Sheri Abdullah earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and M.S. in Education from the University of New England. As a kindergarten teacher in the Windsor Central School district, Mrs. Abdullah has spent 19 years striving to provide engaging, student-centered instruction in Math and Science. Outside of the classroom. Mrs. Abdullah serves on her school’s Student Support Team, grade-level leader, Parent Teacher Organization, PARP committee, and District Professional Development Committee. She has also mentored teachers, hosted students from SUNY Broome, Oneonta, and Binghamton University. She has served on the board for the Teacher Center of Broome County. In 2009, Mrs. Abdullah achieved National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist. She is also a Candidate Support Provider for National Board Certification candidates. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Abdullah is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with and to learn from other educators to bring more STEM opportunities to our youngest learners.
Melanie V. Anastasio earned her BS in Biochemistry from Cornell University and her MSEd from Elmira College. Mrs. Anastasio has been teaching for 10 years for the Horseheads School District. Before teaching, she worked for Procter & Gamble as a research associate in drug design/development for osteoarthritis and congestive heart failure. In addition, she was a faculty associate at Elmira College where she taught chemistry labs and introductory chemistry. Her goal as a teacher is to inspire students to continue studying science and become innovators. She believes her students' learning is enriched by her skill at designing and executing guided inquiries, and by her ability to effectively collaborate with others (teachers and community members) on projects integrating various student interests. Mrs. Anastasio is very passionate about Science and thus she is the advisor of the High School Science Club. She strongly values life-long learning and demonstrating its importance to her students. Mrs. Anastasio recently started a sabbatical to learn nuclear physics. During this time, she will be visiting FermiLab and CERN. She is strongly committed to the NYSMTP and assisting NYS Education Department as it transitions to implementing NYS Science Learning Standards.
Dyan Andrew earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and M.S. in Special Education from Binghamton University. Mrs. Andrew teaches first grade at Horace Mann Elementary School in Binghamton. Dyan is passionate about helping others in her community by supporting and contributing to many outreach programs such as the Boys' and Girls' Club, Camp Sertoma and CHOW. Dyan serves on many committees in her district such as Shared Leadership Team, Elementary Assessment Committee, and Professional Advancement Committee. Additionally, Dyan supervises the ART Partners parent/student program and RootED/Empire State Afterschool Program within Horace Mann. Always striving to do better, Dyan wants to be a role model for her own children, Riley 16, and Madison 14 to continue to persevere in life and to set goals high. "You aren't going to find anybody that's going to be successful without making a sacrifice and without perseverance." - Lou Holtz
Sara Arnold earned her B.A. in Secondary Mathematics from SUNY Cortland and M.S.Ed. from SUNY Binghamton University. In the classroom for 26 years, Ms. Arnold teaches 7th grade math, Algebra 2 and Trigonometry, and a Fiber Arts class at the Lehman Alternative Community School in Ithaca. Previously she worked as a teacher for incarcerated youth, and as adjunct professor at Ithaca College. Ms. Arnolds' interests include sewing, knitting, crafts, gardening, and physical fitness activities, especially biking and hiking. Some of these interests are reflected in the many enrichment projects that she offers at her school, including teaching students how to quilt and knit or taking students on hiking and biking trips. A notable activity was a bike trip with students along the Erie Canal Trail from Ithaca to Buffalo. As a new Master Teacher, Ms. Arnold looks forward to collaborating with other STEM teachers and is particularly excited about interdisciplinary project-based learning opportunities.
Laura Austen earned her BA in Animal Science from Cornell University. She then worked in the dairy industry as a Herd Manager and Milk Quality Advisor. After working with troubled teens in a vocational education program, Ms. Austen earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Science-Biology from SUNY Cortland. She has been teaching Living Environment, Integrated Science, Environmental Science and ACE Biology in the Elmira City Schools for the past 12 years. Ms. Austen has spent several summers at Cornell Learning Initiative in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering (CLIMB) where she researched various topics including polymer degradation and development of cancer tumor models. PhD graduate students routinely visit her classroom as "Resident Scientists." Ms. Austen is looking forward to conducting plant research and developing curriculum at the Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University this summer. According to Ms. Austen, "The best parts of teaching—learning from students and peers and bringing new ideas and best practices into the classroom—is what keeps me excited and motivated." Ms. Austen is looking forward to the NYS Master Teacher Program because of the many opportunities for personal and professional growth to improve and expand her craft.
Beth Baldwin earned her B.S. in Elementary Education, M.S. in Literacy from SUNY Cortland, and National Board Certification. Ms. Baldwin was the NYSCATE 2010 Lee Bryant Outstanding Teacher recipient. In Binghamton schools for 20 years, Ms. Baldwin has taught High School Special Education and second grade, and is currently teaching 4th grade at Horace Mann Elementary School. She serves as the school's Project Lead the Way Leader, and on several committees including the Binghamton Technology Committee and the Horace Mann Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Committee which creates school-wide events and family programs. Ms. Baldwin enjoys helping Walnut Street park activities at the Walnut Street Mansion, a community center in the neighborhood where many of her students live. Her favorite precept to share with her students is, "It's OK to be where you are, but it is not Ok to stay there". Ms. Baldwin looks forward to the professional development opportunities and interactions with other Master Teachers. Perpetual growth is exciting.
Doug Barnes earned is BS in Biology and Master of Arts in Teaching from Binghamton University, and holds permanent certification in 7-12 Biology and Chemistry. He currently teaches Regents and Advanced Placement Biology, coaches Junior Varsity/Varsity cross country, and advises the Board Game club. Over his 15 year career Mr. Barnes has taught Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry electives, advised topics in Science Olympiad, and established his school's first Recycling Club. He has also hosted 1 Klee fellow, 5 student teachers, and several high school "interns" that were interested in pursuing careers in education. He is also currently helping to organize a school field trip to Costa Rica in the hopes of expanding interested students' world views. Mr. Barnes still loves to use his chalkboard, but does not believe in the "chalk and talk" version of teaching. He loves to get his students involved in their learning through activities and inquiry based labs, and has been working on incorporating "flipped mastery" into his classroom. As a NYS Master Teacher, he hopes to share with others his experiences, but also learn from them to further strengthen his skills as an educator.
Kathryn Barney earned her AAS in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Broome, BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland and her MSEd in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany. Mrs. Barney was awarded the SUNY Chancellor's Award in recognition of excellence in academics and service at SUNY Broome. In her six-year teaching career, she taught fifth grade, third grade, and second grade in the Johnson City and Vestal Central school districts. Currently, Mrs. Barney is an Academic Intervention Services Math Teacher at African Road Elementary School in Vestal, working with students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. She also enjoys serving on the Response to Intervention team. Mrs. Barney has been involved in countless math and technology initiatives at the district level with Vestal. Outside of school, Mrs. Barney enjoys spending time with her family and teaching dance classes at the local studio she grew up dancing in. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Barney is looking forward to deepening her knowledge of STEM content, collaborating with fellow Master Teachers, and continuing to learn about best practices surrounding STEM education.
Theresa Bartoy earned her BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Lawrence Technological Institute, and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Binghamton University. Prior to teaching, she worked for IBM as a Software Engineer. In the classroom for 16 years, and she currently teaches Pre-Calculus, Statistics and Computer Science at Union Endicott High School. She is the Mathletes Coach for Union Endicott and serves as President for the Southern Tier Mathletes. Mrs. Bartoy is a Board Member of Union Endicott Education Foundation, which helps fund creative, enrichment projects for Union Endicott teachers. Mrs. Bartoy has made several presentations at NYS math conferences and local presentations to her colleagues. She is actively involved in the Association for Mathematics Teachers of NYS, where she has served as Recording Secretary, High School Representative, Registration Chair, District Representative and Vice President, and is also a member of National Council of Mathematics Teachers and Computer Science Teachers Association. Mrs. Bartoy encourages students of all ages to explore problem-solving skills through computer programming. She facilitates a local "Hour of Code" – a global movement to promote Computer Science. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Bartoy looks forward to participating in professional learning teams and collaborating with other Master Teachers.
