of college math, Mrs. Pierce was able to maintain a 4.0 grade point average. For 15 years, she has been teaching various math classes at Oneonta High School (OHS), the same school she graduated from as valedictorian in 1994. In addition to teaching at OHS, Mrs. Pierce serves as the Senior Class Advisor, regularly attends Network Team Institute trainings in Albany and works as an adjunct professor at Hartwick College. Mrs. Pierce works hard to motivate her students, especially those who find mathematics challenging, and is often heard saying to students, "I've cried more tears over math than you have. Together we can figure this problem out and then you'll feel like the smartest person in the world!" As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Pierce is looking forward to collaborating with outstanding STEM teachers from all over the state and bringing her collaborative experiences back to her OHS family.
Julie Power earned her BA in Mathematics from SUNY Albany and her MSEd in Mathematics Education from Lehman College. Mrs. Power began teaching in 2000 and currently teaches Geometry, Advanced Placement/College in the High School Statistics, and Computer Programming in both Python and Java at Broadalbin Perth High School. In addition to teaching, she serves on the Mohonasen CSD school board. Mrs. Power is a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association, the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State, and Decoding Dyslexia of New York State. She has lived and taught in NYC, Florida, and Ireland, and believes that these experiences help her bring a broad perspective to the classroom. Mrs. Power believes it is important to understand the different ways students learn to reach every student in her classroom. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and two sons. As a New York State Master Teacher, Mrs. Power is looking forward to conversations with other like-minded teachers, collaborating with fellow Master Teachers to create innovative STEM activities for students, and learning new ways to inspire and educate.
Joseph Powers earned his BS in Physics Education from the State University of New York College at Oneonta, and his MS in Physics Education from SUNY College at Buffalo. Mr. Powers has been in the Cooperstown Central School District for 5 years, teaching Physics, Chemistry, and Unified Science. He is currently offering College Now Physics and College Now Chemistry. He has been a member of the Individual Support Team, Inquiry Team, Honor Society Committee, and coaches boys Modified Track. Outside the classroom, Mr. Powers was a participant of the Cornell Institute for Physics Teachers, and has collaborated with the Cooperstown Technology Department to create interactive robotics units, and promote interests in robotics and nanotechnology. Outside of school, Mr. Powers enjoys hiking, camping, and canoeing throughout the areas surrounding Otsego County and in the Adirondack Mountains. He strives to make science applicable through his own experiences, and the shared experiences of his students. Mr. Powers is looking forward to his participation in the NYS Master Teacher Program for the opportunity to expand his knowledge of science education and to collaborate with area school teachers.
Christina Prokopienko earned her BS in Earth science from SUNY Albany and her MA in Secondary Education from Union Graduate College. She has been teaching Regents Earth and Honors Regents Earth science at Central Valley Academy for the last six years. She is a member of STANYS (Science Teachers Association of NYS) and NYSCATE (New York State Curriculum for Advanced Technological Education). Ms. Prokopienko is a recipient of the Strengthening Teacher and Leadership Effectiveness-2 grant, which she has used to build stronger professional learning networks, and to implement the effective integration of iPads for learning in the classroom. She is very involved in the school community through committees, volunteering at events outside of school like Lego Robotics, attending school games/functions, and also helped students start a science club at the high school. She is passionate about getting her students active and engaged in their own learning in a meaningful way. Ms. Prokopienko designed and implemented a yearly day-long field experience for all Earth science students, which allowed them to apply the geology they've learned throughout the year in a real field setting. Some of her hobbies include traveling, hiking/camping, and gardening. She is looking forward to collaborating with and learning from fellow Master Teachers.
Dwight "Buzz" Putnam, Jr. is a 30-year veteran Physics/Nanotechnology instructor at Whitesboro High School and 6-12 Science Department Chairman. He earned his MS in Science Education from SUNY Albany and is certified in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Mr. Putnam loves teaching STEM courses, especially his latest course offering, Introduction to Nanotechnology, where he developed a hands-on, lab-based nanotech course for juniors and seniors. Students built Solar Cells, photographed snowflake crystals, calculated the thickness of an oil slick and built LEGO Atomic Force Microscopes. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Putnam has been a Physics Teachers Lab Development Team member at the Center for NanoScale Systems Institute at Cornell University, an adjunct faculty member in the Physics and Education Departments at Utica College, and presenter and coordinator for the television production of "Regents Science...Live!", a live student call-in televised NYS Regents Exam Review Program. He also is the Play-by-Play Announcer for EZStream Internet Video Football, a Public Address Announcer for Upstate NY Basketball games, certified basketball official and baseball umpire. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Putnam has participated in The Geoscience of Hydro-fracturing mini-course and the Ashokan Retreat designed and facilitated by the NYC region.
Kate Radell earned her BS in Elementary Education and MSEd in Reading from The College of Saint Rose. She began her teaching career in 2004 at Hart's Hill Elementary in the Whitesboro School District where she has been a fifth grade teacher. Mrs. Radell has always wanted to be an educator to inspire the next generation of children to become lifelong learners. She believes STEM education allows students to be creative and to develop critical thinking skills which they can build upon as they get older. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Radell has worked with the Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES Science Center in creating new science kits K-5 to cover the New York State Science Learning Standards. In addition, she is the co-coordinator for her school yearbook, fall fest, and annual science fair. She supports fellow teachers as the Google Instructional Support Teacher in her building. In Mrs. Radell's free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Radell is looking forward to being able to collaborate with secondary teachers and strengthen STEM Education at the elementary level.
