Rayhan Ahmed earned his BS in Biochemistry with a Minor in Computer Science from Binghamton University and MS in Bioengineering from City College. Mr. Ahmed began his decade long career teaching inquiry-based and culturally-relevant mathematics in the South Bronx. He currently teaches project-based inquiry chemistry and an innovative STEM course, with a dual emphasis on climate change and common-core aligned mathematics, at the Expeditionary Learning School for Community Leaders High School in Coney Island. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as a crew leader, member of the team facilitating restorative justice practices, and is responsible for creating a professional learning community, one of his duties as an NYC Department of Education Model Teacher to support the development of his peers through meaningful, authentic and job-embedded professional development. Mr. Ahmed is a Nationally Board Certified Science Teacher, Math for America Master Teacher, New York State Master Teacher, a Senior Science and STEM Common Core Fellow for the New York City Department of Education as well an America Achieves Fellow. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to participating in mini-courses, facilitating a National Board Certification Professional Learning Team, and collaborating with Master Teachers across the state.
Mrs. Angie Anderton is an elementary and Peer Collaborative teacher at Grant Avenue Elementary School in The Bronx. She earned a M.Ed. in Literacy and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Boston College and is a National Board Certified Teacher. As a Peer Collaborative Teacher, she mentors and coaches teachers, facilitates professional development for staff, and maintains a laboratory classroom. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and traveling.
Anna Annina earned her BS in biology with a minor in education from the City College of the City University of New York, MS in Biology from Long Island University and teaching certification in physics from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Prior to teaching, Ms. Annina worked as a research scientist at City College and at New York University. In the classroom for 20 years, she teaches Regents Chemistry and Regents Physics at Williamsburg Prep High School in Brooklyn. She has also taught Living Environment and Earth Science. Ms Annina is an active member of professional organizations such as Math for America serving as a Professional Learning Team (PLT) facilitator for chemistry. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, she is looking forward to facilitating a PLT on "Core Six in the Science Classroom," participating in upcoming mini-courses in the fall and attending in the Ashokan Retreat in August.
Ms. Rocheli Apilan is a high school chemistry and science research teacher as well as the Science Research Coordinator at the High School for Health Professions and Human Services (HPHS) in Manhattan. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry and a M.S. in Physical Chemistry from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in the Philippines, where she taught general and applied chemistry for sixteen years. She is also an adjunct Chemistry and Science Research instructor at Syracuse University and she has been teaching undergraduate courses at HPHS for 16 years. At MƒA, Rocheli leverages a wealth of educational resources, frameworks, and instructional strategies through collaboration with other Master Teachers. She embeds phenomenon-based learning in her teaching, which engages students in exploring real-world phenomena and ensures they never have to wonder, "Why do I need to learn all this stuff?"
Dr. Gifty Asamani is a certified 6 - 12 General Science Educator with the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE). She is a STEM Education Scientist and a Bioinformatician. Dr. Asamani holds an MPhil and a PhD in Science Education from Columbia University (CU) and Teachers College Columbia University respectively. She also holds a master's degree in Medical Informatics from CU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus. Dr. Asamani is an Assistant Professor of STEM education at Hunter College and Teachers College Columbia University. She teaches culturally relevant/responsive, diversity, and inclusion STEM education strategies and methodologies to pre-service graduate students. For 18 years, she has taught Living Environment, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Earth Science and Introduction to Scientific Research at School For Excellence High School (SFE), a Title 1 public school in the South Bronx, NYC. Dr. Asamani incorporates Hip-Hop Pedagogy and Poetry/Arts into her classroom science lessons. For the past seventeen years, she has served as the Science Department Chair and a member of the Instructional Leadership Team and the 4-member Principal Cabinet Team at SFE where she collaborates with the team to devise school wide solutions to ensure that all students are learning. Dr. Asamani has partnered with several nonprofit organizations like: Rockefeller University Science Outreach, Cold Spring Harbor Harlem DNA Lab, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, NYC H20, and the BioBus, where she visits with her students to be exposed to practical hands-on-science activities not readily available on campus. Dr. Asamani is a STEM Instructional Mentor and a NYC DOE Peer Collaborative Teacher – who supports instructional practices and facilitates professional developments. She is affiliated with the external educational division of the United Federation of Teachers where she facilitates professional developments for teachers and paraprofessionals seeking Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credits. Prior to becoming a classroom educator, Dr. Asamani worked as a Research Assistant at the Columbia Genome Center for over seven years. Dr. Asamani's research interest is centered on Diversity, Inclusion, Women in Science, and Urban Black and Brown girls in STEM education. She utilizes critical race theory, hiphop pedagogy, Pygmalion effect, culturally relevant pedagogy and Black feminist thought to guide her research. She has presented her research work at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), American Science Teacher Education (ASTE), North East Regional American Science Teacher Education (NEASTE), Math for America MT2, and Teachers College Columbia University Hip-Hop Education Conference. Her continued dedication to education has won her numerous accolades including a 2020 -21 Astor International Fellowship, New York University; a Math for America Master Teacher fellowship, and last but not the least, a New York State Master Teacher Fellowship distinction. She was recently chosen as a member of New York State Reopening of Schools Regional Task Force, 2020. She currently serves as a board member of the nonprofit group, Kechie's Project, Inc. Dr. Asamani is looking forward to co-facilitating a mini course on Diversity, Race and Gender Intersectionalities at MfA in the Fall of 2020. Dr. Asamani is married with two sons. In her leisure time, she likes to watch or attend sporting events (especially soccer) with her family. She loves dancing, travelling and spending leisure times with friends and family. Dr. Asamani is honored to be a part of such an innovative group of teachers and she is looking forward to collaborate with master teachers across the great state of New York and beyond.
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Chaya Baras earned her BS in Biology from Touro College, MA in Science Education from Hunter College, and MEd as a Wallace Fellow from Bank Street College's Principals Institute Program. Ms. Baras came into teaching as a fellow in New Visions' Urban Teacher Residency Program. For the past seven years, she has been teaching courses in Living Environment and Forensic Science at West Brooklyn Community High School, Sunset Park. Ms. Baras believes in using the whole child approach in teaching, learning, and community engagement. She also focuses on incorporating student-centered instruction into her lessons to ensure it is both minds-on and hands-on. Ms. Baras serves as the science department facilitator at her school and has created partnerships with outside STEM organizations, including Rockefeller University, to provide students with the opportunity to explore science beyond the classroom. Last year, she partnered with the BEAM Center to support her students in designing and building a hydroponics garden for the school community. Ms. Baras is currently a Math for America Master Teacher and a fellow in Biotech Without Border's Hack the Helix Program where she is partnering with NYC educators to bring biotechnology into the classroom. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Baras is looking forward to collaborating and learning from her colleagues across New York State.
Ms. Melanie Battles is a high school mathematics teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School. She earned a B.A. in Mathematics, along with a B.S. and M.A. in Statistics from the University of Florida, and an M.S. in Mathematics Education from St. John's University through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. Melanie's passion lies in statistics and any data-focused course. She feels that statistical literacy is essential to being a data producer and consumer in today's society, and enjoys helping students strengthen these skills through developing critical lenses and habits of mind. She is committed to working with teachers to create and implement new ways to teach statistics and has facilitated many courses at Math for America. She looks forward to continuing that work with Master Teachers across NYS. In her spare time, Melanie is an avid reader, traveler, runner, and Yankee fan who enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Kate Belin earned her BA in Mathematics and Master of Arts in Teaching from Bard College. For the past ten years, she has been teaching at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, a small public school in the south Bronx that uses project based learning. As a member of the New York Performance Standards Consortium, she is an active facilitator of workshops for teachers using projects and other formative assessments. Ms. Belin works as a national trainer for their geometry curriculum with the Algebra Project, and has also taught courses as an adjunct professor in mathematics, teaching practice and classroom inquiry at Bard College and the City College of New York. Ms. Belin was a Math for America Fellow before joining the NYS Master Teacher Program, and was awarded the Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. As a Master Teacher, Ms. Belin has facilitated multiple PLTs around project based learning, geometry and modeling in algebra.
Olivia Bello is a middle school science and STEAM teacher at 75 Morton/MS 297 in Manhattan. She earned a B.S. in Biology from Agnes Scott College, a M.S. in Science Education from Fordham University, and a M.A. in Education Curriculum and Instruction from Adams State University. Olivia is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Fordham University through the Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction program, with a focus on STEAM education. When she is not teaching, Olivia enjoys bird watching, reading, and traveling with her friends and family.
Grace Bennett earned her BS in Biology from the CW Post Campus of Long Island University, an MS and PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry, from Tufts University, an MAT in Adolescent Biology from the Relay Graduate School of Education and an MSEd in Educational Leadership & Administration from the College of St. Rose. In addition to being a STEM educator, teaching Living Environment and a variety of STEM and Computer Science electives at Middle School 88 in Park Slope Brooklyn, Mrs. Bennett also serves as its Director of STEM Education. In that role she has been awarded numerous grants to build a fabrication lab and expand the STEM program. Mrs. Bennett transitioned from postdoctoral research science in 2012 to pursue her passion to be an educator. She is a District 15 model teacher and a Math for America Master Teaching (MTII+) Fellow as well as a member of the National Science Teachers Association, the Science Teacher Association of New York State, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and STEMteachersNYC. When not in the classroom, Mrs. Bennett enjoys cooking, staying active, traveling, and spending time with her family and close friends. She is looking forward to connecting with other passionate STEM Educators and contributing her perspective and experience to state-wide science decision making.
Mr. Raymond Bradshaw is a high school physics teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School. He holds a M.A. in Physics from Adelphi University and is a native Brooklyn resident with nearly two decades of experience teaching physics. When he has the opportunity, Raymond enjoys long days at the beach in the Caribbean.
Lauren Brady earned her BA in Psychology from New College of Florida and Master of Science in Teaching in Secondary Math Teaching from Pace University as a NYC Teaching Fellow. Brady teaches twelfth grade Statistics at Park East High School, where she has been since 2005. Her strategy for ninth grade Academic Intervention Services was highlighted in the NY Times. Brady is Head of the Math Department, Programmer, Professional Learning Committee Facilitator, official DOE Mentor to new teachers and Advisor to at-risk students. She is recognized as a NYC Department of Education Master Teacher, NYS Master Teacher, and Math for America Master Teacher. Brady was a recipient of the 2014 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. As a Master Teacher, Brady facilitates courses such as The Mathematics of Gerrymander: Gerry-Rig Your Classroom! and Teacher as Writer, plus is part of the Equity Advisory Committee. In addition, Brady has consulted on the Statistics in Schools program for the U.S. Census Bureau. Brady is also a published poet and former Nuyorican National Slam Team Member. Her work has appeared in a feature film spoken word documentary, an Off-Off-Broadway play, and the New York International Fringe Festival.