Clifford "Skip" Baxter graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Mathematics from Hartwick College and M.A. in Mathematics from the University at Albany. Mr. Baxter currently teaches AP Calculus AB, Pre-Calculus, Geometry, Applied Math, and Business Math at the Delaware Academy in Delhi. Over the years, his honors have included the CASDA Scholar Recognition Program (1999), Daniel B. Swift Scholar Recognition Program (2004, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019), and WBNG Teacher of the Week (May 2008). When he’s not in the classroom, Mr. Baxter is the coach of the Delaware Academy Cross Country team, which has won 26 MAC League team titles and 10 Section 4 Championships over the last 16 years. He also started and currently coaches the Delhi Scrambled Legs program, which is a character development and running program for students in grades 3-6. Outside of school, Mr. Baxter enjoys running, CrossFit, and going to concerts. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers and continuing to learn and grow as an educator.
Dave Beard earned his BS and MS in Technology Education from Oswego State. He is currently teaching at Maine-Endwell High School: Design and Drawing for Production, Principles of Science and Technology, Creativity & Innovation, Digital Imaging, and Advanced Digital Imaging. The last two courses listed are for college credit. While Mr. Beard was determined to teach, his path was detoured when he was offered a job as a multimedia developer at Universal Instruments in their training department. After several years, he turned to the classroom in 2003. It is there that he realized his greatest strength was being able to multitask several courses being taught throughout the day. His parents, both retired teachers, influenced him, but it was his father's passion as a Technology Education teacher that ultimately led him picking this path. Mr. Beard has served as an EMT, multimedia developer, lead teacher, and Assistant Scoutmaster. He is a member and past-president of the Southern Tier Technology and Engineering Education Association (STTEEA). He is part of New York State Technology and Engineering Education Association, International Technology and Engineering Education Association, is an assistant college professor, and Yearbook advisor.
Kara Beattie earned her B.S. in Psychology from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY and her M.S.Ed. in Literacy from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Beattie began her elementary teaching career in Baltimore City, Maryland where her experience in the inner-city made a lasting impact on her dedication to children affected by trauma. She currently is a kindergarten teacher at A.F. Palmer Elementary School. Mrs. Beattie has presented brain research to her district team to deepen their understanding of how all children learn best. She has implemented an afterschool classroom student and family program, working with students most affected by trauma. Kara developed an after school Girls Strong wellness program to promote confidence and self-esteem among young girls. Mrs. Beattie serves as a coach for the girls modified swim team, member of the building leadership team, new teachers mentor, and member of AF Palmer's student support team. When she is not at school, she can be found on the sidelines of various sporting events cheering on her own children. As a Master Teacher, Mrs. Beattie is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers to learn new ways to implement Next Generation Science Standards in the primary classroom as well as share her extensive knowledge of trauma and its effects on children.
Carl Beebe earned both his B.S. and his M.S. in Mathematics Education from SUNY Cortland. Mr. Beebe teaches Mathematics at Maine-Endwell High School. His experience has taught him that students learn by doing math; not by watching math being done. Carl uses this philosophy to guide his instructional practices in the classroom by having his students immerse themselves in the work and learning concepts by attempting problems through guided practice. Outside of the classroom, Carl is the Math Department Chairperson and advisor of the Math Competitions Team and Action Ecology Club. He also teaches night classes at SUNY Broome Community College. When Mr. Beebe is not working with students, he enjoys riding ATVs with his two daughters and staying active by playing basketball and continuing to work his small family business of pure maple syrup production. As a Master Teacher, Carl helped plan and facilitate the Designer Genes and SciGirl Queens conference featuring three dynamic, hands-on workshops for girls in grades 4-8 in the Southern Tier. He is excited to be a part of the Master Teacher Program and looks forward to continuing to learn new ways to inspire his students to enter STEM fields of study.
William Begeal earned his BA in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam, and MS in Education from SUNY Binghamton. In the classroom for 15 years, Mr. Begeal teaches 6th Grade Science and 6th Grade Math at Russell I. Doig Middle School.
Nicole Benenati earned her BA in Biological Science from SUNY at Buffalo, and MSEd from SUNY Cortland. As an undergraduate, she worked in research labs studying ecology and immune response. Ms. Benenati has been at Ithaca High School since 1996, primarily teaching Biology and Environmental Science, and regularly hosting education major student observers and student teachers. She has received Ithaca Public Education Initiative grants for literacy projects and for bringing raptors into the classroom. She is a Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers alumni and has presented at both the Science Teachers Association of NYS and the NYS Outdoor Education Association conferences. Outside of school, Ms. Benenati leads a Girl Scout Troop and regularly volunteers in her children's classrooms, usually as a guest science presenter. She enjoys camping, hiking, paddling, cooking, and preserving her garden harvest. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Benenati is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers on using technology to enhance student understanding, and transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards. Ms. Benenati is also looking forward to making connections with scientists and bringing current research to her students.
Danette Berry earned her BA in biology, magna cum laude, from Hartwick College, and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Biology Education from Binghamton University. During her undergraduate years, Ms. Berry studied in Vienna and Paris and was an Empire 8 All-Star softball player. As a graduate student, she was awarded a Conrad and Virginia Klee Fellowship, a merit-based award for students pursuing the MAT degree in either science or mathematics education. In the classroom for 11 years, Ms. Berry enjoys writing creative and inquiry-based labs for her Biology students at Vestal High School. Active in professional associations, she presented a workshop on viruses at the Science Teachers Association of NYS, and has written multiple grants to obtain lab supplies for her classroom. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Berry is looking forward to expanding her pedagogical, content and community knowledge through workshops and seminars. In addition, she intends to both share her knowledge with her colleagues and present at future conferences. Ms. Berry finds inspiration in the words of philosopher and scientist, Aristotle: "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
Caitlin Bigney earned her B.A. in Mathematics and M.A.T. in Mathematics Adolescence Education from SUNY Binghamton University. At Johnson City Middle School, Mrs. Bigney has been teaching for seven years and is currently teaching Math 8 and Algebra. She has taken students to the Cornell University Expanding Horizons STEM Conference and advised students for the MathCON competition. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Bigney advises the Computer Coding Club, Girls Coding Club, and Odyssey of the Mind at the middle school. In addition, she has served on multiple committees including the Fun Committee, Building Leadership Team, Wildcat Writers, and Response to Intervention team. Outside of school, Mrs. Bigney is a Tompkins County Community Grant Advisor and a Sunday School teacher at Christ Episcopal Church. In college, a professor helped her learn not just the procedures of mathematics, but more importantly, the concepts as a whole. By delving into the “why” behind math, Mrs. Bigney has fostered a love of life-long learning and integrating mathematics into students’ lives in a meaningful way. Mrs. Bigney looks forward to the opportunity to learn from and with other educators in the Master Teacher Program and bring new ideas back to her students and district.
Eric Bill earned his B.A. in Mathematics with a minor in Music and Education, and his M.Ed. in Mathematics Education from the University at Buffalo. In the classroom for six years, Mr. Bill is currently teaching mathematics and computer science at Union-Endicott High School. He organizes an annual Hour of Code to introduce students and adults to the fundamentals of computer programming. An active member of his school community, he often chaperones school dances as well as the prom. Mr. Bill is a great supporter of the school music program, and attends most concerts, marching band competitions, and the yearly musical production. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Bill is an active member of the theatre community and has performed in many community productions as both an actor and an instrumentalist. He plays saxophone in the Endicott Community Band with many Union-Endicott current and former students, as well as other members of the community. Mr. Bill is looking forward to collaborating with the other teachers in the Master Teacher Program and discussing how to encourage girls to pursue computer science studies.
Eric Bowerman earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech and his M.S. in Science Teaching from Syracuse University, with certification in both Chemistry and Physics Teaching. Mr. Bowerman teaches both Regents Chemistry and Applied Chemistry at Union-Endicott High School and has previously taught Applied Physics. Eric spent several years as a volunteer varsity Track & Field coach before serving as Varsity Cross-Country head coach for five years. His professional interests include volunteering with the Science Olympiad team and utilizing Chromebooks in the classroom. Mr. Bowerman encourages his students to ask "Why?" and finds inspiration in the Albert Einstein quote: "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." As a NYS Master Teacher, Eric has attended the Tissue Engineering mini-course, explored connections between glass-making and the chemistry he teaches by attending a workshop at the Corning Museum of Glass, and learned about the chemistry and physics of cooking. He looks forward to exploring current research topics in science and new ways to bring technology into the classroom, as well as working with pre-service teachers to improve science education.