Cory Raner earned his BS in Earth Science Education from Alfred University, and MSEd in science from Walden University. In the classroom for 11 years, Mr. Raner teaches 6th/7th Grade General Science at Oneonta Middle School. He has also coached football at Hartwick College, and baseball and football at his school. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Mr. Raner has chaperoned 8th grade science trips to the Grand Canyon, mentored student and first year teachers, been a member of the Oneonta YMCA Board and his school's Building team, and is planning the science-focus of the 6th grade trip to Washington DC. Mr. Raner was also co-owner of a southern BBQ catering and concessions business, and in his free time, he still likes to slow cook brisket, ribs, put on pig roasts, and make homemade jerky. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, he has participated in various mini-courses, including the Geosciences of Hydro-Fracturing, Measuring Global Climate Change, The Changing Ecology of the Great Lakes, and 3D Printing. He is also a member of the Problem/Project Based Learning in Middle School Science Professional Learning Team, and is looking forward to co-facilitating the summer Oswegatchie Educational Center Retreat with and for his fellow Master Teachers from across the state.
Christine Raynard earned her B.A. in Communications/Journalism from St. John Fisher College and M.S. in Childhood and Special Education from Touro College. For the last 16 years, she has taught the Elementary Technology Class for New Hartford Central Schools at Bradley Elementary. Before pursuing her masters, she worked in non-profit public relations. One of the greatest joys of her job is being able to teach the students for seven years and to have the opportunity to see them grow as learners. During her tenure, she has served as her building's Technology Coordinator, as a lead technology trainer/facilitator, and as an advisor for an after school computer club. One professional development highlight was her participation in the week-long Create Make Learn STEM program held in Burlington, Vermont. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Raynard is looking forward to meeting and working with teachers throughout the state. She is particularly excited to have the opportunity to learn and grow as a STEM educator and to be able to bring new topics and skills back to the over 470 students she teaches each year. In her spare time, she enjoys attending concerts with her family, traveling with her husband and taking photographs.
Danielle Crowe Reader earned her BS in Biology and Environmental Studies from St. Lawrence University, and MS in Education from Utica College. In the classroom for 14 years, Ms. Reader currently teaches Living Environment, Forensics, Environmental Science, Earth Science, and Issues and Ethics in Science at Whitesboro High School. Ms. Reader's passion for learning extends beyond the borders of the USA: She studied environmental issues in Kenya and Tanzania, and co-led a student trip to England and Ireland. Possessing a love of nature, Ms. Reader volunteered for the Adirondack Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Program performing conservation and preservation duties as well as environmental education. Ms. Reader has always enjoyed working collaboratively with colleagues across disciplines, and is looking forward to working with the Master Teachers in all regions. As a NYS Master Teacher, she attended cohort meetings, presented a workshop at the Oswegatchie Summer Institute and attended the NYS MTP Annual PD Conference. "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."-Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Melissa Richardson earned her BS in Mathematics and minor in Business from Clarkson University and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Adolescence Mathematics from SUNY Cortland. She was inspired to teach Mathematics from her own High School Calculus Teacher. In her nine years of teaching at Rome Free Academy, Mrs. Richardson has taught all levels of math and is currently teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus BC, AP Calculus AB, Pre-Calculus, Basic Programming, and Computer Science. Within these courses, she strongly believes in creating a collaborative learning environment where students are engaged, motivated, and inspired while preparing students to excel in rigorous college courses. In addition to teaching, she has been the Mathletics Advisor for six years, the Key Club Advisor, and has coached Girls Varsity Tennis for the past two years. Outside the classroom she frequently enjoys supporting her students at their musical performances, sporting events, and chaperoning dances. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to collaborating with other professionals and expanding her opportunities for professional development in STEM education.
Kristen Riggles earned her AAS in Liberal Arts at Mohawk Valley Community College and BA in General Studies at SUNY Institute of Technology before earning her Master of Science in Teaching in Elementary Education at SUNY Potsdam. In the classroom for 25 years, Mrs. Riggles has been the STEAM teacher at Westmoreland Primary & Upper Elementary Schools since 2015, teaching Science to all students from kindergarten through fourth grade. She has coached teams for LEGO League Jr, conducted Science Summer Camps, held parent nights at various grade levels, and assisted with Zi3 (Zone for Imagination, Innovation, and Inspiration) evening events. Prior to teaching at Westmoreland, she was the director and inclusive preschool teacher at St. Paul’s Daycare, in Whitesboro, taught sixth grade for three years at Watson Williams Elementary in Utica, and sixth grade Math for 16 years at Poland Central School. Mrs. Riggles works with the Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES Science Center developing curriculum for their K-5 Science kits and conducting training for teachers. She also co-leads, through the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, a Professional Learning Community to support collaboration among science teachers from area districts. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially at her favorite camping spot, Golden Beach on Raquette Lake. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of STEM content and collaborating with other like-minded professionals in an effort to better enrich the lives of her students and colleagues.
Jennifer Rightmyer earned her B.S. and M.S. in Education from SUNY Oneonta and has been a classroom teacher for over 20 years. She has spent most of her career as a sixth-grade teacher at Cooperstown Central School and has recently started teaching fifth grade in the Cobleskill-Richmondville School District. Mrs. Rightmyer credits her philosophy of education to the many years of training through Expeditionary Leaming: She transformed her classroom into a rigorous, cross-curricular, and student-centered learning environment. She went on to present this model at the Expeditionary Leaming National Conference in Portland, Oregon. Her passion for authentic learning experiences has also led her to travel to foreign countries to study content and culture so she could deepen her understanding of the knowledge that she shares with her students. Mrs. Rightmyer has also provided professional development for colleagues and assumed leadership responsibilities. Her most current passions include TREP$ Entrepreneurship Program Educator, Math Committee Member, and Mindful Schools Educator. She believes in educating the whole child and developing critical thinkers that are striving for a healthier and more sustainable world for future generations. She is looking forward to collaborating with an active community of math and science educators.