Ms. Alice Brea is a high school mathematics teacher at Townsend Harris High School in Queens. A proud graduate of the TIME 2000 Program, she earned a B.A. in Mathematics, a M.S.Ed. in Mathematics Education, and a M.S.Ed. in Computer Science Education from CUNY, Queens College. In her free time, Alice enjoys staying active and working out.
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Rebecca Caporale-Guarino is a high school mathematics teacher at Manhattan Village Academy in Manhattan. Rebecca earned B.A.s in Mathematics Education and Women and Gender Studies as well as an M.A. in Sociology & Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Beyond the classroom, Rebecca is deeply committed to educational equity and professional development. She coaches teachers in Belonging Centered Instruction through the University of Michigan and leads professional development sessions with the Knowles Teachers Initiative. She also created two innovative electives: Statistics & Injustice and Ethnomathematics and is co-developing ethnomathematics lessons for the website www.ourmathroots.com, which explores how math relates to identity, culture and society. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys her nieces and nephews and playing board games, running in the park, road tripping in her Subaru Outback with her partner & Aussiedoodle and volunteering at her childhood summer camp in the Poconos.
Carolina Castro is a high school science teacher at Comprehensive Model School Project M.S. 327 in the Bronx. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from CUNY, Baruch College and a M.A. in Earth Science Education from CUNY, Brooklyn College. As a certified NYS Master Teacher with over 22 years of teaching experience and multiple certifications in Earth Science, she is committed to curriculum design, teacher mentorship, and leading STEM initiatives. Carolina is also the science department lead at her school, an adjunct lecturer at Brooklyn College, and serves as an Educational Specialist for the NYS Department of Education, helping develop Earth Science Regents exams. Her dedication to science education has earned her the European Geological Union Educator Award and the Astor Fellowship. She has participated in several distinguished professional development programs including a science expedition aboard the Joides Resolution, the Regeneron Science Teaching Fellowship, and the Honeywell/NASA Educator Space Camp Fellowship. When she's not teaching, Carolina enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, kayaking, and biking on the beautiful North Fork of Long Island.
Patrick Chan is a high-school science teacher at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens. He earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Columbia University and completed his undergraduate study at CUNY, Queens College. Patrick began his teaching career as a New York City Teaching Fellow in the summer of 2004. Beyond the classroom, he has served as a coach/mentor for the United States National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) team, traveling to four countries to lead students in International Chemistry Olympiad competitions. He also served in the SOCED (Society Committee on Education) of the American Chemical Society. Outside of teaching, Patrick enjoys music, running, playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Ms. Maria Leon Chu is a high school mathematics teacher at Francis Lewis High School in Queens. She graduated from CUNY, Queens College in the TIME 2000 Program where she earned a M.S.Ed. in Secondary Mathematics Education. Maria also holds a New York State Certification in Bilingual Education—Spanish. At MƒA, Maria has co-facilitated the "Unpacking the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards" PLT. In her spare time, Maria enjoys reading mysteries and knitting.
Mr. Jerry Citron is a science teacher at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. He earned a B.A. in Environmental Science from SUNY Purchase and a M.A. in Environmental Science from CUNY City College. Prior to becoming a teacher, Jerry worked as an NYC Medic, bicycle mechanic, and bike tour travel guide. He loves animals and enjoys biking/hiking/camping, DIY projects, and reading the NY Times.
Ms. Constance Clark is a grade 2 and 3 science, STEAM, and computer science teacher at PS 120 in Queens. She earned a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY Stony Brook and a M.A.T. in Early Childhood & Elementary Education from CUNY, Queens College. She holds NYS certification in Early Childhood & Elementary Education, TESOL, General Science, Chemistry, Instructional Technology, and School Building and District Leader. Constance is a member of the New York City Department of Education Elementary Science Leadership Team and a lifelong learner. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to music and the outdoors.
Sharon Collins earned her BS in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College, MS in Environmental Engineering from Columbia University, and National Board Certification in Adolescence/Young Adulthood Mathematics. Ms. Collins currently teaches AP Calculus AB, PreCalculus and Statistics at New Heights Academy Charter School in Harlem. She is the Program Director of OneGoal, a mentorship program to support low socioeconomic youth on their chosen secondary pathway. As Advisor to the National Honor Society, Ms. Collins created the first ever Math and Writing Center at her school. In May 2019 Ms. Collins was elected parent representative to District 6's Community Education Council, where she serves as recording secretary. Ms. Collins was inspired to enter the field of education by her phenomenal high school teachers and college professors, and after working briefly as an environmental engineer, she entered the teaching profession through Teach for America. Ms. Collins is most passionate about implementing reality pedagogy, project-based learning, authentic assessments and a love of STEM in her upper level mathematics classes. When not teaching students at New Heights Academy or co-facilitating Professional Learning Teams at Math for America, she enjoys baking, cycling and traveling with her husband and children. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Collins is most looking forward to collaborating with her colleagues across the great state of New York.
David Connelly is a high school science teacher at Science, Technology and Research Early College School at Erasmus in Brooklyn. He earned a B.A. in Biology and English from SUNY, Albany and a M.S.Ed in Science Education from CUNY, Lehman College. David worked as a field ichthyologist for the EMAP program. He is currently an adjunct professor in the Biology Department at CUNY, Brooklyn College and was previously a lecturer in the Brooklyn College Education Department.
Lena Cosentino earned her BS in Applied Zoology from McGill University, and MS in Chemistry Education from CUNY Hunter College as a scholarship recipient of the Teaching Opportunity Program. Mrs. Cosentino started teaching in 2006 to integrate her love of science and enjoyment of working with young people. Mrs. Cosentino currently teaches Living Environment, Chemistry and Advisory at the College of Staten Island High School for International Studies and an Environmental Justice course remotely. Mrs. Cosentino is the Girls Varsity Tennis Coach, the UFT Chapter Leader and integral member of the School Leadership Team. As chapter leader, Mrs. Cosentino won the Eli Trachtenberg award in 2019. Mrs. Cosentino is also a member of the Citywide Climate Education Leadership Team, an active member of NSTA and will be presenting at the National Conference in Houston. Mrs. Cosentino has been a Master Teacher with Math for America since 2013 and can't wait to expand her learning through the NYS Master Teacher Program. She loves nature and being outdoors and constantly seeks opportunities to further her learning through travel and experiential learning. Mrs. Cosentino believes the best part of being a teacher is helping students appreciate the natural world around them.
Lauren Cuoto is a middle school science teacher at Jonas Bronck Academy in the Bronx. She is also an Urban Advantage Lead Teacher with the American Museum of Natural History. Lauren holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Emory University and a M.S. in Science Education from CUNY, Lehman College. After college, Lauren joined the Peace Corps and served for two years as an environmental educator in Jamaica. She loves to travel and was a scuba instructor in Honduras and St. Martin. She shares her love of travel with her students and has taken them on school trips to Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.
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Amal Cummings is a high school mathematics teacher at Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology in Manhattan. She earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Skidmore College and a M.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from CUNY, City College. She helped form an Urban Assembly alumni association to support students with the cost of exams, tuition, and supplies necessary for continuing education and training for future careers. Amal also launched an annual financial fair event at her school that gives students a foundation for future financial wellness.
Mr. Justin Czarka is an elementary science and ENL teacher at The Joseph Rodman Drake school in The Bronx. He has an M.S. degrees in Elementary Education, TESOL, and Geographic Information Sciences from CUNY, Lehman College, and B.S. degrees in Political Science and Spanish from The Pennsylvania State University. Justin is a National Board Certified Teacher and believes that education is most effective when students create content that authentically addresses audiences beyond the classroom walls. This belief has motivated him to co-found the South Bronx Schoolyard Garden and Outdoor Classroom and be a leader in the Hunts Point Slave Burial Ground Project. In his spare time, Justin enjoys hiking, biking, running, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Joseph B. Danquah Jr. is a mathematics teacher at Bard High School Early College in the Bronx. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Buffalo State University, SUNY and a M.S. in Mathematics Education from CUNY, Lehman College. He has enjoyed teaching mathematics at Fordham University, Baruch College, DeWitt Clinton High School, and Bard High School Early College - Manhattan before joining Bard High School Early College - Bronx in the Fall of 2024. Joseph has been honored with the Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics, as well as a New York Times Teachers Who Make a Difference Honoree. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys convivial gatherings with family and friends.
John Derian is a high school science teacher at The Brooklyn International High School. He earned a B.S. in Marine Biology and a M.A.T. in Science Education at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. John has taught multilingual learners who have recently arrived in NYC for more than a decade. John designs and facilitates culturally responsive Project Based Learning (PBL) and in the summer, facilitates workshops with schools around the country aimed to help educators build their capacity to design and implement PBL curricula. Additionally, John has written and published PBL science, physics, and STEM curricula for various educational organizations including DiscoveryED, Genentech, Springpoint Schools, and PBLWorks. John enjoys the opportunity to connect with and learn from other incredible teachers in the MfA community and beyond NYC.
David Deutsch earned his B.A. in Physics from Cornell University and M.A. in Science Education from the City College of New York. His official path to teaching came as a charter member of Teach for America. After a brief stay in the Bronx, David began teaching at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics in East Harlem where he currently teaches Physics at the NYS Regents level. Since 1991, he has taught 9th and 10th grade mathematics, chemistry, computer science, and Advanced Placement Physics (C and B) at Manhattan Center. He presently acts as the advisor to Manhattan Center's Astronomy Club and assists with the Model United Nations Club. David received the Blackboard/Brain Pop Science Citation in 2008, the United Federation of Teachers Excellence in Education Award in 2008, and the Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics in 2018. When not attending professional development at Math for America or his children's' sporting and dance events, Mr. Deutsch looks forward to clear skies and the chance to share the wonders of the solar system and beyond with any interested participants.
Maria Cheryl Diangco earned her BS in Biology and MS in Biology (major in Genetics) from the Mindanao State University, Philippines. She was a College Biology Professor in the Philippines for 11 years before teaching in Sheepshead Bay High School, NY in 2004. She was a recipient of the 2011 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. In 2013, she moved to the School for Classics in Brooklyn, NY where she teaches AP Biology, Living Environment, and Science Research. She is their school's Science Lead Teacher, Science Research Club Adviser, Sustainability Coordinator, and Site Employee Safety Administrator. As an educator, she is committed to instilling a love of learning in her students. She networks with organizations like World Science Festival, Ten80 Education, STEMJobs, and Regeneron to expose her students to the various ways of accessing STEM learning. In 2016, she was given a Citation for Dedication, Spirit of Excellence, & Professionalism by the NYS Senate (District 19). As an active Math for America Master Teacher and a new NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to sharing and learning best practices from colleagues.