Benjamin Bowers earned his Associate in Science in Physics and Mathematics from Niagara County Community College, BA in Physics, Chemistry and Education from University at Buffalo, and MSEd from Niagara University. In the classroom for eight years, Mr. Bowers teaches Regents Physics and General Chemistry at Corning-Painted Post High School.
Elizabeth Boylan earned her A.A.S. in Chemistry from Broome Community College, B.S. in Chemistry from Binghamton University and M.S.Ed. from Elmira College. While at Binghamton University, she co-authored three publications on the synthesis of vanadium oxides. Prior to teaching, she worked for Corning Incorporated for 15 years as a Technologist and Supervisor in Research and Development where she researched glass compositions and novel approaches to producing planar optical waveguides. During this time, Ms. Boylan gave a presentation at an American Chemistry Society meeting, co-authored three publications and was granted eight patents. Currently, Ms. Boylan teaches general science at Broadway Academy. After school, she officiates track, tutors, and offers afterschool programs in environmental science and gardening. Ms. Boylan, who is passionate about teaching students and families about gardening, was recently awarded a BirdSleuth Garden Grant from Cornell's Lab of Ornithology. Grant funds will provide money and resources for students and families to make gardening improvements to Broadway Academy's center courtyard. As a Master Teacher, Lisa appreciates the opportunities she has to interact with other outstanding educators from across the state, sharing and learning about the innovative things that are going on in their classrooms. Ms. Boylan looks forward to continuing collaboration with other Master Teacher and bringing new ideas back to her classroom.
Amy Brainard earned her AA in Liberal Arts from SUNY Broome, and both her BS in Secondary Education Math 7-12 and MSEd in Reading K-12 from SUNY Cortland. In the classroom for 17 years, Mrs. Brainard currently teaches Algebra 2 and International Baccalaureate Mathematics 2 Standard Level at Binghamton High School. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Brainard serves on the Liaison Committee and Shared Leadership Team. She is past C-Chair and current member of the Regional Math Leadership Team for Broome Tioga BOCES, and member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS. Outside of school, Mrs. Brainard enjoys tutoring and adjunct teaching. Her hobbies include reading, watching football, golfing and spending time with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Brainard is looking forward to collaborating with other STEM teachers from around the region and joining Professional Learning Teams to help make her a better teacher.
Michael Breed earned both his B.A. and M.S.Ed. in Biology from SUNY Cortland. Having taught science for 25 years, Mr. Breed has taught Earth Science, Living Environment, Chemistry, and 7th grade Physical Science at Chenango Valley High School. He currently serves as the Instructional Leader for grades 6-12 science at Chenango Valley High School/Middle School. Before teaching, he worked as an adjunct instructor for the Chemistry Department at SUNY Cortland and as a laboratory technician working with monofilaments for Albany International in Homer, NY. He currently serves as acting regional coordinator for the Trout in the Classroom Program and advises the Environmental Club, competing each year in the Broome County Envirothon. Mr. Breed is a member of STANYS and the National Earth Science Teachers Association. Helping with the design and construction of Chenango Valley’s new Outdoor Learning Center/Classroom has been a big focus for Mr. Breed in the past year and he’s looking forward to using the facility to teach students of all ages in the community about nature and outdoor activities. Spending time in the outdoors and challenging himself to perform at ever higher levels is something that he finds fulfilling. Mr. Breed is looking forward as a new Master Teacher to expanding his knowledge of the Earth Sciences and to begin networking with other local teachers to develop new and interesting ways to make science a meaningful part of his students’ lives.
Cherish Brigham earned her AS in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Corning Community College, her BS in Biotechnology from Cornell University, and her MAT from Cornell University. Mrs. Brigham taught Life Science and Physical Science at Cohen Middle School in the Elmira Heights District for 3 years. She has been teaching Living Environment for Horseheads High School since 2000. In the Horseheads District, Mrs. Brigham enjoys mentoring both teachers and students. Recently, Mrs. Brigham has spent several summers at Cornell's Research Experience for Teachers in Stem Cell Biology where she researched the role of stem cells in tumor suppression and regenerative medicine. Mrs. Brigham is excited to begin working on her district's Curriculum Editing Team for Science as she helps to develop engaging, rigorous, and relevant lessons. She is looking forward to working with an amazing cohort of STEM professionals to expand inquiry-based curriculum throughout her district and the State of NY. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Brigham enjoys nature walks with her husband, two children and five Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Growing up on an Angus farm inspired her career in STEM, encouraging Mrs. Brigham to bridge rural and urban communities.
Carrie Brindisi earned a BS in Geology from Hartwick College, and both MS in Geology and Master of Arts in Teaching in Education from Cornell University. Prior to teaching, she worked as a backcountry outdoor educator, leading backpacking adventures for high school students. She also served as Hut Caretaker for the Green Mountain Club in Vermont, where she educated hikers on the fragile ecosystems atop Vermont's high peaks. After several years of outdoor work, Ms. Brindisi moved back to New York State and began working with the Institute for the Study of the Continents (INSTOC) at Cornell University. There she developed and maintained databases of geologic data in a Geologic Information System (GIS) and worked on the development of an interactive educational website that utilized GIS. It was during her outreach work with this program that Ms. Brindisi became inspired to become a classroom teacher. She currently teaches at Ithaca High School and has taught a variety of science courses: Middle School Physical Science, Regents Earth Science, Advanced Placement Environmental Science and the science elective Natural Disasters. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Brindisi looks forward to collaborating with other Earth Science teachers, strengthening her content knowledge and pedagogical methods.
Marcy Brubaker earned her BS in Biology from Delaware Valley University and MS. in Secondary Education from Alfred University. Mrs. Brubaker has taught at Watkins Glen Central School District for 18 years where she currently teaches Living Environment and Physics. She serves as the Co-Chair of the district's Climate and Culture Committee and as an active Teacher Mentor. In addition to teaching, she has served the district as a Science Content Coach and coached Varsity Cheerleading for 12 years. Outside of school, Mrs. Brubaker enjoys spending time with her 3 children and husband enjoying the beautiful Finger Lakes Region where they reside. Through the Master Teacher Program, she looks forward to learning new classroom initiatives to support her students and district and to collaborating with colleagues on STEM and SEL practices.
Constance Buchinsky earned her A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood from Broome Community College, and both her B.S. and M.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland. She has taught for the Binghamton City School District since 1996 and is currently a fifth grade teacher at Calvin Coolidge Elementary. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Buchinsky serves as a Technology Mentor in her building and member of the School Leadership Team, hosts student teachers from Binghamton University, and participates in the BCSD Mentoring Program. To continue her education, Mrs. Buchinsky completed the Learning Technology Grant for Google Apps for Education. She also attended the NYS Association for Computers and Technology in Education Conference, several NYS Reading Association Conferences, and the Professional Learning Communities at Work Institute in Long Beach, California. Mrs. Buchinsky has been co-awarded two Foundation Grants: Read Aloud 15 Minutes…Every Child, Every Parent, Every Day and Inspiring Lifelong Learners and Readers. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge of STEM, especially in the areas of Educational Technology and Next Generation Science Standards. She is particularly interested in Project Based Learning and helping students gain a deeper understanding of world problems and challenges. In her free time, Constance loves being with her family and friends, cooking, reading, and sitting on the beach at Sandy Pond, NY
Renee Cady earned her A.S. in Liberal Arts from Corning Community College and her B.S. in Secondary Education Math, 7 – 12, from Elmira College. After beginning her career in South Carolina, she earned her M.S. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. Mrs. Cady worked in South Carolina for 4.5 years at the middle school level, enjoyed the diversity within her classroom, and developed a real passion for teaching. She returned to New York and currently works for Corning-Painted Post High School where she teaches Algebra B, Geometry Regents, and Algebra II. She is a member of the Building Leadership Team and has served as a part of the Mentoring program and as a cooperating teacher for a student teacher from Elmira College. Outside of the classroom, Renee enjoys spending time with her family and being involved in her children's sports and activities. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Cady has attended the Mathematical Ideas in Curve Stitching and String Art mini-course, explored ways in which glass-making relates to multiple STEM disciplines at the Corning Museum of Glass, and learned about ways to use Desmos graphing tools with her students. Renee is excited about collaborating with other STEM professionals and being a part of Professional Learning Teams so that she can continue to learn and bring best practices back to her students.