Erika Robert earned her AA from SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, BA in mathematics, and MA in education from SUNY Albany. In the classroom for over 17 years, Ms. Robert teaches Regents Algebra 2 & Trigonometry, Precalculus at Schoharie Central School. A proponent of creative writing in mathematics, her students write essays about process, "Mad Libs," comic strips and advertisements. Ms. Robert enjoys learning and implementing new technology in her classes, and spent two weeks in Tennessee at the Oak Ridge National Laboratories Math Science and Technology Institute. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Robert is the Math Department Chairperson, and an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS. Ms. Robert was named Teacher of the Year at Schoharie Central School in 2007. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, she has participated in the workshop Using Local Resources to Teach STEM, min-courses including Population Genetics, and Fractals & 3D Processing, and is a member of Developing Algebra 2 common Core Resources Professional Learning Team.
Brian Roecklein earned his BS in Mathematics and Education, and MS in Educational Technology Specialist from SUNY Oneonta and completed post-graduate work in Physics Education from SUNY College at Buffalo. Growing up with a father in education, Mr. Roecklein always imagined becoming an educator, even stating “teacher” as his future career in his 5th grade yearbook. Mr. Roecklein has been an educator since 2012 and works at Laurens Central School. He teaches Physics, and STEM classes to secondary students. At Laurens, he is an Assistant Track Coach and Advisor to the class of 2022. Mr. Roecklein embodies Aristotle's quote, "For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them" in his teaching and ensures students are at the center of every lesson. To help advance students' 21st century skills, Mr. Roecklein serves on his district's Technology Committee. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor sports including mountain biking, rock climbing, and ultimate frisbee. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Roecklein is interested in collaborating with other Master Teachers to learn and share new ways to approach STEM education. He also looks forward to working with pre-service teachers to spark their interest in the STEM fields.
Chuck Rogan earned both his BS in Biology and Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology 7-12 from Binghamton University. He also served in the US Army Reserves 865th Combat Support Hospital for six years while attending college. He began teaching in 2002 after being inspired to pursue a teaching career while assisting with outdoor education activities at Binghamton University. Chuck currently teaches Advanced Placement Biology and Living Environment at New Hartford Senior High School and has taught Biotechnology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Forensics courses there as well. Chuck has been the Assistant Boys Tennis Coach for nine years. He chaperones the 4-day Ecology Class outdoor education trip to Camp Huntington every year and has also chaperoned trips to Italy and England with his school's Latin Club. Chuck's favorite thing about teaching Biology is that there are always new discoveries, research, and news stories that can be incorporated into instruction, particularly in the field of biotechnology. In his free time, Chuck enjoys building acoustic guitars, hiking, cycling, canoeing, and generally spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter.
Jessica Rogan earned her BA in Geology and her BS in Adolescent Education with a concentration in Earth Sciences from SUNY Oswego, her MS in Adolescent Literacy from SUNY Cortland, and is certified to teach Earth Science and Literacy at the secondary level. She teaches Regents Earth Science at Westmoreland Junior/Senior High School. Prior to her current role, she taught Regents Earth Science, Non-Regents Earth Science, and CUNY BRIDGES ELL SIFE Physical Science at Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica for eight years. Mrs. Rogan is a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS (STANYS) and is looking forward to attending her first STANYS annual conference next year. Mrs. Rogan spent the summer session of her junior year at Oswego camping, hiking and geologically mapping a portion of the Adirondack Mountains. Most notably, she climbed and studied Snowy Mountain on her 21st birthday. As a newly appointed NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with peers to work toward implementing the Next Generation Science Standards as smoothly and effectively as possible. She is also hoping to set up a recycling club at her new school and is optimistic that the NYS Master Teacher program can assist her exploration of impactful ways of getting students involved with helping the planet. When not in the classroom, Mrs. Rogan enjoys spending time with her family and sharing her love of science with her children.
Matthew Romanow earned his BA in Mathematics with Secondary Certification from SUNY Geneseo in 2012, and his MS in Curriculum Education and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany in 2014. He began his teaching career in 2013 and has been a faculty member at New Hartford Senior High School since then. At New Hartford, Matt developed curriculum for Advanced Placement Computer Science A, and is currently working on developing Math for Coding - a course being offered for the first time in the Spring 2019 semester. An advocate for music, art, and athletics in schools, Matt advises the district's drama program (Masque), directs the Senior High Musical, and coaches the Boys' Varsity Bowling Team. He is proud to have established Masque's Dinner Cabaret, which allows students the opportunity to perform with a live band while audience members dine on stage. Matt is a 2018 recipient of Rotary Teacher of the Year. Outside of school, he enjoys bowling competitively and seeing as many Broadway shows as possible. Matt is thrilled to have been named a NYS Master Teacher, and cannot wait to begin working with and learning from some of the best educators throughout the area.
Eileen Roth earned her B.S. in Special Education with a concentration in Mathematics and an M.S. in Education, both from SUNY Geneseo. Ms. Roth holds certifications in four different areas of education and is the recipient of the Rotary Outstanding Educator Award. Eileen teaches Algebra II and Precalculus at New Hartford Senior High School. She strongly believes in creating an educational environment in which students feel safe, encouraged, and inspired. Ms. Roth advises the Junior Class and has served as Mathletics Coach, Varsity Cheerleading Coach, Senior Awards Committee member, and mentor for two new faculty members. Eileen has served as Cheer Assistant Coach at Colgate University, captained teams for America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk, and taken numerous pies in the face at the New Hartford Senior High School's Pep Rallies. As a Master Teacher, Ms. Roth co-facilitated a session at the NYSMTP 2017 Annual Conference in Albany about her PLT's experience designing and leading a Mohawk Valley math conference "We're All in This Together: A Day of Sharing Mathematics", attended a workshop on Scanning Electron Microscopy, and participated in several workshops on integrating technology. She is grateful to be a part of the Master Teacher Program and looks forward to continuing to collaborate with and learn from other dynamic educators.