Ms. Leovie F. Diaz is a high school science teacher at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn. She earned a M.S.T. in Biology from De La Salle University in the Philippines, and a M.S. in General Education & Special Education from Touro University. Leovie has more than two decades of experience in the NYC public schools and was recognized as an outstanding educator with AFTA's Ulirang Guro award in 2022. She also leads the Sustainability Program in her school and coaches the Green Team that spearheads school-based projects including Greening Spaces, Recycling, Sustainable Fashion, Drop & Share, Hydroponics, and Climate Action Days events. Beyond the classroom, Leovie enjoys woodworking, laser-cutting, and designing in her tiny makeshift workshop at home, and spending time with her family and two sons.
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Cesar Ebonia earned both his BS in Mathematics and Master of Science in Teaching in Mathematics from Mindanao Polytechnic State College. In the classroom for 11 years, Mr. Ebonia teaches math at Voyages Prep – South Queens.
Mr. Jason Econome is a high school science teacher at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan where he emphasizes inquiry-based research projects to offer concrete and engaging ways for his students to learn at their own pace and capacity. Jason earned a B.S. in Biology from SUNY, Stony Brook, a M.S. in Molecular Biology from St. John's University, and a M.S. in Science Education from CUNY, City College. He is the recipient of the National Education Association Student Success Grant and the Toshiba Education Grant. Most recently, Jason has implemented a new community project, "Being the healthy-yeast you can be!" that invites students of different abilities and interests to investigate health issues through a multi-faceted, experimental approach including student surveys on issues such as social interactions, exercise, diet, and rest, with opportunities to use computer science skills by quantifying the survey's results and creating an algorithm.
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Geoffrey Enriquez Jr. earned his BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of California, Irvine and MS from St. John's University. He has taught mathematics for the past 10 years in New York City public schools and currently teaches at Vanguard High School. Mr. Enriquez is an organizer for the Creating Balance in an Unjust World Conference on Math Education and Social Justice, facilitates trainings as a Teacher Leader for the College Preparatory Mathematics program and has worked as a consultant for the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity. As a teacher of a school in the New York Performance Standards Consortium, he has a focus on developing and implementing project-based learning to deepen student understanding of mathematical concepts. He shares with his students that mathematics helps explain how the world works and that the ability to do mathematics is built into every human brain. Mr. Enriquez hopes to share, learn and discuss successful pedagogical practices from other educators in NYS to improve mathematics education for all students through the NYS Master Teacher program.
Ricardo Estrada is a high school mathematics teacher at the High School for Global Citizenship in Brooklyn. He holds a B.A. in Finance from CUNY, Baruch College and a M.S. in Education from St. John's University. Ricardo has over 15 years of teaching experience and his dedication to STEM education has been recognized with a 2019 Desmos Fellowship. He has led presentations with Math for America, i-Learn, and COSEBOC showcasing his best practices in pedagogy and instruction. Ricardo is committed to equity and has led initiatives with AP for All and College Now courses, providing underserved students with opportunities for advanced coursework and college credit. Through innovative approaches and tools such as the Flipped Classroom and Desmos, he transforms learning for his students, fostering both engagement and achievement. As a mentor and teacher leader, Ricardo has also played a pivotal role in improving teacher practice and student outcomes, both within his school and across NYC. In his free time, Ricardo enjoys running in Central Park.
Neil Farley earned his BS in Civil Engineering from Drexel University, MS in Civil Engineering from University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and MA in Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. In the classroom for 17 years, Mr. Farley teaches Regents Physics, Honors Physics and Advanced Placement Physics at Bronx High School of Science.
Danilsa Fernandez is a high school mathematics teacher at City College Academy of the Arts in Manhattan. She earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from CUNY, City College, an M.S. in Technology Management from the Stevens Institute of Technology, and a M.A. in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has been teaching for more than a decade and strives to create a supportive learning environment where all students feel empowered to succeed in math. Danilsa is also passionate about integrating STEM activities into her teaching. Most recently, she participated in the Teacher Innovator Institute at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, where she collaborated with STEM teachers from around the country to learn about new teaching methods, hands-on activities, and resources to integrate STEM in the classroom.
Jared Fox is an environmental science and Advanced Placement (AP) Research teacher at the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS) in Manhattan. In 2005 Dr. Fox entered teaching as a Teach For America corps member in The Bronx and is dedicated to working for and in underserved communities. In 2019, Dr. Fox was granted the Sloan Award for Science and Mathematics Teaching and invited to drop the Waterford Crystal Ball in Times Square for the 2020 New Year. Dr. Fox, who is the co-founder of the Clean Air Green Corridor, was recognized for his climate advocacy work. Outside the classroom, Dr. Fox serves on the Board of Directors of BioBus, Inc., providing high-quality science education experiences to student populations underrepresented in STEM. At home, Dr. Fox is a proud husband and father of three. The entire family enjoys spending time on the soccer field and visiting family in Albany as well as Clinton, NY where he graduated from Hamilton College with a BA in Biology. Dr. Fox is looking forward to joining NYSMTP to connect with math and science teachers across the state in which he has lived, been educated, and worked for his entire life.
Katie Francis is a high school mathematics teacher at Curtis High School in Staten Island where she has been the IB Diploma Program coordinator for nearly a decade. Katie earned a B.A. in Mathematics from CUNY, College of Staten Island, a M.A. in Mathematics Education from CUNY, Brooklyn College, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Instructional Leadership from CUNY, Hunter College. Her research interests include examining whiteness ideology in mathematics education, critical reflective practices of teachers, and adult social and emotional learning. Katie has led several professional development workshops at MƒA and has presented at conferences worldwide including the CASEL SEL Exchange in 2023 and the International Emotional Intelligence Congress in 2022. Katie enjoys spending time with her dog Bali, traveling, practicing yoga, and relaxing on a beach with a good book.
Kiersten Franz currently teaches mathematics at Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Dance from New York University and an M.S.Ed. in Education, Culture and Society from The University of Pennsylvania. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematics. Kiersten loves incorporating movement and games into her lessons, and is passionate about issues around equity and inclusion in STEM. When she is not teaching, she enjoys birding, karaoke, mystery shows, puzzles, and refereeing her sons' soccer games.
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Maria Giambanco has always been fascinated by how and why things work. As a child she remembers digging up worms and sticking them in jars so that she could see them build tunnels. She received her first microscope for her eighth birthday, which she still has. Ms. Giambanco majored in biology at St. Joseph's College and earned her MS in Biological Sciences from Hofstra University and her MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Ohio University. Having realized that she enjoyed teaching far more than her research interests, she applied to, and was accepted as a NYC Teaching Fellow in 2006, where she earned a third MS in Secondary Science Education. Ms. Giambanco has worked in the same NYC public school for the past nine years. Of her journey towards teaching, Ms. Giambanco says "I feel that my research experience has been a great asset for my students. It helps make science more real and relevant." In addition to being a NY State Master Teacher, she is a Math for America Master Science Teacher, a Fund for Teachers Travel Fellow and has been a New Visions for Public Schools mentor teacher.
Ms. Isabelle Giannella is a middle school science teacher at the West End Secondary School in Manhattan. She holds a B.S. in Psychobiology from Centre College and a M.A. in Child Development from Tufts University. She has been teaching science in New York City for over twenty years, with a focus on biology and a very fun hydroponics elective. She loves to travel and enjoys family discussions on where to travel next.
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Stacy Goldstein earned her BS in Cell and Molecular Biology from Binghamton University and MA in Science Education from Columbia University College, and is also a fellow in the New York City cohort at Math for America. In the classroom for ten years, Ms. Goldstein holds a dual certification in chemistry and biology and has taught both subjects, Science Research and Middle School Science. She currently teaches at Midwood High School in Brooklyn. Last year, Ms. Goldstein mentored a group of students to finish amongst the top groups in NYC in the Urban Barcode Project, a genetics research competition. Ms. Goldstein's philosophy of science education emphasizes inquiry and development of deep content knowledge while students work collaboratively in a group. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Goldstein is looking forward to sharing her passion for science education with her colleagues and learning from them as well.
Billy Green is a high school chemistry teacher at A. Philip Randolph Campus High School in Manhattan. He earned a Bachelor's in Chemistry from Williams College and an M.A. in Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University where he is currently a Ph.D. candidate. Billy is the co-chair of the Pathways to Engineering program at his school and a member of the NYC Public Schools Chancellor's Advisory Committee and the NYSED Commissioner's Advisory Committee. He is also the NYC Chemistry Representative for the Science Teachers Association of New York State. To expand his community outreach, support LGBTQIA+ youth, and foster international art and education initiatives, Billy partners with East Harlem community-based organizations SCAN-NY and Opus Dance Theatre. He has received numerous awards including the 2023 New York State Teacher of the Year, the 2024 NEA Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 2023 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence. His mission is to create learning spaces and career pathways that empower marginalized people.
Robert Greenblatt earned his B.S. in Statistics and Biometry from Cornell University, and M.A. in Education from Vermont College. Since 2014, Mr. Greenblatt has been teaching everything from Algebra to AP Calculus at Pace High School in Chinatown. Mr. Greenblatt has been teaching math in New York City since 1995, when he began his career at Canarsie High School in Brooklyn. In his 14 years at Canarsie High School, Mr. Greenblatt also coached various PSAL teams. Prior to teaching, Mr. Greenblatt gave cross-country tours to foreigners visiting the United States. He also lived and worked on a Kibbutz in Israel. Mr. Greenblatt enjoys being an active participant in the Math for America community and has led the Rational Tangles single session workshop. He especially enjoyed being a part of the Park City Math Institute during the summer of 2016. Mr. Greenblatt looks forward to continuing to learn from his fellow New York State Master Teacher colleagues.
Ms. Shannon Guglielmo is a high school mathematics teacher at Landmark High School in Manhattan. Shannon has a B.A. in Mathematics from Colgate University, and a M.A. in Mathematics Education from New York University. She has been teaching for over a decade focusing on culturally responsive sustaining education, transformative justice in schools, and project-based assessment. Shannon has presented nationally at AERA, SXSW EDU, and Creating Balance. She has also led professional development with AP for All, the NYS Performance Standards Consortium, and Math for America. As a Fund for Teachers fellow, she studied math and cultural astronomy in the United Kingdom.
Seth Guiñals-Kupperman earned his BS in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and became a New York City Teaching Fellow in 2003. He then earned his MA in Science Education from The City College of New York. As a high school student at Bronx High School of Science, he was inspired to incorporate discovery learning into his physics classroom. Seth discovered Modeling Instruction in Physics by attending a workshop in Buffalo which was an eye-opening experience. Through having students actively engage with the material, Seth became Nationally Board Certified, a facilitator of workshops on the city, state, national, and international levels. Seth has taught Astronomy, Statistics, Conceptual, Regents, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Physics. He is an active proponent of Professional Development who engages and inspires participants, and hopes to engage in such in the NYSMTP. He is deeply passionate about the impacts of education policy and is hoping the NYSMTP will allow for the chance to get city teachers' voices heard. He is an active jogger and amateur chef, loves travel, and is certified news junkie.