Jennifer Carman-Clark earned a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecosystems from Binghamton University and a Master's in Teaching from Union College. Ms. Carman-Clark is a science teacher at Elmira High School where she teaches ACE Biology through Corning Community College (Biology 1510 & 1520), Anatomy and Physiology, and Nanotechnology. Jennifer is faculty advisor for the Environmental Club and has been faculty advisor for the Interact Club (Youth Rotary) since 2003, facilitating students in community & international service projects. During that time, the club has raised thousands of dollars and completed hundreds of service hours for worthy causes including projects in India, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, and Nicaragua. Jennifer was honored to receive the Paul Fellows Award from Elmira Rotary in June 2016. As a firm believer in being a life-long learner, she participates in the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers and recently led a biological research expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with 9 students. Since becoming a Master Teacher, Jennifer has studied the emergence and spread of Lyme Disease in upstate NY, taken the Tissue Engineering mini-course, learned about Evolution & Vertebrate Skeletons, and assisted at a Girls in STEM event. She looks forward to continuing to learn and grow as an educator through the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Catherine Carpenter earned her BS in Meterology and Geology from SUNY Oneonta and Master of Arts in Teaching – Secondary Science from Binghamton University. In-between degrees, she was a Wing Weather Officer/Meteorologist in the United States Air Force. She received the 9th Weather Squadron Officer of the Quarter Award for outstanding support of the 93rd Bombardment Wing. After the Air Force, she was a stay-at-home mom, volunteering at her children's school, loved it, and decided to become a teacher. She has been teaching at Norwich High School in the Norwich City School District since 2008. She teaches Honors Earth Science, Regents Earth Science, Earth Explorations and AIS. She is also involved in the Norwich Outdoor Club and has mentored several teachers. Ms. Carpenter has participated in two Geological Society of America trips, one to Iceland and the other to Hawaii to explore the geology of volcanoes, glaciers, and inquiry in the field. She loves to travel, geocache, read, and garden. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Carpenter looks forward to collaborating with and learning from other science teachers.
Davette Carpenter earned her BA in Bio-Chemistry from Canisius College, and MSEd in Secondary Biology 7-12 from SUNY Geneseo. She started her career at Ecology and Environment as a Gas Chromatography Analyst. Ms. Carpenter analyzed soil and water samples, reviewed data, prepared reports, and trained new employees in Analytical Gas Chromatography. 24 years ago she began her teaching career at Canisteo- Greenwood High School, where she currently teaches Regents Chemistry, and Accelerated College Biology. Ms. Carpenter has also worked for the NYS Education Department as a test writer and rater. She has been recognized multiple years by "Who's Who Among American High School Teacher", was awarded a College Board Advanced Placement Fellows Stipend, Lead America Certificate, and was also chosen to participate in the Appalachian Regional Commission/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer Science and Math Institute. She is an active member of a Professional Learning Community, Junior National Honor Society Advisor, Chemistry-Bowl team advisor, and Chemistry Olympiad coach. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Carpenter looks forward to collaborating with other Master teachers to help fulfill her desire to be better today than she was yesterday.
Annie Cartie earned her BA in Secondary Education - Mathematics from SUNY Cortland and her MS in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology with a specialization in Math and Science Education from SUNY University at Albany. She currently teaches applied Algebra 2 in Southern Tier P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) at Broome-Tioga BOCES. Mrs. Cartie is in her fifth year at BT-BOCES and works with the Engineering Technology, Computer Technology, and Health Studies academies. She previously taught Algebra 1 and integrated 8th grade science and math courses in an alternative setting, and as an outreach educator, teaching media literacy and audio/video production skills to teens. Mrs. Cartie serves as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for P-TECH where she designs and facilitates service-learning projects, guest speakers, and industry tours. She is passionate about project-based learning and strives to develop, design, and facilitate projects that connect engineering and computer technology courses to work in the community. Mrs. Cartie manages her programs' Twitter account @SoTierPTECH. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Cartie is an avid gardener with a love for native flowers and trees, growing strawberries, and designing an ever-expanding vegetable garden. She is an active member of her local garden club, runs the club's website and social media accounts, and serves as a photographer and historian. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Cartie looks forward to learning alongside passionate educators and finding new ways to connect content to careers.
Arthur Cass earned his BS and MS in Technology Education from Oswego State. In his 28 years at Chenango Valley High School, he taught a variety of classes which include Principles of Engineering, College CAD, Digital Photography, and Introduction to Robotics. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Cass is the district's STEAM Instructional Leader, VEX Robotics Team advisor, and coaches both Modified Track and Varsity Bowling. Mr. Cass is in his 10th year serving as a mentor with the Chenango Valley New Teacher Mentoring Program, supporting new teachers to the profession. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Cass is a member of the Southern Tier Technology and Engineering Education Association (STTEEA) and worked as a professional wedding photographer since 1998. At home, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, skiing, golfing, bowling, and completing home improvement projects. As a New York State Master Teacher, Mr. Cass is looking forward to growing as a teacher through professional development opportunities provided by the program, as well as sharing his own knowledge and experiences with others.
Mary Castaldo earned her BS in Secondary Education Mathematics from Lock Haven University and her MA in Social Sciences from Binghamton University. She taught Math in the Baltimore County School system for five years before moving back home. During her 18 years at Maine-Endwell High School (M-E), she has taught Algebra, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Placement Calculus, as well as SUNY Broome Fast Forward Calculus 1 and 2. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Castaldo has been the advisor for National Honor Society, Girls Varsity Club, Classes of 2005, 2011 and 2020. Mrs. Castaldo enjoys coaching field hockey and currently runs the youth program at M-E with over 50 athletes involved, grades K-6. Outside of school, Mrs. Castaldo enjoys watching her three children compete in various sports. She also enjoys running, fixing things around her house, and being outdoors. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Castaldo looks forward to participating in professional learning teams, collaborating with other Master Teachers and learning new ways to motivate and inspire her students.
Tanya Catlin earned her BA in Childhood Education from SUNY Potsdam and MSEd in Literacy Education from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Catlin currently teaches third grade in the Ithaca City School District. She has additionally taught a Farm to Table program focusing on nutrition, local food, farms, and gardening. Mrs. Catlin goal as a teacher is to instill a love of learning, exploration, and curiosity in her students. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, gardening, cooking, and reading. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Catlin is looking forward to learning from and collaborating with other passionate educators around the state, and hopes to meet new experts to bring into her classroom. Ultimately, Mrs. Catlin is excited about this opportunity to learn from others and to become a better educator for her students.
Michael Cecere earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Lafayette College, M.Eng. in Engineering Management from Cornell University, and M.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. In his current capacity, Mr. Cecere teaches 3rd Grade at Caroline Elementary School within the Ithaca City School District (ICSD). He spent a year as an instructional coach at Northeast Elementary School (ICSD), and he was a Teacher Research Fellow, participating in a research-based Professional Learning Community through a collaboration with Ithaca College. Mr. Cecere has taken a leadership role in developing teaching-related systems that his colleagues have adopted/reapplied to their teaching practices. Mr. Cecere was inducted into Tau Beta Pi (national engineering honor society) while at Lafayette, and he received a Cornell University Purseglove Award (teaching assistant position) while pursuing his first master's degree. Prior to teaching, Mr. Cecere worked as an engineer and manager for the Procter & Gamble Corporation for 7 years. When he transitioned to education, Mr. Cecere first worked as an instructor and program coordinator for the Voyageur Outward Bound School, and the outdoor education programs at both Binghamton University and Cornell University for 7 years. This included facilitating professional team-building experiences. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Cecere is looking forward to collaborating with and learning from peers across the region that will enable him to continue to develop as an educator and improve the outcomes for his future students.
Douglas Chapman earned his A.S. in Math/Science Liberal Arts from Corning Community College, B.S. in Biochemistry and M.S.Ed. from Elmira College. Currently, he teaches Living Environment, Regents Chemistry, Regents Physics, and ACE Biology at Odessa-Montour Central School. Prior to enrolling in higher education, Mr. Chapman served in the United States Navy for 4 years as an Operations Specialist during Desert Storm. Outside of the classroom, he advises the school’s Envirothon Club and was formerly the coach of the Varsity Boys and Girls Bowling team.