Eric Rothdiener earned his B.S. in Mathematics from SUNY Brockport, where he completed the Adolescence Inclusive Education Program, and M.S. in Special Education from Walden University. Mr. Rothdiener has taught at Whitesboro Middle School for 8 years, serving as a dual-certified Special Education Math teacher working with students across grades 6, 7, and 8. Mr. Rothdiener is an active member of many school committees, including the Climate and Culture Committee, the National Junior Honor Society Faculty Council, the Safety Response Team, the Essential Elements Committee, and the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards Building Capacity Turnkey Team. In addition, he conducts individual tutoring sessions and is an Adjunct Professor at Utica College. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Rothdiener enjoys his role as both the public address announcer and the live stream play-by-play commentator for various sporting events in the Whitesboro Central School District. He also has coached baseball at various levels. Mr. Rothdiener is looking forward to sharing his experiences and exploring new ideas through the collaborative nature of the Master Teacher Program, with a major interest in starting a mathematically-centered STEM Camp in the near future.
Sean Ryan earned his BS in Biology from SUNY Cortland and MS in Education from Elmira. Mr. Ryan began his teaching career in 1999 at Whitesboro High School where he has been working for the past 19 years. He currently teaches Advanced Placement Biology and Regents Living Environment. In addition to teaching, he is the Senior Class advisor and has been the Girls' JV Soccer coach at Whitesboro for 12 seasons. He is also a member of his school liaison team. Outside of school, Mr. Ryan has been the host of Regents Science Live and has helped in developing elementary school science kits that meet NGSS standards. He is most passionate about the expanding fields of molecular genetics, particularly the use of CRISPR in the treatment of genetic disorders. He is also an avid reader on vertebrate physiology and evolution and his favorite book is "Why Elephants Have Big Ears" by Chris Lavers. In his free time, Mr. Ryan enjoys playing guitar, attending CrossFit, and spending time with his wife and children. Mr. Ryan is honored to be amongst the great educators in the Master Teacher Program and looks forward to learning from them in order to broaden his depth of knowledge and pedagogy.
Renae Scott earned her BS and MS degrees from SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. Scott’s undergraduate work was in Mathematics Education and her graduate work was in Special Education. Mrs. Scott began her teaching journey in 2008 with the Gilbertsville Mount-Upton Central School District. After leaving GMU, she taught at Schenevus Central School where she was the lead teacher of a self-contained high school special education classroom before transitioning back to a full-time math teacher. Currently, Mrs. Scott is teaching Math 7 and Pre-Advanced Placement Algebra 1 at the Oneonta Middle School (OMS), her alma mater. In her 15 years of teaching, Mrs. Scott has been a National Junior Honor Society advisor, class advisor, ski club advisor, and has coached modified softball and girls soccer, JV Girls basketball, and Varsity Cross Country. Most recently, Mrs. Scott served as a volunteer at community food drives, building ambassador for the Catskill Regional Teacher Center, member of the Oneonta City School District School Comprehensive Education Plan, and advisor for house Ukuzidela at OMS. In her classroom, Mrs. Scott strives to inspire students to love math. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Scott is looking forward to collaborating with fellow colleagues while developing engaging lessons and activities for her students. Additionally, she is looking to provide her students with more cross-curricular opportunities. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Scott has a passion for the outdoors and photography. She enjoys camping trips and adventures with her family.
Daniel M. Seigers earned his BS and MS in Education with a concentration in Biology from SUNY Oneonta and teaches middle, and high school science at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School. A teacher for eight years, Mr. Seigers is a strong supporter of health and fitness as a complement to STEM education. Mr. Seigers' professional interests focus on science technology, evolution, and animal behavior. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Seigers serves as the head coach of the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Varsity Track and Field and Cross-Country programs. He is a competitive distance runner who has been nationally ranked in various ultra marathon distances of 50 to 100 miles. Mr. Seigers favorite part about teaching STEM is that there is always something new and cutting edge to learn about, keeping STEM education fresh and inviting for both teachers and students. With the NYS Master Teacher Program, he is excited to help to provide the best STEM education for youth in public schools. A life-long learner, Mr. Seigers is inspired by the words of Cornelius Bernardus Van Neil, Dutch-American microbiologist: "In essence, science is a perpetual search for an intelligent and integrated comprehension of the world we live in."
Kathrine (Kate) Sfeir is a graduate of William Smith College, where she received a BA in Psychology and completed the teacher certification program in elementary (N-6) and special education (K-12). Her first teaching job followed in September 1997. Later, Kate received an MS in Education Literacy from SUNY Cortland. She comes from a long family line of educators, including her grandmother, father, aunts, and some cousins. Kate teaches fourth grade at R.E. Myles Elementary School in New Hartford where she is a member of the ELA Committee, teacher coordinator of the PTA's Pick a Reading Partner program, a grade level professional learning team facilitator, and a participant in the teacher/student mentoring program. She has also collaborated with colleagues to teach professional development courses for the school district. Among these are “Total Participation Strategies,” “Number Talks,” and “6+1 Traits of Writing.” Kate is interested in exploring new ways to promote math fact mastery and help students appreciate the creativity in math. While the opportunity to meet and learn from Master Teachers across the state will make a busy schedule, this proud mother of two plans to continue reading novels, working in her gardens, and enjoying her children's music and sporting events.
Kathryn Silvestri received her B.S. in Chemistry at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and M.S. in Chemistry at SUNY Stony Brook. After 10 years in the pharmaceutical industry as an analytical carbohydrate chemist, Ms. Silvestri completed her education courses at Utica College and entered the field of teaching. Ms. Silvestri teaches Regents chemistry, AP Chemistry and Forensics at New Hartford Senior High School. Prior to New Hartford, she taught at Whitesboro High School. Ms. Silvestri currently serves as the Sanger Chapter National Honor Society advisor, Senior Awards Committee member and School Tools transition coach. She previously served as head union representative for several years and as member of the Secondary Science Curriculum Committee. Outside of school, Kathryn enjoys attending her son's musical performances and watching Formula 1 racing with him. Excited about joining the Master Teacher Program, Ms. Silvestri hopes to establish an AP Chemistry workshop and she looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers and participating in Professional Learning Teams across the region.