Mr. Leton Hall is a middle school science teacher at Pelham Gardens Middle School in the Bronx. He earned a M.S.Ed. in Middle School Science from CUNY, City College and a M.S.Ed. in Elementary Education from CUNY, Lehman College. Leton came to teaching through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. At his school, he is a lead science teacher, part of the Instructional Leadership Team, and a certified NYC DOE mentor. Leton is currently one of the facilitators for the BIPoC Affinity group and has facilitated various other single session workshops and Professional Learning Teams at MƒA. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and spending time with his family.
Mr. Joshua Hans is a high school mathematics and computer science teacher at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in Brooklyn. He earned a B.A. and M.A. in Mathematics Education from CUNY, Brooklyn College as well as a Computer Science Education Advanced Certificate from CUNY, Hunter College. Joshua helped develop his school's four-year trajectory in programming and robotics and has led professional development opportunities through CS4All supporting teachers across the city in offering computer science courses. He also serves as secretary of the NYC chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, and solving New York Times puzzles.
Heather Hanson-Mohammed earned her BS in Biology from Norfolk State University and BA in Education from Adelphi University. In the classroom for eight years, Ms. Hanson-Mohammed teaches Chemistry, Forensic Science, Living Environment and Environmental Science at Holcombe L. Rucker School of Community Research.
Ms. Helen Haritos is a high school mathematics teacher at Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical High School in Queens. She earned a M.S. in Mathematics and Secondary Education from CUNY, Queens College, and a B.S. in Mathematics from St. John's University. Passionate about both mathematics and teaching, Helen strives to create meaningful connections with her students and inspires them to not only excel in math but also to cultivate a lifelong love of learning. She has led professional development for colleagues in several Math for America workshops and is eager to collaborate with fellow Master Teachers from across New York State.
Ms. Susie Harter is an elementary mathematics teacher and coach at Waterside Children's Studio School in Queens. She earned a B.S. in Social Science and Spanish from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Mathematics and Science Education from CUNY, Hunter College. She has over 20 years of teaching experience, is a founding member of her school, and established the school's Green Team. She is a New York City Model Teacher, a National Board Certified Teacher, a 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, and a member of NYC's Climate Education Leadership Team. When she's not teaching, Susie enjoys hiking, reading, and birding.
Mrs. Deame Hua is a science teacher at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. She earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a M.S. in Secondary Science Education from CUNY, College of Staten Island. In her spare time, Deame enjoys drawing and painting.
AnnaMarie Hauser earned her BS in Psychology & Sociology from SUNY Stony Brook, MST in Secondary Mathematics Education from Pace University, MSEd and School Building Leader Certificate in Mathematics Leadership from Bank Street College of Education, and Gifted Education Certificate from Hunter College. She started teaching in NYC Public Schools in September 2007, after graduating from SUNY Stony Book and being accepted into the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. Ms. Hauser is currently in her second Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship. She is a Queens-native and has taught at her current school, The 30th Avenue School, since its second year, and has graduated every 8th grade class. She has taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Algebra 1 and helps run the yearbook elective and math team. As a STEM teacher, Ms. Hauser is most passionate about being a life-long learner herself and she strives to develop that practice in her students. She also volunteers with NY Cares in her community and especially loves projects that involve helping animals. She enjoys reading, baking, swimming, and playing with her daughter. As a new NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to connecting and learning with other STEM teachers across New York.
Michael Holmes earned his BS and MS in chemistry from North Carolina Central University. He became a chemistry teacher in New York City in 2003 and has been teaching for 12 years. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has worked at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) developing science educational curriculum to create enhanced lesson plans for teachers using PBS episodes of Nature and AMNH exhibits. Mr. Holmes's past accolades include selection as a New York University's Jhumki Basu Fellow, a yearlong program to build expertise in teachers to successfully engage low-income minority youth in STEM education, and selection as an Astor Fellow at New York University to examine STEM education in China. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Holmes facilitated a mini-Professional Learning Team on how to implement case studies in the classroom for his peers at the August NYS Master Teacher Program Ashokan professional retreat. Outside of the classroom, he is an active swimmer and runner competing in races for the last seven years.
Patrick Honner earned his BS in mathematics from Wayne State University, MA in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin and his MEd in Mathematics Education from the City College of New York. Mr. Honner has been teaching math in New York City for 13 years, covering everything from Introductory Algebra to Multivariable Calculus. Throughout his career, Mr. Honner has been active in promoting mathematics around New York City, and has served in a variety of leadership roles in and outside of schools. He has been a member of New York City's Math for America (MfA) since 2000, leading workshops on mathematical writing, mathematical art, technology, and social media over the years. Mr. Honner has also benefitted greatly from his participation in the MfA community. Mr. Honner frequently presents and writes about mathematics and teaching; he presents at local, national, and international conferences, and his work is featured in publications like, The New York Times and Math Horizons. In addition, he is very active in a variety of digital communities, and he shares his passion for mathematics and teaching through his personal website, MrHonner.com. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Honner looks forward to working with and learning from his fellow New York State Master Teacher colleagues.
Jean Hourihane earned a B.S. in General Science/Biology from Manhattan College. She also earned a M.S. in Reading Education from Queens College and a CAS in District Administration from the College of Saint Rose. Ms. Hourihane received an Empire State Science Teacher Scholarship award and began teaching in 1985. Aside from two years as the Science Coordinator for District 30 in Queens, the majority of her career has been spent at P.S. 92Q, the Harry T Stewart Sr. School located in Corona, Queens. As a science cluster teacher, Ms. Hourihane teaches students from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. She is a member of NYC Science Leadership Team and has been a Master Teacher with Math for America since 2015. Ms. Hourihane has presented at two national National Science Teaching Association Conferences in 2018 and 2019. She is also an active volunteer with Donors Choose. Ms. Hourihane is passionate about science instruction in elementary school and is inspired by Rachel Carson's quote “a child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full or wonder and excitement”. Ms. Hourihane looks forward to working with other Master Teachers in New York State who share her passion for elementary science education.
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Kelly Hudson earned her BA in Mathematics with Teaching Certification from Messiah College and Masters in Math Education from Queens College. She started the grade 8 Algebra Regents program at MS 72 during her first year of teaching in 2005 and has continued teaching this program at her current school, The Scholars' Academy since 2012. In 2012, she was recognized as the Top Ten Math Teachers in New York City for making the highest gains in student state exam scores for consecutive years and was ranked in the 99th percentile for math teachers in grades 3-8. Mrs. Hudson attributes this recognition to her focus on student growth mindset and her curriculum development. She has spent over 15 years creating her own curriculum that combines the 8th and 9th grade math state standards to create a cohesive curriculum. Since 2015, Mrs. Hudson has planned the annual STEAM Family Night at her school. She has been a Math for America Master Teacher since 2017 and has helped to facilitate professional development on Socratic Seminars in the math classroom. As an NYS Master teacher, Mrs. Hudson is looking forward to being part of an even bigger community of educators to collaborate with and learn from.
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Lavonne Hunter earned a dual BA in psychology and Special Honors Curriculum, and MS in Secondary Adolescent Education in Biological Sciences from Hunter College. Trained as a research scholar in neurobiology, Ms. Hunter served as the Science Learning Coordinator of the Minority Access to Career (MARC) program coaching MARC scholars, and taught the fundamentals of biomedical research to undergraduate students for two years before teaching adolescents. Celebrating her 11th year in the classroom, Ms. Hunter teaches 8th Grade Science at Baychester Middle School. Over the last three years, she has spearheaded outreach events to showcase students as experts and to provide curriculum and science enrichment for parents. Known by her students as Coach Hunter, shemanifests her passion for cognitive science through continuous study and application of the growth mind-set model to advance students from learners to doers. Ms. Hunter actively shares her insights presenting workshops on student-led and place-based learning for the World Maker Faire, Alternative Education Resource Organization, and Math for America. Ms. Hunter garners inspiration from the quote: "The problem with the US educational system is that it rewards students for answering questions they never asked". As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Hunter is looking forward to learning from her peers, and presenting at the upcoming NYS MTP 2nd Annual Summer Ashokan Retreat.
Alia Jackson earned her BA in Physics from SUNY Plattsburgh and Master of Arts in Teaching in Physics from Stony Brook University. She is in her ninth year at Curtis High School, on Staten Island, NY, teaching International Baccalaureate Physics, Regents Physics and Regents Earth Science. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Jackson mentors the Astronomy Research Club in collaboration with Rooftop Variables at Columbia University, as well as the Engineering Club. Recent professional projects include research with the Columbia University, Cornell University, the Maria Mitchell Observatory in Nantucket, MA, and James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, preparing several academic papers for publication, and presentations at American Astronomical Society meetings and the Partners in Science National Conference. Passionate about astronomy, Mrs. Jackson constantly encourages her students, friends, and fellow teachers to 'LOOK UP!' As a Master Teacher, she has co-facilitated the Astronomy Professional Learning Team and has taken several mini-courses. She is looking forward to forming a relationship with other teachers not only in New York City but across NYS.
Jay Jammula is a high school physics teacher physics in District 75, Manhattan. He earned an M.A. in Physics from Columbia University, a M.A. in Mathematics Education from CUNY, City College, and several other STEM degrees from universities in India. As a D75 teacher, Jay supports his students with a variety of learning needs using innovative teaching methods to meet their unique challenges. He continually strives to enhance his teaching practice and the learning journey of his students. As a New York State Master Teacher, Jay looks forward to ongoing professional development and collaboration with teachers across the state.
Ms. Dawoun Jyung is a middle school mathematics teacher at Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Queens. She earned a B.A. in Sociology from Wellesley College, a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University, and a M.A. in Leadership from Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Growing up as an Asian-American English language learner, Dawoun developed a passion for creating a classroom where all students' voices are not only heard but carry equal weight, regardless of students' race, gender, language, and perceived mathematics level. Prior to teaching, Dawoun worked at the NYC Department of Education, where she learned how policy decisions impact what happens in the classroom.
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Carol Kinney earned her BS in Human Service Studies from Cornell University, Masters of Social Work, MA in Japanese Studies, and PhD in Sociology and Social Work from The University of Michigan, and an MS in Math Education from Lehman College. She previously taught Sociology and did research at the University of Michigan, received a Fulbright Graduate Studies fellowship to Japan to study the transition to work from lower-track high schools, taught English in Japan, and worked as a youth worker. She has been a Math for America Master Teacher since 2008 where she has led Professional Learning teams on teaching math with ESL learners, Algebra and Projects, Project based Geometry, and Performance Based Assessment Tasks (PBATs). Currently teaching Geometry and a graduation requirement PBAT Statistics class, she will present about Social Issues and Statistics at the upcoming "Creating Balance in an Unjust World" conference in San Francisco. She is passionate about teaching students to not be afraid of mathematics and to understand the math and statistics in the world around them. She enjoys mentoring and learning from newer teachers and has been an MFA and a Knowles foundation mentor teacher. Outside of school she volunteers in NYC parks, reads, looks for chances to use Japanese, and loves to cook and run.