Renee Christopher earned her B.S. in Biology from Niagara University, M.S. in Biology/Oncology from Niagara University/Roswell Park Cancer Institute, M.S. and Ph.D. in Physiology & Cell Biology from Albany Medical College. Currently at TST BOCES, Dr. Christopher teaches Anatomy & Physiology, Integrated Science, and Physical Science and in the summer, mentors youth in a weeklong Robotics camp. Prior to teaching, Dr. Christopher was Director of Research and Development for a Biotech company researching safe methods for sterilization of donor bone and tissue for transplant and holds three patents in association with her research. She has been in the classroom for 8 ½ years. “The role of the teacher is to create the conditions for invention rather than provide ready-made knowledge” by Seymour Papert, is an inspirational quote and a daily reminder of how Science should be in the classroom. Dr. Christopher volunteers for the BOCES Car Show which raises money for student leadership. In her spare time, she loves planning fun activities with her twin grandsons, reading, hiking, camping, and crocheting. As a Master Teacher, Dr. Christopher looks forward to the opportunity for collaboration and building new relationships with colleagues throughout NYS.
Molly Cleere earned her B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish, graduating magna cum laude from Bucknell University, and her M.Ed. in English Language Learners from Vanderbilt University. At Bucknell University she was awarded the J. William Moore Prize for academic excellence in education coursework and for displaying the university's values of courage, honesty, and compassion for others. Mrs. Cleere began teaching in 2010 and is currently a fifth grade generalist at Tioughnioga Riverside Academy. In the past, she has taught fourth and fifth grade. Mrs. Cleere was drawn to the teaching profession because she loves working with children and observing the academic, emotional and social progress they make each day, and is inspired by the global power of education. Mrs. Cleere is grateful for the time she spent teaching in Amish one-room schoolhouses and for her visit to the Ron Clark Academy. She enjoys mentoring new teachers and is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Binghamton Area Reading Council and the New York State Reading Association. In her free time, she loves to travel, golf and read. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Cleere looks forward to collaborating with passionate STEM teachers and expanding her knowledge of STEM concepts.
Jordan Coffed earned his BS in Biological Sciences from SUNY College at Brockport and MSEd for Walden University, Minneapolis. Mr. Coffed has been teaching for five years, and he teaches 7th Grade Life Science, High School Genetics, and Robotics and Engineering electives at Campbell-Savona Junior/Senior High School in Campbell, NY. A strong advocate for instilling a sense of relevance and ownership of learning in his students, he involves his students in hands-on, investigative learning experiences that connect science to their daily lives. Mr. Coffed's professional interests focus on rewriting assessments to include student reflection aimed at individual learning experiences and data from the classroom. In addition, through collaboration and incorporation of various core content teachers, Mr. Coffed, utilizes a team-based teaching approach to reestablish the middle school learning model. He serves as Team Leader for Campbell-Savona's Middle School STEAM Team, and is a member of the National Science Teachers Association. His favorite quote is, "The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives." – Robert M Hutchins
Ryan Conklin earned his BS in Health and Physical Education, and MS in Childhood Education from Ithaca College. Throughout his undergrad and graduate years, Mr. Conklin spent weekends and summers as a member of the Ithaca ScienCenter team where he ran and supported floor programs, mentored middle school volunteers, and planned and conducted science camp activities for elementary-aged students. Throughout his nine years teaching, he has been a Math Teaching Assistant, 3rd grade teacher, and now, a 5th grade teacher. He has been involved in numerous Ithaca Public Education Initiative grants for birding, compost, and gourd growing case studies. In addition, he participated in multiple school-related programs such as the Ithaca City School District's Science Olympiad, STEM-focused extended day programs, the free Caroline Wilderness Performance Academy dedicated to promoting summer literacy for students, and acted as stage manager for Caroline Elementary School's first ever 5th grade musical performance. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time hiking the local gorges with his dog, reading, paddle boarding the finger lakes, and playing hockey. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Conklin hopes to foster connections with other teachers, share his educational approaches, and find new ways to help his students grow as problem solvers and explore the hidden “why” behind elementary school mathematical concepts
Stacey L. Coston earned her BS in Biology from Oswego State, and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Education from Binghamton University. She has worked as an Education Consultant at the NYS Education Department. She has been a participant and contributor to the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers. She was also selected as one of eight teachers to serve as Science Ambassador for the Centers for Disease Control. Ms. Coston has been teaching for 24 years, currently teaching ACE College Biology, College Level Anatomy to 11th/12th graders, and PLTW: HBS to 9th/10th graders at Waverly High School. A strong advocate of initiating different activities and engaging different learners, she uses cooperative learning, brain based learning and dimensions of learning activities in her classroom. She encourages students to take an active role in their education, creating learning teams and exploring how each student learns best. As a NYS Master Teacher, she started a Biology Professional Learning Team (PLT), participated in a Science and Literacy PLT, and attended many workshops. She has changed many of the practices, adding thinking activities and incorporating more mini reviews to check for understanding. Through various workshops, Ms. Coston has incorporated specific checks for understanding, with an emphasis on college preparation. The best part of both the MTP and the interactions with students, is the sense of community. Many students return from college saying how prepared they were, which allowed them to be successful in their college careers.
Travis Crocker earned his BA in Geography from SUNY Plattsburgh, BS in Geology from the SUNY at Albany, and MSEd in Secondary Science Education from the SUNY at Albany. Mr. Crocker has been teaching for 17 years, and he teaches Regents and Honors Earth Science, and Astronomy 101 at Dryden High School. A strong advocate for the relevance and application of experiential learning, he teaches students the importance of becoming active stakeholders in their education. He challenges students to find answers to contemporary global science dilemmas, and provides them with the tools needed to be successful in a myriad of STEM fields. His professional interests include being a co-chair for the Sustainability Club, and organizing and facilitating student-led field trips. In addition, he is the creator, leader and recruiter of the Conversations with a Scientist high school lecture series. He is a member of the American Geosciences Institute, the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education, and has been identified as the Dryden High School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Crocker's favorite quote from his personal hero is, "The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." – Neil deGrasse Tyson
JoAnn D'Angelo earned her BA in Mathematics, and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Binghamton University. Throughout her 18 years of teaching, she has taught Academic Intervention Services (AIS) 7 and 8, Math 8, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry. She currently teaches at Vestal Middle School. Mrs. D'Angelo is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS. She is committed in helping her students set goals to help them achieve their highest potential. In addition to her teaching duties, she enjoys coaching the school MathCounts team, where together they grow their appreciation of the beauty of problem solving by using mathematics. Outside the classroom, Mrs. D'Angelo enjoys creating delectable desserts and spending time with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher and a lifelong learner, Mrs. D'Angelo is looking forward to collaborating with peer Master Teachers, participating in Professional Learning Teams and deepening her knowledge of mathematics.
Pamela Danek earned her B.S. in Industrial Distribution from Clarkson University and her M.S.Ed. from Elmira College. Industrial Distribution is a field of study based in engineering, calculus, and physics with an emphasis on engineering principles and quantitative and qualitative management. She worked as a Cost Engineer at IBM Owego until the birth of her first child. For the next decade, Mrs. Danek was a stay-at-home mom raising four sons. Once her sons were in school, she returned to college to become a teacher and was hired at Vestal Hills Elementary School after completing her student teaching there. Mrs. Danek has been a third grade teacher for 18 years. She works to instill a love of math as well as a lifelong love of learning in all of her students. Pamela serves on the Roberson Museum Educator Advisory Board. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family, downhill ski with her husband, and travel. She is proud of the fact that all four of her sons are engineers. Pamela looks forward to the professional development opportunities provided through the NYS Master Teacher program along with the ability to collaborate with colleagues across multiple grade levels.
Deborah Daugherty earned her BS in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, MS in Electrical Engineering from Binghamton University, and certification in Physics and Technology from SUNY Cortland. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Daugherty was an engineer at General Electric and Lockheed Martin in the Southern Tier. In the classroom for 13 years, Mrs. Daugherty teaches Physics at Union-Endicott (UE) High School, where she also served as the Science Department Instructional Leader, a coach for UE's Science Olympiad teams for several years, and now advisor for a FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Team, TigerTronics. The TigerTronics Team has expanded in the past two years to include students from Vestal Central School. In addition to her school responsibilities, she was also a Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (STLE) Coach for the UE Science Department. Mrs. Daugherty loves to ride her Harley Davidson motorcycle, exploring our great country on two wheels. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Daugherty looks forward to learning new skills and joining Professional Learning Teams intending to improve student skills in Math, Physics and Engineering.