Aaron Sirtoli earned his BS in Biology from Nazareth College of Rochester. He completed a Post Baccalaureate program in Science Education and earned his MA in Math Education through Western Governors University. After completing his undergraduate degree, he spent time as a Summit Steward protecting the alpine vegetation on NYS' tallest peaks by educating hikers about the alpine ecosystems. Following this position, he worked as an education intern for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. During this time, he discovered a passion for education and pursued education as a career. Mr. Sirtoli has taught middle school science at Quest Academy in West Haven UT, science and math at Christ the King school in Rutland VT, high school biology at Brookfield Central School in Brookfield NY, and is currently teaching middle school science at Waterville Central School in Waterville NY. In his free time, he spends time with his wife and three children, as well as backcountry skis and mountain bikes. He is very excited to learn more ways to inspire students through the Master Teacher Program.
Jennifer Sitts earned her BA in Mathematics at Hartwick College, and MS in Mathematics Education at SUNY Oneonta. She currently teaches Advanced Placement Calculus and Statistics at Oneonta High School where she has been since the fall of 1994. Over her 21 years of teaching, she has taught different levels of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and summer school classes. In 2010, she was named as a Scholar Recognition Teacher, and in 2011 she started teaching as an adjunct at Hartwick College. Outside of class, she has coached modified girls soccer, advised the Service Club, National Honor Society, and teams for academic competitions. She serves as a mentor for new teachers/students, classroom participators/observers, and participates on the Building Team. Outside of school, she gives piano lessons, accompanies for various organizations, and loves watching her three sons play sports. Her goals for her students include increasing their confidence in higher level mathematics courses, and using their strengths in mathematics for other disciplines. She is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers in the NYS Master Teacher Program and bringing more mathematics electives to Oneonta High School.
Bradley Smith earned his A.A. degree in Humanities from Herkimer College, B.S. in Industrial Arts Education and M.S. in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego. Mr. Smith has been teaching the Introduction to Technology Education course for the past 28 years. He also teaches the following classes at Cooperstown Central School on a rotational basis to provide more opportunities for his students: Design and Drawing for Production, Principles of Engineering, CAD/3D Printing, Electricity/Electronics, Application of Robotics, Alternative Energy, Energy and Power, Materials Processing, and Residential Structures. Mr. Smith serves as the 8th Grade Team Leader, Technology Club Advisor and Outward Bound Coordinator for his district. Outside of his work as a teacher, he also serves as a school board member for the Richfield Springs Central School District. Whether teaching his students or presiding over a board meeting, Mr. Smith recognizes the importance of promoting relevant STEM curriculum concepts and learning opportunities. Outside of school Mr. Smith enjoys working on their family farm, hiking and fishing in the Adirondacks and spending time with his family. Mr. Smith is excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with others with similar interests and hopes to be able to further develop STEM connections for his students.
Stacey Merrigan Smith earned her BS in biology from Bucknell University and MS in Outdoor/Environmental Education from SUNY Cortland, and teaches general science at Holland Patent Middle School. Over the course of her 13 years of teaching, Mrs. Smith strives to foster student growth in 21st century skills. During the 2013-2014 school year, Mrs. Smith helped introduce and incorporate a STEM/STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) model to the 8th grade program. This multi-discipline, collaborative, inquiry-based approach to teaching the core curriculum includes classroom activities that promote 21st century skills and connect to real world issues. Using a Professional Learning Community model and flexible scheduling, the cross-curricular team uses common curricular language and designs challenges for cooperative learning groups. Mrs. Smith was instrumental in producing a STEAM website, blog, and analysis of survey data generated throughout STEAM's first year. Mrs. Smith is an experienced grant writer and serves as the Vice-Chair of the Holland Patent Teacher Center Policy Board. She was honored with the Mohawk Valley Education Distinguished Service Award. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Smith has participated in various workshops including Project-based Learning and Population Genetics, and is a member of the Middle School Collaborative Lesson Planning Professional Learning Team.
Tracy L. Smith earned her BA in mathematics from Alfred University and MSEd in Secondary Mathematics Education from SUNY Brockport. In the classroom for 17 years, she teaches Regents Algebra 2 & Trigonometry, Regents Common Core Algebra 1, and Advanced Placement Calculus AB at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Smith is a member of her school's inquiry team and has been active in the Cobleskill-Richmondville Teachers' Association, serving as President the last four years, and is a member of the Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international group dedicated to promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Ms. Smith has also been a turn-key trainer in Silver & Strong's Thoughtful Education & Learning Styles, and Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching. As a STEM teacher, she most enjoys helping students see the connections between mathematics and the world around them. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Ms. Smith has participated in the Fractals & 3D Processing mini-course, the workshops at STEM Saturday, and is a member of the Nanotechnology in Math Professional Learning Team.
Christopher Snell earned his B.A. in Mathematics with a concentration in Adolescent Education from Utica College, his M.Ed. in Teaching with Technology from Western Governors University, and a degree in Computer Science. Mr. Snell teaches mathematics and computer science at Westmoreland Central High School. He also teaches Calculus, Physics for Engineers, and Differential Equations at the college level. As a strong advocate for technology in education, he has led teams in development of mathematical and computer science curricula using Learning Management Systems and has run his classroom utilizing a plethora of technology. Christopher also has organized a STEM showcase for students to learn from businesses and colleges, as well as to show the hard work his students have done in the field. Christopher enjoys mathematical research with prime numbers and other number theory topics, but most of all loves spending time with his family. As a Master Teacher he hopes to work collectively with other teachers to branch mathematics across other disciplines and to bring passion for mathematics to students by developing ways to build their respect for it through applications. He is inspired by Albert Einstein's quote: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."