Ms. Christine Kola is a high school Earth and Space Science teacher at Pelham Lab High School in The Bronx. She earned a B.S. in Computer Science at Fordham University and a M.S. in Geoscience Education at Mississippi State University. Christine has been teaching for over 25 years with New York City Public Schools and for more than 16 years at the American Museum of Natural History with the Lang Science Program and Seminars on Science. In her spare time, she enjoys running and visiting National Parks.
Siaka Kone is a high school mathematics teacher at the City College Academy of the Arts in Manhattan. He earned a M.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education at Pace University. Siaka has two decades of teaching experience. Originally from the Ivory Coast, he enjoys traveling, learning new languages, and watching stand-up comedy.
Jeanne Kopun earned her B.S. in Communication with concentrations in Earth and Atmospheric Science and Natural Resources from Cornell University and her M.A. in Middle Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Ms. Kopun presented paleontological research at meeting of the Geological Science of America (GSA) 2012 through the Research Experience for Teachers program. She began teaching in 2007. Ms. Kopun was excited by the prospect of teaching others about her love for the planet and how it worked. She currently teaches Earth Science and AP Environmental Science at Forest Hills High School in Queens. In addition to teaching, Ms. Kopun is the Science Regents testing coordinator at her school and handles the preparation and administration of all Science Regents exams. She is also the Earth Science Team Leader in her department. Ms. Kopun frequently attends Math for America meetings and is currently a Small World Network Mobilizer with the organization. She is a member of the National Science Teaching Association and GSA. Ms. Kopun feels that STEM education is crucial for all students, since they will be the ones making policy decisions in the future. She loves running, traveling, and trying new foods. Ms. Kopun is most excited to network with diverse teachers from all over New York as part of the NYSMTP.
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Corey Levin earned his BA in Math and Philosophy from Williams college and a MAT from Bard College. Mr. Levin began his teaching career while in the Peace Corps in Ghana and as a Peace Corps Response volunteer in Jamaica. He enjoyed it so much that he has never truly considered another career path. Currently, Mr. Levin teaches middle school math at MS177 Yorkville East. He has also coached various sports and Mathletics and served in variety of leadership roles within the school's math department. He is most passionate about designing unique and creative classroom structures which allow students to take on the role of mathematician. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Levin is an active long-distance runner and avid escape room enthusiast. Joining the NYS Master Teacher Program, he is very excited to expand his network of STEM teachers to bounce exciting ideas around and hopefully, his ideas can be useful to others as well!
Arah Lewis is a middle school mathematics teacher at Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx. She earned a B.S. in Economics from Columbia University and a M.S. in Mathematics Education from CUNY, City College. She has spent the last 15 years teaching mathematics in the Bronx and Harlem and presently serves as the 7th grade team leader. Arah focuses on infusing principles of culturally responsive and sustaining education in her instruction and strives to connect standards-aligned content to both students' current lived experiences as well as issues they will have to grapple with as they enter adulthood. She enjoys collaborating with and learning from her colleagues in through professional development, affinity groups, and community-building opportunities.
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Alexander Lord earned his BA in Mathematics and Anthropology from the Macaulay Honors College at Queens College, his MSEd in Mathematics Education from Queens College, and his EdD in Learning and Teaching (Mathematics Education) from Hofstra University. In the classroom for over 10 years, Dr. Lord has taught AP Calculus AB/BC, Pre-Calculus, Geometry, and Computer Science at Francis Lewis High School. Additionally, Dr. Lord is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education at Queens College, teaching courses ranging from Calculus to the History of Mathematics and co-designing the curriculum for the NYC-wide Algebra for All initiative. At Math for America, he has participated in and facilitated numerous professional development sessions and received a Stavros Niarchos Foundation Teacher-Scholar Fellowship through Columbia University in 2021. Dr. Lord has organized and presented at professional conferences, published original research in (and reviewed papers for) academic journals, and served on dissertation committees for doctoral students. He has also participated in the scoring of AP Calculus exams and enjoys volunteering as a judge at FIRST Robotics competitions. As a NYS Master Teacher, Dr. Lord is looking forward to joining a wider community of STEM educators with whom he can learn from and share resources with.
George Ludovici earned his BA in Computer Science from SUNY Oswego, MS in Computer and Information Science from Syracuse University, MS in Math Education from CUNY Lehman and MEd in Public School Building Leadership from Columbia-Teachers College. Prior to teaching Mr. Ludovici worked in Upstate and Central New York in information technology as an Assistant Director of Programming, a Senior Computer Scientist and as a Support Group Manager for nationally known websites. Mr. Ludovici is active in Math for America, the National Council of Mathematics Teachers, and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS. As a math teacher, Mr. Ludovici strives to teach students to be persistent and to value this as a skill in its own right. It is a skill that carries over into every area of a student's life. It is probably the skill which correlates most closely with success in college. Mr. Ludovici, as all teachers do, looks down the long road appreciating the future successes of his students.
Mrs. Kara MacDevitt is a high school computer science, Earth and Space Science, and chemistry teacher at Brooklyn Collaborative Studies in Brooklyn. She earned a M.S. in Science Education from Pace University and a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Spanish from Bates College. Kara was honored with the prestigious Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching for her work with MLL students. Her passion for science and travel led her to Southeast Asia, where she tested water quality through a Fund for Teachers grant. Kara is dedicated to fostering curiosity and a love for learning in her students.
Bridget Mahoney earned her BA in geology from Mount Holyoke College, MA in Secondary Science Education from the City College of New York, and is currently working on her MSEd in school counseling from Hunter College. Ms. Mahoney also studied archeology and climate change for a semester at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. A product of New York City public schools, Ms. Mahoney has been in the classroom for nine years, teaching earth science at the High School for Language and Diplomacy. She serves as a teacher mentor and is the co-facilitator of the Peer Group Connection program through the Center for Supportive Schools. Ms. Mahoney continues her work with the New York City Teaching Fellows as a Fellow Ambassador and volunteers for Mount Holyoke College as both classes and reunions committee member and her class treasurer. Ms. Mahoney enjoys exploring the natural world around her and is an enthusiast for the urban environment that is New York City. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Mahoney is excited to continue participating in professional learning communities surrounding earth science as well as take advantage of the astronomy offerings available.
Bushra Makiya earned her BS in Materials Science and Engineering from M.I.T. and MS in Teaching from Pace University. She is currently a candidate in the Math Leadership Program at Bank Street College. In the classroom for eleven years, Ms. Makiya is a 7th and 8th grade teacher at CIS 303: The Leadership and Community Service Academy, in the Bronx. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Makiya is a Lead Math Teacher and a member of the school's coaching team, responsible for mentoring new teachers to the school. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Makiya truly values the constant collaboration with her colleagues and was co-facilitator of the Middle School Common Core: Standards for Mathematical Practice Professional Learning Team for several years.
Elisa Margarita earned her BA in Biochemistry with a minor in Child Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook and Doctor of Chiropractic from New York Chiropractic College. Her passion for the environment was cemented as a teenager working for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act Highway Beautification Program. Dr. Margarita's journey into teaching began 12 years ago when she was invited to collaborate on curriculum writing under the guidance of Understanding by Design expert, Janie Smith. She teaches Advanced Placement Environmental Science in a New York City public school and is the Environmental Club Advisor. Dr. Margarita was a member of the Math and Science Partnership in New York City designed to increase student achievement through teacher professional development. She is a core member and educational consultant to the Eastern Queens Community Composters, which strives to inspire New York City students to bring sustainability practices into their schools and communities. During the summer of 2014, Dr. Margarita became a WindSenator, learning from wind energy experts in the industry, which inspired her to create new adventures for her students in environmental science. Dr. Margarita has been facilitating the Field-Based Science Inquiry Professional Learning Team which investigates and shares ways to capitalize in the classroom on New York City's rich natural environment.
Ms. Kate Maschmeyer is a middle school mathematics and computer science teacher at Community Roots Charter School in Brooklyn. She earned a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics and a M.S. in Computer Science from Washington University in St. Louis, and a M.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She recently earned an Advanced Certificate in Computer Science Education from Hunter College and holds professional certifications in Mathematics 7-12 and Computer Science. In her work with Computer Science for All (CS4ALL) NYC, Kate has co-facilitated year-long professional learning courses and developed additional training materials about p5.js and the p5.js curricula offered by CS4ALL, as well as co-facilitated a variety of MƒA professional development sessions on computer science. In her spare time, Kate enjoys knitting and runs a fiber arts club at school.
Laurie Matthews is an elementary science teacher at The Brooklyn New School. She earned a B.S. in Anthropology and a M.S. in Archaeology from New York University. She also earned a M.S. in Elementary Education from CUNY, Hunter College. Her biggest passion is designing integrated curriculum for her 5th grade students. Using travel as an inspiration, Laurie has sought out learning opportunities to enrich her classroom curriculum.As a recipient of The Hilton Teacher Treks travel grant and a Fund For Teachers grant, she traveled to Mexico to study the Maya engineering and site design and to the Galapagos to learn about the geology of island formation as well as the effects of climate change on endemic species. In her capacity as a fellow for the citywide programs of Showcase Schools and the Lighthouse initiative, Laurie has worked with colleagues and her school leaders to share best practices of The Brooklyn New School with educators across New York City. She looks forward to meeting and collaborating with elementary science teachers from around the state.
Mr. Scott Matthews is a high school mathematics teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Penn State University and started his mathematics teaching career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guinea, West Africa in 1997. Later, he earned a M.A. in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. His interests extend beyond the classroom as Scott coaches the Math Team and is an active member of the school's Equity Team. He also has facilitated professional development sessions on Number Theory and Combinatorics and has co-facilitated sessions to explore the vertical alignment of mathematics curriculum. In his free time, Scott is an avid hiker and biker and loves to travel with his family.
Shirvonne McCarthy is a high school mathematics teacher with the NYC Home Instruction program. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Hampton University, a M.A. in Applied Statistics from Pennsylvania State University, a M.A. in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from CUNY, Brooklyn College. Throughout her career, she has excelled as a mentor, team leader, and department chair and was recognized for her accomplishments wiht a Newton Fellowship in 2007. When she's not teaching, Shirvonne finds joy in beekeeping, event planning, traveling, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.
Mr. Stephen McClellan is a high school science teacher at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. He began his career as a New York City Teaching Fellow in 2004 after working in the geotechnical engineering field. Stephen has a B.S. from East Carolina University and a M.S. in Science Education from Lehman College. He enjoys working with his Coral Reef Club to grow corals and study tropical reef organisms. Stephen enjoys time with his family, especially his two young children.