Sean Daugherty earned his A.S. in Engineering Science from Broome Community College, B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Binghamton University and M.A.T. in Physics Education from Binghamton University. Mr. Daugherty became an educator following a 20-year engineering career in the aerospace industry during which he developed and supported products in both the commercial and military markets. Mr. Daugherty has been a certified classroom teacher since 2010, educating students in Physics, Chemistry, Computer Programming and Electronics. He teaches at Newark Valley High School, serves as science department chairperson, advisor for the Interact club, and member of the building safety team and site-based teams. A longtime STEM advocate, Mr. Daugherty coached Science Olympiad teams at Union-Endicott High School for several years prior to co-founding the FIRST robotics team #2053 (the TigerTronics) in 2006 and actively mentoring the team each year since. Sean is an avid Harley Davidson rider and advanced DIY'er in the areas of home improvement and automotive repair. As a NYS Master Teacher, he looks forward to learning from fellow Master Teachers in myriad pedagogic approaches and curricular areas.
Jennifer Dean earned her BA in Biological Sciences and her MAT Biology from Binghamton University, and an advanced yoga teacher certification from the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA. In the classroom for 18 years, Mrs. Dane teaches Earth Science, Co-taught Introduction to the Living Environment, and Fast Forward Anatomy, Physiology, and Yoga at Whitney Point High School. Mrs. Dean is passionate about learning the science of mindfulness & yoga; she believes that understanding the anatomy and physiology of the brain is crucial to changing habit patterns, rewiring neural circuits, and cultivating resilience and a growth mindset. Mrs. Dean is a member of the school's Wellness Committee and teaches yoga for faculty and staff to support well-being and stress reduction. She loves to expand her science content with new topics and incorporates real world experiences and personal stories into lessons. Mrs. Dean is looking forward to building more of these science-based real-world experiences, sharing her interests, gaining new perspectives and ideas, and collaborating as a Master Teacher.
Frederick Deppe earned his B.A. in Sociology from Roosevelt University and his M.S. in Mathematics from Northeastern Illinois University. Prior to teaching, Mr. Deppe worked in social services in Chicago and was inspired to teach by his experience as a tutor when he was in college. He began teaching in 1996 in Chicago and taught there for over ten years before moving to Ithaca. He has taught many different courses since coming to Ithaca High School. He currently teaches AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, and AIS Math. Mr. Deppe serves as the advisor to the Math Team and the Dev Team at Ithaca High School and participates in the Saturday Workshops for Mathematics Teachers at Cornell University. He also co-founded the Cornell University High School Programming Contest which has been held annually for the past five years. Fred loves math and computer science and loves to teach. He believes that students construct their own knowledge and he is passionate about teaching through problem-solving. Fred loves puzzles and his motto is "Math is fun, and fun is good." As a NYS Master Teacher, Fred looks forward to participating in the upcoming mini-course on machine learning entitled, "A Hitchhiker's Guide to Machine Learning."
Jessica DeVries earned her AAS and BT in Agronomy from SUNY Cobleskill and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Agricultural, Adult, and Extension Education from Cornell University. Mrs. DeVries has been New York State Agriscience Teacher of the Year, Ideas Unlimited winner for the New York Association of Agricultural Educators and the National Association of Agricultural Educators, and holds an Honorary American Degree from the National Future Farmers of America Organization. She has been teaching for 26 years, 24 of those years at Unadilla Valley Central School in New Berlin, New York. She currently teaches middle and high school agriculture and applied science courses in animal science, botany, dairy production, and management, agricultural mechanical science, agricultural engineering, food science, environmental science, and agricultural research. Mrs. DeVries is the advisor of the Unadilla Valley Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter and serves as a member of the School Curriculum Team and the Annual Professional Performance Review Committee. Outside of school, Mrs. DeVries serves as the New York Association of Agricultural Educators Career and Technical Ed (CTE) Program Approval Mentor. She also serves as a volunteer college professor for Tompkins Cortland Community College and Morrisville State College. Mrs. DeVries loves to garden and is very grateful that Unadilla Valley has allowed her to apply for grants and build greenhouses and gardening into her curriculum. Being new to the NYSMTP, Mrs. DeVries looks forward to working with the Emerging Technologies Professional Learning Team and participating in the workshop: Unpacking the Coaching Model: Developing New and Pre-service Teachers.
Adriane Deyo earned her BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta as well as her MS in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Mrs. Deyo has taught in the elementary classroom since 2007, with the majority of her tenure in 4th grade, at Homer Brink Elementary School in Endwell, New York. She has played an integral part in the Odyssey of the Mind program at the elementary level, assisting in the coordination and coaching of teams in grades K-5 for over ten years. Mrs. Deyo has been involved in leading professional development training for her colleagues in the areas of science and technology and has served on district level committees in both science and social studies curriculum development. She mentors new teachers and has hosted several interns from SUNY Binghamton University and SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Deyo is passionate about Earth Sciences and geology, as well as infusing technology in her teaching and having her students learn science concepts through inquiry. When she's not in the classroom, Mrs. Deyo enjoys hiking with her family, reading a great book, and traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As a New York State Master Teacher, Mrs. Deyo looks forward to collaborating with other professional educators and bringing new ideas back to her classroom that inspires and motivates her students.
Kristen Drehmer earned her BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics, and her MS in Education from Elmira College. She began her career as a long term substitute in an Elementary Classroom and was amazed by the love students had for school. After her long term position she began substituting in a high school, and realized that many students didn't maintain that same sense of excitement and engagement in the STEM areas as they once did as elementary school students. She decided to become certified in Secondary Mathematics. Mrs. Drehmer has been teaching high school for the past 10 years. She currently teaches International Baccalaureate Math Studies, Advanced Placement Statistics, Algebra II Trigonometry and Algebra B at Corning-Painted Post High School .In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is a member of her district's Building Leadership Team, Inquiry Team and is part of the district's Mentoring program. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Drehmer is looking forward to participating in many of the upcoming mini-courses, being part of Professional Learning Teams and having the opportunity to find new ways to help foster the love of learning within her students.
Angela Driscoll earned her B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from SUNY Oneonta and her M.S. in Literacy from Walden University. Her career in the Binghamton City School District began 17 years ago in a 2nd grade self-contained classroom. Since then, she has taught 4th grade, 5th grade, Challenge Enrichment, and has found herself back at home in 2nd grade once again. Although she has always strived to get students actively involved in their learning, it was while teaching Challenge Enrichment that she really found a passion for getting kids to think outside the box, challenge themselves, and take risks in their learning. Since then she has really tried to focus on taking a more problem-based approach to teaching and learning. Outside the classroom, Ms. Driscoll enjoys reading, running, and enjoying time with family. As a Master Teacher, she is most looking forward to collaborating with teachers from across the region and state.
Jenny Emerson earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Quinnipiac University and her M.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. Currently, Ms. Emerson teaches third grade at Caroline Elementary School. Before teaching, she worked in a Residential Treatment Facility in Orange County, California and at a Domestic Violence Shelter. Ms. Emerson has been a classroom teacher for nine years, five in fourth grade and the last four, in third. She received the Raymond C. Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Award in 2013. Ms. Emerson loves to connect her students with the outdoors as much as possible. In the summer, she works at the Caroline Wilderness Performance Academy, a three-week camp for students that focuses on literacy development, community building, outdoor exploration and culminates with the students putting on a play. Ms. Emerson's hobbies include hiking, cooking, reading and being outside. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with other enthusiastic educators, and continuing to develop and grow her practice through the professional development that is offered and the connections she will make.
Jaime Emmons earned her BA in Biology from Case Western Reserve University, with minors in Chemistry and Medical Anthropology. While an undergraduate, she volunteered with AmeriCorps, teaching Environmental Education to inner-city youth in Cleveland, Ohio. This experience inspired Ms. Emmons to become a teacher. After college, she taught Integrated Science in Guyana, South America through the WorldTeach program, where she learned about teaching science as well as immersing herself in a new culture and community outreach. Ms. Emmons earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology Education from Binghamton University. She has been teaching 7th grade Life Science at Vestal Middle School since 2009. While teaching at Vestal, she has worked on designing engaging lessons to help her students learn science and relate it to their lives. As a STEM teacher, Ms. Emmons is very passionate about helping students think logically about how to solve problems in the world. She is a member of the Science Teacher Association of NYS, the National Science Teachers Association, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to participating in mini-courses to keep up on current research in science and collaborating with other great teachers.