Anthony J Spado earned his BS in Earth Science Education from SUNY Oswego and his MS in Liberal Studies with a Geology concentration from Utica College. He began teaching in 2004 and had the desire to enter the field both due to his love of all things Earth Science as well his positive experiences working with children in different programs throughout his high school and college years. Mr. Spado currently teaches Regents Earth Science to students in grades 9 - 12 at Rome Free Academy and has a personal mission to instill a love of rocks to all his students. He currently has been developing curriculum in alignment with the NGSS standards with a goal of creating a more dynamic, student research driven model of learning about the Earth. Mr. Spado is most passionate about geology, specifically Adirondack Geology, but has a love for the entire scope of the course. He also enjoys being outside and experiencing nature, which is something especially fun to do with his wife and two children.
Megan Spado earned her BS in both Biology and Environmental Studies from Union College, and her MS in Science Education from Syracuse University. During her undergraduate years, Mrs. Spado completed her thesis work at the local watershed, and completed a term abroad studying marine science and maritime communities in Woods Hole, Massachusetts; St. George's, Bermuda; and Newfoundland, Canada. Prior to teaching, she worked as an environmental education assistant for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and it was during this time she decided to pursue teaching. Since 2008, Mrs. Spado has been teaching at Lyndon H. Strough Middle School in the Rome City School District; where she currently teaches a mix of 7th grade physical science, 8th grade life science, and Regents Living Environment. She is a contributing member on many teams in her district, and is currently working as part of a team to develop and align curriculum with the NGSS standards. A self-professed lifelong learner, Mrs. Spado takes continuing education classes to stay current and broaden her teaching skillset. During her free time, she enjoys learning new hobbies and spending time with her family.
Anita Stabrowski received her BS from Western Illinois University and MSEd from the University of Rochester. The NYS Master Teacher Program has been the basis for continual inspiration in a variety of classroom projects. Her involvement in the Emerging Technologies Professional Learning Team has provided her with the support to bring new ideas to her school. Collaborating with different teachers in her school has allowed all to experience enriched interdisciplinary ideas. Anita is finishing her 30th year teaching science and first received National Board Certification in 2008.
Michael Stanton earned his BA and MA in Mathematics, as well as an Advanced Certificate in Math Education from the University at Buffalo. Mr. Stanton teaches Algebra II Honors, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and Intermediate Mathematics at Clinton High School. Inspired by his high school Calculus teacher Jim Burton, Mr. Stanton dove into the world of mathematics to see how far the rabbit hole would go only to find out that it keeps going. With his students, Mr. Stanton tries to convey that mathematics is a language and the more fluent that you become, the more the pieces fall into place. Mr. Stanton has participated in a number of extracurricular activities including working as a co-adviser for Mathletics, bringing students to yearly math competitions at Mohawk Valley Community College, and running an intramural volleyball league to compete alongside students. Outside of school, Mr. Stanton enjoys hiking through the Adirondacks, travelling, snowboarding, and more recently windsurfing. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Stanton is excited to collaborate with other Master Teachers to learn about and share different ways to engage students and further their desire to learn what math can do for them.
Christina Steurrys earned her BS in Biology from Binghamton State University, followed by her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing small animal medicine for seven years, she went back to Utica College to obtain her MS in Education. Ms. Steurrys discovered that teaching was her true calling while being shadowed by middle and high school students at the veterinary hospital. Currently, she teaches seventh and eighth grade science at Lyndon H. Strough Middle School in Rome, NY. She has been teaching since 2003, first in the Utica City School District, and now in Rome. Ms. Steurrys serves as the head union representative at Strough for the Rome Teachers Association, in addition to serving on the executive board. She received the Samuel Gompers Award for dedicated union service in 2017. She is a coach of the Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies (PBIS) Team, and teacher coordinator for Strough's science department. Ms. Steurrys also serves on the district Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) committee, as well as the Educational Development committee. She is a member of the National Science Teachers Association. Ms. Steurrys previously received the Toyota International Teachers Award (2006) for environmental content on invasive species, and traveled to the Galapagos Islands as a recipient. As a STEM educator, Ms. Steurrys is most passionate about guiding students through discovery and problem-solving. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Steurrys looks forward to participating in mentoring opportunities, as well as collaborating with colleagues to raise the bar on professional development.
John Styles earned his BS in chemistry from Siena College and MA and PhD in philosophy from SUNY Albany. His dissertation was in the area of philosophy of science and focused on exploring the role that metaphor plays in the development of scientific theories. In the classroom for 20 years, Dr. Styles currently teaches Regents Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry at Schoharie Junior-Senior High School. For two years, Dr. Styles taught chemistry to students from NATO and European Union member countries at the international high school of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization military headquarters in Belgium. During the summer, Dr. Styles teaches formal logic at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. In addition to his high school classroom responsibilities, he coaches the Odyssey of the Mind and Science Olympiad, teaches a micro course in science for the elementary students, and advises the Philosophy and the Logic clubs (both of which he founded). Dr. Styles is very interested in helping his students appreciate the relationship between logic and STEM subjects. Working in a small rural school district as the only Chemistry teacher, Dr. Styles looks forward to the regular opportunity to discuss and collaborate on issues and topics directly related to his teaching with other Master Teachers.
Nichole Sullivan earned her BA in Mathematics and Education from SUNY Potsdam and her MS in Special Education from The College of Saint Rose. She started her career as a summer camp director at Camp Scully and this is where she found her passion for teaching beyond the walls of a classroom. Mrs. Sullivan currently teaches Math 8 and Accelerated Algebra at Broadalbin-Perth Middle School. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is a club advisor for Travel Club and Student Council. She is also a mentor to the “Future Cities” program. Mrs. Sullivan has served on many professional committees for her district including the District Leadership Team. In her spare time, Mrs. Sullivan enjoys spending time with her friends and family, hiking, kayaking, and participating in co-ed softball. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Sullivan looks forward to collaborating this her fellow math and science colleagues to bridge the gap in science and math language, and better integrate STEM lessons.