Brian McCormack earned his BA in Mathematics from Providence College. Selected as a NYC Teaching Fellows, he began working at Lyons Community School. Mr. McCormack later earned his MA in Mathematics Education from Brooklyn College and a School Leadership license from Hunter College. For the past fourteen school years, he has taught high school mathematics at Lyons, which is a member of the NYS Consortium. As such, Mr. McCormack has developed courses that seek to build student's mathematical skills and empower them to become efficient problem solvers. Mr. McCormack has facilitated several PLTs at Math for America. In addition, he has served as both a mentor teacher and a school-based coach for teaching residents through the New Visions Urban Teaching Residency program. In 2021, Mr. McCormack was accepted as a NYTimes Teaching Program participant, in which he is working with educators across the country to incorporate the NYTimes into classrooms in authentic and engaging ways. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to learning from and working with teaching colleagues throughout the state. In his free time, Mr. McCormack enjoys cheering on the NY Mets, playing golf, and playing board games.
Phiola McFarlane earned her BA in Mathematics Education from Brooklyn College, MA in Public Administration from Baruch College, and a four year Fellowship from Math for America. Prior to teaching, Ms. McFarlane was a Youth Minister at her home church. In the classroom for nine years, Ms. McFarlane leads a girls group called "Conversación de Niñas," teaches Advanced Placement Statistics, Algebra 2 & Trigonometry at East New York Family Academy: "I had such a meaningful experience during Junior High School that I came back to teach!" Ms. McFarlane is an active member of professional organizations and was a presenter at the Annual Conference on Math Education and Social Justice "Creating Balance in an Unjust World Conference" in California. Ms. McFarlane finds inspiration in the words of Civil Rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr.: "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus". As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. McFarlane is looking forward to presenting to her peers at the NYS Master Teacher Program Summer Leadership Retreat designed and hosted by the Master Teachers in the Mohawk Valley.
Ms. Martina Meijer is an elementary mathematics and science dual language teacher at PS 139 Alexine A. Fenty School in Brooklyn. She earned a M.S. in Education from Mercy College and a M.S.Ed. in Educational Policy and Management from Harvard University. Martina has nearly two decades of experience in monolingual, bilingual, and Waldorf classrooms. She is involved with union organizing with the rank-and-file through the teacher's union (MORE-UFT caucus) and is an active community organizer supporting the Tenant Union Flatbush.
Soni Midha earned her BA in Mathematics and Music from Wesleyan University, and MS for Teachers in Secondary Math Teaching from Pace University as a NYC Teaching Fellow. Having taught a variety of High School math classes since 2004, she currently teaches AP Calculus, Personal Finance, and Pre-Calculus at East Side Community High School in Manhattan. Ms. Midha has been a Math for America (MFA)Master Teacher since 2012, where she has served as a mentor and advisor to MFA Early Career Teachers, as well as a participant and co-facilitator for MFA courses. She is also a NYCDOE Teacher Leader. Ms. Midha is passionate about teaching math and inspiring her students to problem solve and think for themselves. Outside of school, she loves to travel, and is always planning her next trip. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is excited about collaborating with other Master Teachers across the state.
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Mr. Ben Morgenroth is a high school mathematics teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School. He holds a B.A. in Applied Mathematics-Economics from Brown University and a M.A. in Applied Mathematics from CUNY, Hunter College. Ben is an adjunct lecturer at Hunter College, a native New Yorker, and a passionate public school educator. Prior to teaching, Ben was a Hedge Fund Quant and a Business Technology Consultant. He is an avid traveler and, prior to teaching, spent time living and working on organic farms abroad.
Alex Moyer earned his B.A. in Mathematics from Lehman College at the City University of New York, and his M.A. in Secondary Math Education from New York University. He also completed two certification programs in Educational Leadership (School Building Leader, School District Leader) from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Inspired to teach by his mother, who taught at an elementary school in Queens for twenty years, Mr. Moyer has been teaching Algebra 1 since 2010, when he joined Math for America as part of the New Teaching Fellows program. His most recent teaching assignment has been at Lower East Side Prep High School in New York City, which is an alternative high school primarily serving international students. Mr. Moyer has also served as a co-writer for EngageNY's Algebra 1 curriculum, and provides professional learning to teachers and school leaders through UnboundEd's Standards Institute, a semi-annual national conference. As a Master Teacher., Mr. Moyer is most excited about implementing standards-aligned curriculum and improving his use of instructional routines. Mr. Moyer spends his free time with his wife and young son, and enjoys cooking, reading, and cycling.
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Dr. Ghada Nehmeh is a high school physics teacher at the Bronx High School of Science. She has a Ph.D. in Science Education from SUNY, Stony Brook University. Her research focuses on physics education and underrepresentation of women in physics. She has been teaching for nearly two decades and is a PhysTEC lead at STEP UP.
Andy Nissinboim is a high school science teacher at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn. Andy earned his B.S. in Geology with secondary studies in Earth Science Education and a M.A. in Geology, both from CUNY, Brooklyn College. He is a proud Brooklyn native having been educated in the NYC public school system from pre-K through high school, leading to his commitment to education within the NYC Department of Education. Andy is invested in enhancing students' cognitive development in the classroom for long-term success. His pedagogical approach has led to the development of Cognitive Learning Tasks (CLTs) to teach content while developing students' analytical thinking skills. Andy is also an enthusiastic home cook, adding creativity, flavor, and garnish to both his teaching and his kitchen.
Steven O'Malley studied chemical engineering at the University of Maryland and received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Columbia University. He has taught AP and organic chemistry at Stuyvesant High School since 2006. During his first job as an assistant professor at John Jay College, Mr. O'Malley discovered his true strengths — mentoring younger students in learning science — and sought out a high school teaching role. At Stuyvesant High School, he has created an organic chemistry elective, developed a chemistry lab program, and facilitated after-school activities including an American Sign Language interest group and a science video production club. Mr. O'Malley received the American Chemical Society's Nichols Foundation Chemistry Teacher Award and Math for America's Master Teacher Fellowship, where he has led numerous chemistry related workshops. Mr. O'Malley maintains an online website at www.omalleychem.info with chemistry lessons, labs, and activities for other teachers and students to use. A lover of learning, Mr. O'Malley takes online classes for fun, and recently completed a course on solid state chemistry. In his personal time, he enjoys running, learning new languages, and traveling to learn about other cultures. Mr. O'Malley looks forward to connecting and learning with others in the New York State Master Teacher Program.
Ms. Miriam Ong Ante is a high school mathematics teacher at Hunter College High School in Manhattan. She earned a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Virginia Commonwealth University and a M.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from CUNY, City College. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three cats as well as staying active through kickboxing, yoga, and surfing.
Steve Oszust is a high school biology teacher at Brooklyn International High School in Brooklyn. He earned a B.S. from CUNY, Hunter College, and a M.A. in Science Education from Mercy University. For more than a decade, Steve has found his home within the International Consortium, where teachers are encouraged to create curricula designed to engage and enhance the learning experience for all. Steve and his students have been investigating the bitterness tasting gene, also known as the PTC gene, by conducting phenotype and genotype analysis and its relevance within the international student population. Over the course of his nearly three decades of teaching, he has participated in many programs including the Columbia University Summer Research Program, HHMRI Biotechnology Summer Program, and as a iGEM mentor and secondary PI. He also teaches a college level biology course for LaGuardia Community College in the College Now Program. When he's not in the classroom or lab, you can find Steve on the tennis court, or white water rafting with family or friends.
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Azikiwe Peters is a high school mathematics teacher at Bronx Collaborative High School. He earned his B.S. in Mathematics Education and his M.S. in Special Education from CUNY, City College. He has been teaching for nearly two decades and leads an after school chess program where students compete locally and nationally. Azikiwe participated in the NSF AIM-TRU project and has introduced the TRU framework to Master Teachers across New York State. In his spare time he enjoys playing chess, watching documentaries, and reading science fiction.
Emily Powell earned her BS in Earth Science from University of Mary Washington, MS in Chemistry from Stony Brook University, and MA in Education from Teacher University at Hunter College. In the classroom for five years, Ms. Powell teaches science at Harlem Village Academy Charter School.
Lauren Prentiss earned her BS in Environmental Science and Ecology & Biodiversity and minor in Geography and Leadership Studies at the University of Denver, and her MSEd in Secondary Adolescent Education from Pace University. Mrs. Prentiss' passion for science stemmed from a childhood filled with backpacking and insect collecting, ultimately, leading to her undergraduate fieldwork in Australia and Ecuador. Her teaching career began as a Teach for America Corps member where she was placed (and has stayed for eight years) at Dual Language Middle School in New York City. Seeking a greater understanding of the complexity surrounding education, she applied for and was selected as a Hope Street Group National Teacher Fellow in 2013. She represented teachers in the national education policy conversation. As a Math for America Master Teacher Fellow, Ms. Prentiss participates in professional development with other math and science Master Teachers. Outside of school, Ms. Prentiss is a lover of everything outdoors – so much so that she spent her first summer off from teaching, bicycling from NYC to Wisconsin. She's looking forward to collaborating with loving teachers and enhancing the teaching profession.
Ms. Shakira Provasoli is an elementary science teacher at Manhattan School for Children. She attended Sarah Lawrence College for undergraduate and graduate programs culminating in a M.S. in Education. Shakira also holds a STEM certificate from Teachers College, Columbia University which she received through the NASA Endeavor Program. Her fascination with the natural world has led her to become the K-5 environmental science teacher in the rooftop hydroponic greenhouse at her current school. In addition, she is part of the "Open Arms Committee" to assist families seeking asylum at her school. Shakira is part of the NYC Elementary Science Leadership Team, the NYCPS Climate Education Leadership Team, the Climate Resilience Education Task Force Team, and a winner of the Presidential Award for Innovation in Environmental Education. When she is not teaching, Shakira can be found reading, taking long walks with her dog, and traveling with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Ms. Jessica Quenzer is a high school science teacher at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. She earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University, a M.S. in Molecular Biology from SUNY, Stony Brook, and a M.A. in Science Education from CUNY, City College. She transitioned from lab work to high school teaching as a NYC Teaching Fellow in 2007. Jessica teaches a variety of biology courses and enjoys mentoring students for science competitions, including Genes in Space, USABO, Science Olympiad, and Regeneron. In 2022, she was a semifinalist for the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence, and in 2023, she was nominated for an Outstanding Educator's Award from the University of Chicago. Jessica's interests extend to her pet Puli, a breed of Hungarian Sheepdog, and participation in canine genetic and behavioral research.
Ms. Laura Ralph is an elementary science and technology teacher at River East Elementary School in Manhattan. She earned her B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications and an M.S.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching at Fordham University. She is inspired by curiosity and creativity. Laura has been teaching for two decades and has been learning for more than twice that so far. She enjoys traveling, biking, and can often be found lost in thought.