Denise England earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo and her M.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland. A first-grade teacher for 25 years, Mrs. England has been at Tioga Hills Elementary School for 22 years. Outside of the classroom, she co-leads an after-school STEAM club for K-3 students, mentors new teachers, serves as staff developer for her district, and is a member of National Science Teaching Association. Mrs. England is forever passionate about fostering her students' sense of wonder; she helped create a butterfly garden at her school in which students can explore, observe and record scientific findings. She is excited to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher Program for the opportunity to learn from others so that she can better herself as an educator and bring even more exciting challenges to her young students.
Julie Erb earned a B.S. in Education from SUNY Geneseo with a minor in psychology and her M.A. of Education with a Math and Science Emphasis from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Erb began teaching in September of 2002 at Maine-Endwell School District. She decided to become an educator because she wanted to help students with disabilities reach their full potential as contributing members of society. Mrs. Erb is currently a Special Education Teacher in an 8:1:1 classroom at Maine-Endwell Middle School. She has been awarded Liberty Mutual Teacher of the Month in December of 2017 and is the recipient of the Founder's Day Award in 2012. Mrs. Erb serves as a member of the Response to Intervention Leadership Team, has previously been a Lead Teacher, and volunteers to chaperone dances. Outside of school, Julie teaches religious education classes at the Church of the Holy Family. Julie enjoys walking, swimming, and spending summers at Red Jacket Yacht Club. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is passionate about giving her students exposure and experiences in STEM education to help them continue to grow as students and to experience creative, hands-on learning.
Shaun Errichiello teaches mathematics and loves it! As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to working with passionate educators. For Mr. Errichiello, mathematics offers students a glimpse into the true nature of the universe. Furthermore, it offers a plethora of tools to help students succeed as citizens, professionals, and problem solvers. He became interested in teaching through Upward Bound, where he worked with high school students at SUNY Plattsburgh to help them prepare for college. At Plattsburgh, he earned his BA in Mathematics and History. He earned his MA from Teacher's College and taught middle school at the Salk School of Science until 2016. He is currently teaching grades 6 and 9 at the Lehman Alternative Community School. He also works to involve community members at the school, where he facilitates electives in robotics, programming, bridge building, math-circle activities, animation, and music. He is currently working to incorporate active movement in his classes through a series of mathematics' field trips – where students explore questions in the areas around their school. When he isn't teaching, he is at home spending time with his two wonderful children and beautiful wife.
Jeffery Feyerabend earned his B.A. in Spanish Literature and Spanish Education from SUNY Oneonta and his M.S.Ed. in Reading from SUNY Cortland. He was a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar and had the opportunity to look at educational practices in Japan. He has taught all levels from primary to college level, as well as varied topics. While beginning his career as a language teacher, he transitioned to the elementary level where he specialized in math. Mr. Feyerabend has seen the vital importance of developing strong math skills and understanding at the elementary level to build the foundation for advanced math study. Currently, he is working as a math specialist from grades K-5. In this role, he is developing and implementing an elementary advanced math program that starts in 4th grade. Mr. Feyerabend conducts the new teacher induction program and serves as a teacher coach and coordinator for math data at the elementary school managing assessments and data to inform instruction. Outside of his regular teaching role, he is the advisor to the elementary student council and works in the summer program for elementary students. Jeffery has a firm belief in learning the best educational techniques to deliver instruction while building connections and relationships to inspire students to achieve their best.
Patricia Fiato earned her A.A. in Liberal Arts from Broome Community College, her B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta, and her M.S.Ed. in Reading from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Fiato has happily taught at Calvin Coolidge Elementary since 1992. She is passionate about building relationships with her first-graders, their families and community, as well as igniting a love for learning, especially for STEM. She is inspired by the Ivan Fitzwater quote, "The future is in my classroom today". In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Fiato serves as a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS, her school's Shared Leadership Team, and her district's Professional Development Committee. She mentors new teachers, hosts Binghamton University interns, and is a representative with the Binghamton Teachers' Association. She has served as PTA Membership Chair, developed a "Partners in Reading" program with a local nursing home, and has been a STEM educator for summer programs. She enjoys traveling, the outdoors, experimenting with new recipes, participating in book clubs and spending time with her husband, three children, and dog "Hutch". As a NYS Master Teacher, Patricia is excited to grow as a STEM educator through mini-courses and collaboration and, then, to share that learning with her students and others.
Maria Fiori earned her B.S. in Meteorology and Mathematics from SUNY Oneonta and her M.A.T. in Earth Science Adolescent Education from SUNY Binghamton University. At Maine-Endwell High School for the past 14 years, Ms. Fiori teaches Earth Science and has co-taught a special education physical science course. Ms. Fiori has also taught several science electives such as Astronomy, and Natural Disasters. Ms. Fiori has served as an advisor for the Class of 2012, Class of 2015, and the Students Against Destructive Decisions club. Additionally, she has been the Science Department Lead Teacher since 2015. Outside of school, Ms. Fiori enjoys running, yoga, cooking, do-it-yourself home improvements, and spending time with her four nephews. With the NYS Master Teacher Program, she is looking forward to collaborating with other science teachers to learn and to grow.
Peter Fitch earned an AAS in Construction Technology from SUNY Delhi, and BS and MS in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego. Mr. Fitch has spent 29 years at Odessa Montour striving to provide engaging, student-centered instruction and activities in the classes he teaches. Currently he teaches 7th & 8th Grade Technology, Drawing and Design for Productions, Digital Photography, Principles of Engineering, Robotics, and First Year Experience for the Accelerated College Education program with Corning Community College. Outside of the classroom. Mr. Fitch has served as the Dean of Students, Senior Class advisor, Technology Club advisor and a union representative for the Odessa Montour Teacher's Association. He is part of New York State Technology and Engineering Education Association. Before pursuing a degree in Technology Education, Mr. Fitch worked at Gleason Works for 3 years where he completed a two-year machinist apprenticeship and was an estimator for Allied Builders for 3 years. He is a scout advisor for Troop 42 in Candor, NY and volunteers at the Bread of Life food pantry. During the summer, Mr. Fitch and his family manage the corn roasting operations for Our Green Acres Farm.
Sandra Foote earned her B.A. and M.S. in Elementary Education, with a concentration in mathematics, from SUNY Cortland. After several years of substitute teaching, Mrs. Foote joined the Career and Technical Education department at Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES. She teaches college level Business Mathematics and Intermediate Algebra and collaborates with the CTE program teachers to bring real world math applications to students. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Foote serves as a mentor to new teachers on campus, is a member of the Professional Development Committee, serves as the TST BOCES Teachers' Association Retirement Rep, and coordinates the TST BOCES Annual Car Show to raise funds for the Student Leadership fund. She is also an adjunct math instructor at Tompkins-Cortland Community College and teaches math for the Regional Summer School Program. When not in the classroom, Mrs. Foote enjoys reading, traveling, fishing, gardening and finding symmetry in nature with her camera. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to gaining new knowledge to bring back to her students to help them see math in a different way.
Jeremiah Franklin earned his BA in Secondary Mathematics from the SUNY Cortland and his MSEd from the SUNY at Buffalo. Mr. Franklin has been teaching for 16 years, and he teaches algebra, statistics, pre-calculus, and calculus at Arkport Central School. A strong advocate for lifelong learning and learning mathematics through investigation, Mr. Franklin involves his students in mini-labs that develop concepts and relates them to their immediate surroundings with the goal to engage their minds for continued exploration. His professional interests focus on working with colleagues at the elementary and secondary level with the goal to further develop knowledge of content and pedagogy in mathematics. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Franklin has attended various workshops and Professional Learning Teams (PLTs). Mr. Franklin's favorite part about teaching is the excitement that students have when they get to apply learned information and understand the relevance of that new knowledge. His favorite STEM quote is, "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." – Albert Einstein
Mary Franklin earned her BS in Mathematics from Alfred University, and MS in Education from SUNY Buffalo. In the classroom for 16 years, Mrs. Franklin has taught Math 7, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus and Advanced Placement Calculus throughout her teaching career. She currently teaches at Hornell High School, and is a mentor for pre-service and early career teachers. Outside the classroom, she facilitates workshops on implementing Common Core Geometry and Algebra 2, is the District K-12 Math Committee Member, Ski Club Advisor, and a math tutor. Mrs. Franklin also enjoys many outdoor activities, and spending time with family. As a NYS Master Teacher, she enjoys creating new relationships and collaborating with Master Teachers from the Southern Tier and around New York State.