John Sunderland earned his B.A. in Biology from SUNY Geneseo and his M.S. in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany. Mr. Sunderland teaches in the Canajoharie Central School District and, moving between the middle school and high school, has taught eighth grade physical science, accelerated Regents Earth Science, Regents Biology/Living Environment, Environmental Science, and Forensic Science - an elective course he created and implemented. Mr. Sunderland currently teaches intermediate level and accelerated Regents Earth Science. He created a Middle School Science Club that puts on a yearly science fair and takes trips to science museums in Boston and New York City. Over the years, John has coached the modified basketball, modified baseball and varsity golf teams. In addition to his experiences at Canajoharie, Mr. Sunderland spent one school year as a Resident Teacher at the HFM BOCES Pathways in Technology Early College High School. While at PTECH, he taught a college-in-the-high-school course and co-taught in a project based, paper-light, innovative new high school. Outside of school, John enjoys the outdoors while kayaking, hiking, and camping. Mr. Sunderland looks forward to sharing knowledge, strategies and methodologies with other master teachers.
Gary Tinkler earned his BA with a minor in business from SUNY Plattsburgh and his MS in Reading from SUNY Cortland. Mr. Tinkler studied at Ealing College outside of London, England. He started teaching in 1997 to share his passion for mathematics with students. Gary teaches grade 8 Mathematics at Whitesboro Middle School where he serves as advisor to Math Counts in which students explore coding with www.scratch.mit.edu. Gary enjoys the outdoors and his heart is in running. He has run three half marathons and is always looking to improve his time. Gary has been a mentor to new teachers and has supervised student teachers. He has taught all levels of math from sixth grade through Trigonometry. Gary's love of mathematics is passed on to his students with exciting lessons daily. He is looking forward to collaborating with others in Professional Learning Teams and learning new material and pedagogical techniques within the NYS Master Teacher Program, where he can bring these strategies to life with his students.
Ana Ventre earned her BA in Economics from the University of Puget Sound, MSEd in Mathematics from Pace University and pursued graduate level coursework in Educational Administration through Canisius College. Ms. Ventre got her start in education in 2008 through Teach for America and currently teaches 7th grade math at Broadalbin-Perth Jr/Sr High School. She loves teaching middle school math and encouraging all students to see the connection to math in everyday life. As a lifelong learner herself Ms. Ventre agrees with Malcolm Forbes assessment that, “An educations purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one”. Ms. Ventre is currently the Math Department Chair and part of the mentor program at Broadalbin-Perth. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and spends her free time skiing, running, and hiking with her husband and two daughters. As a member of the Master Teacher Program, Ms. Ventre looks forward to collaborating with exceptional teachers who all have the common goal of improving STEM education for all students.
Gary VonDauber earned his B.S. in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego and M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies from Rochester Institute of Technology. He began his teaching career in 2001 and currently teaches at New Hartford High School. His various teaching responsibilities include Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Digital Electronics, Principles of Engineering, and Engineering Design and Development. Mr. VonDauber is the Occupational Education Department Chairman and has been a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Master Teacher for Computer Integrated Manufacturing since 2003. He serves as the Alternative Energy Club advisor and a member of New Hartford's STEAM committee. In his free time, he is a shepherd for the Ride for Missing Children and enjoys camping, kayaking, and cycling with his wife and daughters. Mr. VonDauber is excited to be part of the Master Teacher Program and is looking forward to collaborating with other educators across the state.
Michelle Walrath earned her BS in Biology from Utica College, MS in Education from the University of New England, and her Administration Certification from Western Governor's University. While attending Utica College, Ms. Walrath worked as a T.A. in an Animal Physiology class/lab and a Gerontology class. Before teaching, she worked in many different fields trying to determine what she wanted to do. While working as a hotel supervisor, Ms. Walrath realized how much she missed science and wanted to do something that involved science. She decided to go back to college for biology and realized she wanted to be a teacher. This would allow her to share her love for science. In 2001, she began teaching Living Environment, Earth Science, 7th and 8th grade science, different electives, and Chemistry. Her favorite course is chemistry, which is what she is currently teaching at Proctor High School. She has three kids of her own that keep her busy and is often busy tutoring other students. She has been involved in many different student activities as an advisor and hopes to do so again. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Walrath is looking forward to bring new activities to her classroom that will engage students in learning.
John Lennon Warner Jr. began his career in 2002 after graduating from the SUNY Albany with a BS in Biology and a MSEd. While an undergrad at Albany, he minored in chemistry and business. Mr. Warner teaches Regents Living Environment, Applied Science, Forensics, and Environmental Science at Whitesboro High School in Marcy. During his tenure, Mr. Warner has also chemistry taught at the secondary school level. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is the Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach at SUNY-Poly in Utica. Prior to that, he served as Head Coach of the varsity lacrosse program at Whitesboro. He has always enjoyed a positive rapport with his colleagues, served as a cooperating teacher and is eagerly looking forward to working closely with his peer NYS Master Teachers across the state. A lifelong learner, Mr. Warner's mission is to consistently empower his students to achieve their true potential, and believes, "It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." Just like Albert Einstein believed.