Mrs. Luna Ramirez is a high school computer science teacher at Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in Queens. Luna earned a M.A. in STEM Education from the New York Institute of Technology, a B.S. in Education, Career Technology Education from CUNY, NYC College of Technology, and an A.A.S. in Computer Engineering Technology from Queensborough Community College, CUNY. Over the course of her nearly two decades of teaching she has been recognized multiple times including the NCWIT AiC Educator Award, the Games for Change Leadership Award, #DiversityInTech teacher achievement award, CTE teacher of the year award, Stanley Schair CTE Teacher Award for Excellence and Innovation, the Hispanic Heritage Innovative Educator Award, and the Big Apple Award. Luna is passionate about advancing diversity in technology and provides professional development for educators and mentorship for students. Outside of the classroom, Luna enjoys staying at the forefront of emerging technologies, playing video games, and participating in community outreach efforts that encourage underrepresented groups—particularly women and minorities—to pursue STEM careers.
Ms. Arlene Ramos is a high school science teacher at High School for Health Professions and Human Services in Manhattan. She earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of the Philippines and a M.S. in Biology from St. Mary's University. While working on her Ph.D. in Science Education, she was invited by the NYC Department of Education to move to the U.S. to teach science and has since been teaching for almost two decades. Arlene holds a CTE license and offers a CTE state-approved program that provides opportunities for students to participate in paid internships and after-school programs in a network of school partners and medical institutions. She is a recipient of the Shell Urban Science Educator Award and the CTE Outstanding Educator Award. Arlene looks forward to collaborating with teachers across the state who share a passion for teaching and commitment to educational goals. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Deborah Reich is a high school science teacher at World View High School in the Bronx. She earned a B.A. in History from the University of Delaware and a M.A. in Adolescent Education-Biology from CUNY, Hunter College. Deborah is a Peer Collaborative Teacher and Science Department Chair at her school. In addition to teaching, she advises World View's environmental club, the Green Team. Beyond her school, Deborah serves as a co-chair of the NYC Public Schools Climate Education Leadership Team and is looking forward to collaboration with Master Teachers across the state. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and playing volleyball.
Dr. Heidi Reich is a high school mathematics teacher at Bard HS Early College, Manhattan. She has earned the following degrees: A.B., Russian Language and Literature, Dartmouth College; A.M., Russian Language and Literature, Stanford University; A.M., Slavic Languages and Literature, Columbia University; and a Ph.D., Mathematics Education, Teachers College, Columbia University. Heidi has been teaching in the NYC Public Schools for more than two decades. Her research interests include the relationship between mathematics content and classroom discourse, alternative assessment and its effect on traditionally underrepresented groups in mathematics, and providing equitable access to education to all NYC public school students.
Emma Reid is a middle school mathematics teacher at Fannie Lou Hamer Middle School in the Bronx. She earned a M.S. in Special Education from CUNY, Hunter College. She began her teaching journey as a STEM-focused special educator and presently enjoys teaching 8th grade mathematics and Algebra I. Raised on Ms.Frizzle's mantra of "take chances, get messy, make mistakes," Emma's goal is to make sure all of her students feel comfortable taking chances in math class. Emma has facilitated professional learning sessions on AI, rough draft thinking, and joyful re-engagement at MƒA.
Gilana Reiss earned her BA in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society. She also earned an MS in Organic Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and an Advanced Certificate in Secondary Chemistry Education from Hunter College. This is Gilana's 13th year teaching and 11th year at Hunter College High School in New York City, where she teaches Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Science Research. She is also faculty advisor of the Transgender and Non-Binary Alliance and has previously advised the Bias and Peer Mediation Panel. For her mentorship of nationally-recognized research students, Gilana was awarded the Teacher's Award for Educational Excellence by the Academy of Applied Science in 2015 and a minor planet named in her honor by the Society for Science and the Public in 2017. Furthermore, Gilana has presented at several national conferences about the Science Research Program and Organic Chemistry course she developed. Additionally, Gilana has facilitated Professional Learning Teams in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and STEM Research, as well as facilitated Mini-Courses on Spectroscopy and starting an Organic Chemistry elective at Math for America. Gilana is excited about expanding her professional network to include Master Teachers across NY State.
Ms. Erica Restum is a high school science teacher at Williamsburg Preparatory School in Brooklyn. She earned a B.A. in History and a M.A. in Public History and Museum Education from the University of Wisconsin and a M.S in Science Education from CUNY, Lehman College. Erica enjoys collecting rocks and minerals and sharing her passion for all things science.
Carlos Rivadeneira earned his Bachelor of Accountancy from CUNY Bernard Baruch College and Master of Science in Education in Mathematics from The City College of New York. In the classroom for seven years, Mr. Rivadeneira teaches math at High School for Environmental Studies.
Gabriel Rosenberg is a Professor of Mathematics at Bard High School Early College in Manhattan. He earned a B.A. in mathematics from Rice University and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Columbia University. He has led professional development at at the Park City Mathematics Institute (PCMI) for many years as well as MƒA. He also helped develop the Illustrative Mathematics (IM) High School curriculum and continues to assist IM across grades K-12. Dr. Rosenberg has previously taught at City College, Yale University, and Columbia University. Outside of the classroom, he can often be found on the ice at the Plainfield Curling Club in New Jersey.
Jessica Ross earned her BA in Molecular Biology from Indiana University, and MS in Microbiology in addition to Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Microbiology from Northeastern University. Her research after college inspired her to go into teaching which she began in 2001. Jessica is a 5th year MfA Master Teacher. Currently, Ms. Ross teaches Advanced Placement Biology as well as Physics and Living Environment at Midwood High School in Brooklyn. Ms. Ross enjoys implementing new technologies in the classroom. She pioneered the use of Nearpod in her school, a technology that gives the teacher instant insight into student learning through collaboration and formative assessments. She has successfully trained other NYC teachers in Nearpod. Jessica is also a Google-certified educator and the Google administrator for Midwood High School. Last year, she presented at the NSTA conference in Los Angeles on "Differentiating Technology in the Classroom". Jessica applies biology outside the classroom as a volunteer EMT. She is passionate about teaching science and searching for new methods to communicate to her students the excitement of delving into the world of science. Ms. Ross is looking forward to taking her literacy PLT and bringing it to the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Mrs. Sandra Rossi is a high school mathematics teacher at at Bayside High School in Queens. She earned her B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College. After a ten-year career as a Controls Systems engineer, Ms. Rossi earned her Teaching Certificate in 7-12 Mathematics from CUNY Queens College and thereafter a Certificate in Career Technical Education. Ms. Rossi has taught secondary school for more than a decade with a focus on engineering, taking a lead role in developing and implementing the Engineering CTE program at her school, including the creation of a school Makerspace. She has also been involved in integrating work-based learning opportunities for CTE students in her school, including piloting a Work Place Challenge internship program and supervising SYEP and Work Learn Grow student interns.Ms. Rossi enjoys skiing, hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time with family.
Mr. Daniel Salamon is a high school physics teacher at Forest Hills High School in Queens. He earned a M.S. in Secondary Science Education from CUNY, Queens College as well as a B.S. in Physics and a B.A. in Mathematics from SUNY, Binghamton. He has been teaching for nearly two decades in NYC Public Schools. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in climate activism and spending time with his family.
Bruce Samuels earned his BA in Computer Science from Hunter College and MA in Mathematics and Advanced Certificate in Mathematics Education from City College of New York. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Samuels pursued a career as a professional musician, a trade he plied for more than 30 years with extensive touring, recording and Broadway experience. Mr. Samuel's long-time fascination with computers led to his advanced study and publication of a paper in the "Journal of Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming." Bruce entered the 13th cohort of New York Teaching Fellows and has been teaching mathematics in public schools since 2007. In 2013, Mr. Samuels was selected to join the Master Teachers Fellowship of Math for America where he has been a regular participant in calculus and geometry PLTs as well as an attendee to many fine workshops and courses. As a NYS Master Teacher, he continues his fascination with all things computerized, and plans to lead his own mini-course this spring in using the typesetting program for scientific and technical documentation.
Mrs. Migdalia Sanabria is a science teacher at Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science, and Engineering in Manhattan. She holds a BS in Biology and an MS Ed in Science Education. She is a is a National Board Certified Teacher and fosters student learning through individual STEM research projects and engaging classroom science labs. Migdalia also leads afterschool programs including Photography, Crime Scene Investigation, and Knitting Club. With more than two decades in the classroom, she has served as a Community School & Youth Development (CSYD) Educational Specialist for Educational Alliance, promoting educational equity and enrichment and is a Barnard STEAM in the City Educator. In addition, she has led STANYS workshops to help teachers integrate field studies into their curriculum. In her free time, Migdalia enjoys reading and photography specializing in family maternity and newborns.
Mr. Kirk Schneider is a high school mathematics teacher at Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology in Manhattan. He earned a B.S.in Environmental Engineering from the United States Military Academy and a M.S. in Mathematics Education from CUNY, Brooklyn College. As a former US Army engineer, Kirk was responsible for removing landmines and rebuilding war torn neighborhoods in Bosnia. Kirk then found his calling in education as a New York City Teaching Fellow and now has over 10 years of experience. In his spare time, Kirk enjoys hiking, bird watching, and reading.
Mrs. JoEllen Schuleman is an elementary science specialist at PS 199 in Manhattan. She earned her B.A. in Government from the University of Texas, Austin and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Houston. JoEllen began her teaching career in Houston and has been teaching for nearly three decades. She is a member of the PS 199 School Leadership Team, runs the school's hydroponic science center, and sponsors several student clubs focused on sustainability and environmental community service within the school. As part of her commitment to promoting NGSS and best practice in science teaching, JoEllen worked as a science coach in District 1 and currently serves as a member of the N]YC Department of Education's Elementary Science Leadership Team. Passionate about connecting students to the world around them through authentic experiences, she can be found traveling the globe collecting sand, nature photos, and science phenomena.
JoEllen Schuleman earned her B.A. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Houston. Ms. Schuleman began her teaching career in Houston, TX. After teaching six years in Houston, she moved to New York City where she currently works as an elementary STEM specialist at PS 199 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Ms. Schuleman is a school's School Leadership Team member, a LEGO Education Ambassador, and EcoRise Ambassador. Additionally, she runs the school's hydroponic science center and sponsors several student clubs focused on sustainability and environmental community service within the school. As part of her commitment to promoting NGSS and best practice in science teaching, Ms. Schuleman worked as a science coach in District 1 and currently serves as a member of New York City's Public School's Elementary Science Leadership Team and Climate Education Leadership Team. Passionate about connecting students to the world around them through authentic experiences, Ms. Schuleman can be found traveling the globe collecting sand, nature photos, and science phenomena. She belongs to the initial cohort of elementary school teachers granted a Master Teacher Fellowship with Math for America. Ms. Schuleman is looking forward to collaborating with like-minded teachers across New York State.
Scott Schwartz is a high school mathematics teacher at Bayside High school in Queens, with over two decades of experience. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from SUNY Binghamton and a M.A. in Mathematics Education from NYU. He is an avid New York Rangers fan and loves to play tennis.
Molly Shabica earned her BA in Biology from Brown University and MA in Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. In the classroom for 10 years, Ms. Shabica teaches Biology, Living Environment, Algebra, Chemistry and Physics at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom School.