Kathleen Washburn earned her B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Chemistry & Secondary Education from Utica College of Syracuse University and her M.S. in Education from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Washburn teaches Regents Living Environment, Chemistry, and SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) Biology at Clinton Central Schools and is an adjunct faculty member of Syracuse University. Einstein said, "If you can't explain it simply, then you don't understand it well enough," and Mrs. Washburn is always seeking clear explanations and connections that help her students value and appreciate science. She has been an online science curriculum developer for BOCES and is the co-advisor of Science Olympiad and Rachel's Warriors at her school. Mrs. Washburn serves on the Clinton Teacher Association's Executive Board as a building representative and Political Action Coordinator and on the High School Awards Committee. Her professional interests include aquatic biology, promoting student-centered learning, and technology in the classroom. Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family hiking, beach-combing and traveling. She is excited to be part of the Master Teacher Program where she can work with colleagues to share ideas and passion for science, and she looks forward to summer Marine Biology workshops in the Hamptons.
Justin Wiedrick earned his BS in Elementary Education and Mathematics, MS in Literacy Education from SUNY Oswego, and is certified in Elementary Education and Literacy and 7-12 Mathematics. He is currently a National Board Certified Teacher. In the classroom for more than 15 years, Mr. Wiedrick has taught 5th through 10th grade mathematics. Currently at Adirondack Central, Mr. Wiedrick teaches 6th Grade Mathematics, and has coached multiple levels of football, basketball, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. He has also taught multiple levels of summer school and ran an after school program that helped at-risk middle school students succeed in and out of the traditional school setting. Mr. Wiedrick runs an after school drone club and teaches a middle school STEAM class that includes drones, robots, and engineering competitions and challenges. As part of the MTP Academy, Mr. Wiedrick eagerly anticipates working with more MTs in the realm of STEAM pedagogy at all levels. He is devoted to fitness and the outdoors and aspires to become an Adirondack 46er, climbing the 46 major peaks of NYS Adirondack Mountains, along with his wife and dogs of course. Justin is an avid sports fan who abides by the Arthur Ashe quote, "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Wiedrick is eager to assist in the preparation of new and pre-service teachers, working with his peer Master Teachers to share good teaching practices, and joining a Professional Learning Team that will advance mathematical teaching methods and the profession as a whole.
Karla Williams earned her BA in Biology from Siena College and her MAT from SUNY Cortland. She is certified in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and K-6. Mrs. Williams has been teaching at Whitesboro High School for the past twenty-two years and is currently teaching Earth Science and Earth Science Honors classes. She has also taught Living Environment, Forensics, Energy Studies, and Environmental Conservation throughout her years in the classroom. She is an advisor of the Utica University Science Fair, Envirothon, and the sophomore class. Mrs. Williams believes in the importance of hands-on, cooperative learning and provides activities in her classroom where students are actively involved in the learning process. At Whitesboro, she was awarded the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Teaching Tools Grant for her involvement in the Utica University Science Fair. In the past, Mrs. Williams was a member of the Colgate College Science Affiliates, a Model Schools Mentor, participated in Odyssey of the Mind, Science Olympiad, and enjoyed coaching basketball, track, and diving. She enjoys attending country concerts with her family and spending time at Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake. She is looking forward to working with other Master Teachers and collaborating with them as the new Next Generation Science Standards are implemented. Mrs. Williams is excited to have the opportunity to work with other educators and share ways to inspire students in all STEM fields
Scott Williams received his BS in Adolescent Mathematical Education from SUNY Cortland, and MSEd in Leadership and Instruction for Inclusive Classrooms from Utica College. He's been teaching for 11 years at his alma mater, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School. During his tenure, Mr. Williams has taught 15 different Mathematics courses and currently teaches Advanced Placement Calculus, Pre-Calculus Honors, and Algebra 2 Common Core and is an Adjunct Professor at Mohawk Valley Community College. In the past, Mr. Williams channeled his love of sports into coaching baseball, tennis, and volleyball across 14 seasons before taking a hiatus after his first of three beautiful children was born. Today, he enjoys playing pick-up games with friends in addition to engaging in outdoor activities with his family. Because Mr. Williams believes that his profession goes beyond teaching students in a classroom, he also tutors, is an "Academic Assistant" for struggling students, and is the coordinator of the "Math Buddies" program. He also teaches several mini-technology lessons during conference days and enjoys taking online courses to enrich his pedagogy. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Williams looks forward to collaborating with other STEM educators throughout New York State.
Lisa Wind earned her BS in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, Masters in Business Administration from LeMoyne College, and Master of Science in Education from Union College. She holds teaching certificates in both Technology Education and Mathematics. Lisa was inspired to go into teaching from many high school students who were disenchanted by mathematics and technology. Mrs. Wind currently teaches College Now Statistics, programming, Regents Algebra 1, and a calculator math course. She has also taught a project based learning course and a variety of other mathematics courses. Lisa enjoys sharing her prior work experiences with her students and encouraging them to pursue STEAM careers. She has a passion for encouraging her students to persevere in mathematics and technology-related subjects. Lisa teaches in the Math Corps program which provides both academic and mentoring services to Utica City School students during the summer. Lisa is also participating in a grant program through Mohawk Valley Community College to develop a cybersecurity Career and Technology Education program that will become available nationwide. As a NYS Master Teacher, Lisa is looking forward to the advanced professional development opportunities and on-going collaboration with other Master Teachers to provide her students a more successful high school experience and improved post-high school readiness.
Donna Zippin earned her BS in Secondary Mathematics from SUNY Oneonta, MBA from University of Phoenix in San Jose, CA, and pursued graduate level coursework in Educational Administration through SUNY Albany and Cortland. In her 25 years of teaching, Mrs. Zippin has taught all levels of math from grades 7 through 12, and is currently teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC at New Hartford Senior High. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Zippin has served as National Honor Society Advisor, Sophomore and Junior Class Advisors, MathCounts Coach, and currently serves as Mathematics Department Chair at New Hartford. She has presented at several Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS and Hudson Mohawk Valley Area Mathematics conferences. She was awarded the "My Favorite Teacher" recognition offered by First Source Federal Credit Union and WKTV. She is a firm believer in the need to mentor new teachers, and has worked with many college students through observation hours and student teaching placements. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to working with and being challenged by other Master Teachers in her area.