Uzma Shah earned her BA in biology and religion from the University of Rochester, MA in Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and MA in Public Administration from Baruch College. Prior to teaching, Ms. Shah served as an Americorps/VISTA volunteer in Seattle Public Schools. In the classroom 15 years, Ms. Shah teaches Regents Biology and Advanced Placement Biology at Baruch College Campus High School. In addition to teaching, she serves on the school's Professional Development Committee and advises Baruch's Environmental Club, The Lorax. Outside of school, Ms. Shah serves on the Advisory Committee of the Columbia Science Teacher Program. An alumnus of the program, she conducted microbiology research at Columbia and Thalassemia research at Mahidol University in Thailand. Ms. Shah is passionate about traveling and learning from others. She has collaborated with teachers in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa, exchanging ideas and pedagogy. Raised in a small town in Wyoming, Ms. Shah's other passion is nature and enjoys hiking and exploring the world's ecosystems. She hopes her teaching inspires a similar curiosity and wonder in her own students. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Shah looks forward to working with and learning from her peers from across the state.
Mr. Pravesh Shiwnarain is a high school science teacher at York Early College Academy in Queens. He earned a B.A. in Biochemistry and M.A. in Secondary Science Education from CUNY, Queens College. In addition to teaching chemistry, he also teaches 8th grade software engineering, is a member of the school's Instructional Leadership Team, and coaches the school's varsity co-ed cricket team.
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Ms. Anoopa Singh is a high school chemistry teacher at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics in Harlem. She earned a M.A. in Chemistry education and a B.A. in Biological Sciences from CUNY, Hunter College where she is currently working on her Special Education license. Within Math for America, Anoopa is a community builder who leads colleagues past the institutional trauma often associated with change in urban spaces. Through the organization, she has led her school to expand its vision of what it means to teach and to learn. She uses her connections to educators throughout the state to do the work that her neighborhood is most famous for—forging a better tomorrow.
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Mrs. Dwaina Sookhoo is a high school mathematics teacher at the NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies in Manhattan. She earned a B.A. in Mathematics from CUNY, Queens College and a M.A. in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is currently working on her Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership at CUNY, Hunter College. Dwaina enjoys crafting, spending time with her dog, and traveling with friends.
Ms. Erika Stafne is a high school Environmental Science and Earth and Space Science teacher at Independence High School in Manhattan. She earned a B.S. in Biology from Biola University and a M.Ed. in Cross-cultural Education from National University. Erika has written curriculum for the Columbia Climate School's Research Program on Sustainability Policy, which partnered with the Tencent Foundation to develop a set of sustainable education modules. She is also a NASA CCRI Education Ambassador. She loves to travel, take photographs, and collect rocks and specimens to bring back to her classroom.
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Deborah Stephenson earned her BS in Biochemistry from the University of Toronto. At the Hospital for Sick Children and York University, she researched genetic diseases, cystic fibrosis, cataracts and diabetes. Following a stint in the corporate world, she decided to try teaching in New York City and hasn't looked back. Having taught science and research for over 20 years, Ms. Stephenson completed an MS in Computer Science, teaching certificates in Chemistry and Biology, and her School District Administrator and School Business Management certificates. She was a full time new teacher mentor and teacher trainer in a collaborative project offered by the Department of Education, United Federation of Teachers, and the University of Santa Cruz. She enjoys observing her students' curiosity and awe as they discover science relevance. She believes more than ever that STEM education is crucial to our future and science education needs a paradigm shift towards producing lifelong citizen-scientists: "The more you know, the less you need" (Aborigine saying). Ms. Stephenson looks forward to participating with fellow teachers in the NYS Master Teacher program and plans to pursue studies in cognitive neuroscience.
Howard A. Stern earned his BA in Mathematics from Earlham College. He earned an EdM in Human Development from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. He earned an MS in Education from Lehman College. In his 14th year in the classroom in the USA, he had his first teaching experience in Ishikawa, Japan as a Mombusho English Fellow for the Ishikawa Prefectural Board of Education. Howard has taught Regents math classes as well as Advanced Placement Calculus AB and BC, and has been a reader for the AP Calculus grading for several years. In addition to teaching, he is a Regional Instructor with Texas Instruments Teachers Teaching with Technology. Since 2017, he has been an Adjunct Lecturer in Mathematics at Purchase College. Outside the classroom, he is active as a volunteer with DonorsChoose.org and with public radio station WFUV. In his spare time, Howard is an avid salsa dancer.
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Dr. Christina Varghese is a high school mathematics teacher at Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy International High School in the Bronx. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics and a M.S. in Mathematics Education from Mercy College and a Ph.D. in Management specializing in Information Systems and Technology from University of Phoenix. She has been teaching for more than two decades in NYC public schools. Christina enjoys walking and hiking as well as being a foodie.
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Laginné Walker earned her BA in mathematics from Wesleyan University, MA in Math Education from Brooklyn College, and MS in Educational Leadership from Pace University. After spending a year teaching high school math in Oakland, CA, she moved to New York City. After teaching math for 13 years, she now teaches in District 6 at City College Academy of the Arts, where she has been teaching Computer Science for the past two years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Walker has been a Faculty Advisor for pre-service Teaching Fellows at City College New York for four years and a New York City Common Core Fellow for two years. During that tenure, she authored two of the Common Core Learning Standards sample units featured on the website. Ms. Walker is an avid traveler who has visited over 25 countries, eight in the last year alone. Being familiar with so many different cultures helps her to relate to her diverse group of students at Humanities Prep. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Walker enjoys participating in mini courses that focus on integrating technology and meeting the needs of English Language learners in math.
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Aoife Walsh is a high school science teacher at the High School of American Studies at Lehman College in the Bronx. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry and Quality Management from Waterford Institute of Technology, Higher Diploma in Science and Math Education from University College Cork and a M.A. in Science Education from Lehman College. She is on the Advisory Board for the Columbia University Summer Research program for Science teachers. Ms. Walsh has also worked as an adjunct professor at Lehman College. She is passionate about implementing Green Chemistry ideas. She has a Decision Education fellowship with the Alliance for Decision Education. She's inspired to learn from and work with other STEM teachers and enjoys teaching knitting and Irish dancing.
Mr.Scott Wassmuth is a high school science teacher at the NYC Museum School in Manhattan. He earned a B.A. in Social Science from the University at Buffalo, a J.D. from New York Law School, and a M.A. in Science Education from CUNY, Brooklyn College. Scott began his teaching career through the NYC Teaching Fellows program where he is now a teacher leader. He is also a teacher leader with the College Board as an Instructional Team Design Member, co-authoring the re-articulation of the AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description, and with the National Math and Science Initiative, where he is a curriculum creator and instructor. Scott has facilitated many professional learning teams, mini-courses, and interest groups at MƒA.
Steve Watson earned his BA in Speech Communications and MS Ed in Counseling from Purdue University, MS Ed in Mathematics Education from Brooklyn College, and PhD in Urban Education (math, science and technology) from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Prior to teaching, Dr. Watson held senior management positions in the insurance industry. Dr. Watson is also a decorated US Army veteran and, after serving in the Second Armor Division, Third US Army, he taught advanced individual training courses at the United States Academy of Health Sciences. In the high school classroom for 12 years, Dr. Watson teaches Advanced Algebra to English Language Learners at the International High School, in Brooklyn. For the past nine years, Steve has been an adjunct professor of mathematics education in the MS Ed programs of Brooklyn College and the City College of New York, where he has sponsored more than 100 New York City mathematics teachers in the completion of their capstone MS Ed research projects. As a Master Teacher, Steve is currently developing a mini-course that relates New York's mathematics teacher certification standards from 1891 through 1916 to the Common Core Learning Standards.
Graham White is an elementary science teacher at PS 40 Augustus Saint-Gaudens in Manhattan. He earned a B.S. in Human Development from SUNY, Binghamton University and a M.A.T. in Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Graham enjoys playing the guitar, cooking, and traveling as he works toward his goal of visiting every National Park in the United States.
Josh Wickline earned his B.A. in Biological Basis of Behavior at the University of Pennsylvania and his M.A. in Secondary Science Education from City College at the City University of New York. He also earned his School Building Leadership Certification and School District Leadership Certification from The College of Saint Rose. Mr. Wickline started teaching at Talent Unlimited High School in 2005 as a New York City Teaching Fellow, where he began his journey of bringing chemistry, physics, and biology education to students in New York City. He was awarded an Astor International Travel Fellowship in Shanghai/Beijing, China in 2014 and was a Grant Recipient through Exploring the Arts in New York, NY from 2014–2015. Mr. Wickline has served as an NYU Astor International Fellow and as a Master Teacher with Math for America. He feels strongly about S.T.E.A.M. education as a powerful tool for empowering students, and received a grant from Exploring the Arts to support his video production units in his science classroom. At his school, Mr. Wickline has served on the data team, been testing and Services for Students with Disabilities(SSD) coordinator and department lead. After many years of teaching, Mr. Wickline has a new goal of engaging all of his students in science, and he believes that democratic teaching practices will be an essential push to get his classroom there.
Eleanor Williamson earned her BS in Sciences from University of the West Indies Mona Campus and MS in Biology Education from CUNY Lehman College. In the classroom for 15 years, Ms. Williamson teaches science at The Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction.
Bobson Wong became interested in math and history after being inspired by good teachers. He earned his BA in History from Princeton University, MA in History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and MSEd in Mathematics Education from St. John's University. A former New York City Teaching Fellow, Bobson began teaching math in 2005. He teaches Advanced Placement Statistics and Algebra II at Bayside High School. He is active in the mathematics community. A three-time recipient of the Math for America (MfA) Master Teacher Fellowship, he has led numerous MfA workshops. He has written and spoken publicly on math education through venues such as the PBS program American Graduate: A Conversation with Teachers, the Washington Post, and the Mathematics Teacher. He received the New York Educator Voice Fellowship for his educational work. He is also a member of the Museum of Mathematics's Advisory Council. Bobson has also worked extensively with the New York State Education Department to improve math education. He was a member of the state committee that revised the Common Core standards in 2016. As a state Educational Specialist, Bobson currently writes questions and prepares scoring materials for math Regents exams. He looks forward to developing more open-source resources, including lessons and curriculum guides, for math teachers.
Mr. Andrew Ziegelstein is a high school mathematics and physics teacher at Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology in Manhattan. He earned his B.S. in Mathematics from SUNY Albany, a M.P.A. from CUNY, Baruch College, and a M.S. in Adolescent Mathematics Special Education from St. John's University. Andrew has more than a decade of teaching experience and enjoys spending time with his family.
Ms. Meera Zucker is an elementary math and science teacher at New Explorations Into Science, Technology and Math School in Manhattan. She earned a M.S.Ed. in Elementary & Special Education, and a B.F.A. in Studio Art. Meera's two decades of teaching experience includes grades K-8, and self-contained classes in grades 6-8. She loves art, as well as all things to do with the beach!