Russell Gardner earned his B.S. in Business Administration (Finance) from the University Of Florida and his M.S. in Education from Old Dominion University. Prior to teaching, Mr. Gardner served twenty-one years in the US Marine Corps. During his military service he served in communications, anti-air warfare and military intelligence before retiring as an aviator flying the EA-6B Prowler. He served throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. He enjoys sharing his past experiences and real world uses of mathematics with his students. Mr. Gardner teaches Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and College Prep Algebra at Odessa-Montour High School, and has experience teaching all levels of mathematics from 6th grade through Calculus. During summers, Mr. Gardner also teaches mathematics for the NYS Department of Corrections to incarcerated individuals. After school hours, Mr. Gardner has coached the school's baseball and volleyball teams, advised the Interact Club, and been a member of the National Honor Society selection board. Outside school, Russell is a member of the American Legion and the Marine Corps League. Mr. Gardner looks forward to working with fellow and developing teachers through the Master Teacher Program.
Catherine (Kate) Gefell earned her BS in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. After working for Rohm and Haas Company in Philadelphia, PA for four years, Ms. Gefell returned to Ithaca, and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from SUNY Cortland. She taught Earth Science in the Spencer Van Etten School District for several years before joining the Ithaca City School District. During her 12 years at Ithaca High School, Ms. Gefell has taught Advanced Placement Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Earth Science, Chemistry in the Community, and Consumer Chemistry. One of her main goals in the classroom is to help all students feel motivated to and capable of learning science! She was honored with the Raymond C. Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Award for the "Chem Buddies Program" she initiated with a local elementary teacher and friend. Ms Gefell serves as the Advisor for Key Club, a student community service organization. Outside of school, Ms. Gefell enjoys bicycling, swimming and singing. Twice a participant in National Science Foundation-funded Grades K-12 programs at Cornell University, Ms. Gefell looks forward to collaborating with NYS Master Teachers to strengthen science teaching at all levels across the state.
Amy Gennosa earned her BA in Mathematics from Nazareth College and MEd in Literacy from Alfred University. She has spent the last 15 years as a mathematics educator in the Elmira City School District, teaching a range of courses from 7th grade Math and AIS to Calculus II. She is currently teaching Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Calculus at Elmira High School (EHS). Prior to becoming a math teacher, she spent years as a camp counselor on Canandaigua Lake and as an after school program coordinator with the YWCA. She currently serves on the EHS Tech and SCEP teams, assisting teachers in the introduction of new technologies within the district while also focusing on school-wide data in an attempt to continually bring about positive leadership, academic, and social changes to her school. As a STEM teacher, she hopes to encourage young women, in particular, to consider the fields of math and engineering; and in doing so, collaborate with expert educators in partnering content areas. In her free time, Miss Gennosa is most passionate about music, both vocally and instrumentally. She also enjoys karaoke and planning her upcoming wedding to her supportive, smart, and handsome fiancé, Shane.
Elizabeth Genovese-Barvinchak earned her B.A. in Secondary Education-Biology with a Chemistry minor from SUNY Oneonta and her M.S. in Education from Binghamton University. She has been in the classroom for over 25 years. She currently teaches Physical Science and Technology as well as Living Environment in the Futures 12:1:1 Special Education Program at Broome-Tioga BOCES, West Learning Center. Ms. Genovese-Barvinchak currently serves as a member of the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education where she presents and the ConnectEd Conference, teaches Career Exploration for the Summer Youth Employment Program, and teaches in the Summer STEAM Academy. She has previously served as Director of Kopernik Space Education Center and taught the New Visions Engineering Academy. Integration of technology is her passion and she likes to share that with amazing staff and challenging students. She enjoys singing, playing flute and contra-dancing as well as biking, swimming and spending time outdoors with her two daughters. As a NYS Master Teacher, Elizabeth looks forward to professional development opportunities that she can share with colleagues and to inspiring students to become lifelong learners.
Stephanie Ghosin-Szeliga earned her BA in Psychology from Binghamton University, and her MSEd in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and Literacy from Binghamton University. She has been with the Calvin Coolidge Elementary School for five years and is currently teaching fourth grade. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves on her school's Patriots Shine Committee (formerly known as the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Committee), the Guiding Coalition Committee. She is a mentor for new teachers in her building and hosts Binghamton University graduate students in her classroom. Outside of school, Mrs. Ghosin-Szeliga enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family. Her love of learning has inspired her to join the Master Teacher program, and she is excited to collaborate with other teachers to learn more about current best practices in the STEM field. She plans to bring her new knowledge back to her classroom so that it will benefit both the students and teachers with whom she works.
Marietta Gibb earned her BS in Elementary Education from Florida Southern College and her MA in Gifted Education from the University of South Florida. Ms. Gibb has taught for a total of 18 years in Florida and New York. She is now in her 5th year teaching 6th grade math at DeWitt Middle School. Ms. Gibb is the Math Department Leader and participates in her school's equity team. Working alongside colleagues and building leaders, Ms. Gibb is working to eliminate inequitable practices that limit access to higher-level math courses. She is passionate about reaching all learners in her classroom and showing students that math is for everyone. Outside of school, Ms. Gibb spends her time cheering on her children at the soccer fields, circus ring, and ballet studio. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with other enthusiastic educators to bring more relevant and meaningful learning experiences to math classrooms.
Jennifer Grassi earned her BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, MSEd, and EdD in Educational Theory from from Binghamton University. She currently teaches 5th grade in the Windsor Central School District.
Patrick Gray earned his B.A. in Geology and Secondary Education from SUNY Cortland and his M.S.Ed. in Recreation Education with a concentration in Outdoor and Environmental Education from SUNY Cortland. Mr. Gray currently teaches 8th grade physical science and Regents Earth Science to a group of advanced placed 8th graders. Previously, he has taught 9th grade Earth Science, 12th grade Forensics, and an introductory level science course at the high school level. He began teaching in 2002 at Vestal Middle School. He chose to teach because it gave him the opportunity to work with young people. Mr. Gray is passionate about science and the STEM field because he feels it is such an important part of everyday life. He is also very passionate about athletics, as team sports have taught him a lot about life, discipline, and hard work. He has served as both the baseball and basketball coach, enjoys working with kids both in and outside the classroom. Patrick is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers within and across disciplines and grade levels, as well as having the opportunity to hear college professors speak about the latest current events and research being done in the STEM field.
Kristina Gregory earned her B.S. degree in Environmental Biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and her M.A. in Teaching in adolescent biology education from Binghamton University where she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi honor society in education. Mrs. Gregory has been teaching for 10 years. She currently teaches Regents Living Environment at Johnson City Central Schools. Her favorite teaching moments come when students are involved in hands-on learning. During her undergraduate and graduate years, she traveled extensively, completing field work in South America, West Indies, and the Adirondacks. She has a great passion for travel, birding, and introducing her students to the "wonders of science". She has served as the coach for the Science Olympiad and is currently the adviser for the High School Science Club. Mrs. Gregory has completed diverse professional development in Data Driven Instruction, Strengthening Teacher and Leadership Effectiveness, and Science Literacy. Kristina is the proud mother of twin girls. With her induction to the Master Teacher Program, she is most looking forward to the diverse professional development offerings and collaboration with new colleagues.
Stacey Gridley earned her B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Information Science from SUNY Potsdam and M.S in Teaching from SUNY Cortland. Before starting her career as a teacher, she served as a Computer Programmer/Analyst with Erie #1 BOCES. After doing some volunteer work in the classroom, she returned to college, where she earned her M.S. in 2002, with both a K-6 General Education and Mathematics 5-9 certification. She currently is a Computer Skills teacher in the Afton School District and has worked as an Academic Intervention Specialist in Mathematics in the past. Stacey sponsors Elementary Honor Roll parties, hosts enrichment courses in both Computer Coding and Poetry Writing, supports the Digital Device initiative for grades 9-12, and provides technology support for all teachers PK-12 in her district. She has implemented a Digital Citizenship curriculum K-12 and is a Certified Educator of Digital Citizenship through the Common Sense Media organization. Outside of school, her hobbies include Eco-tourism (recent trips were Alaska, Belize, and Puerto Rico), poetry, sewing, camping, and kayaking. As a Master Teacher, Stacey hopes to join a Professional Learning Team that is focused on streamlining the K-6 Technology curriculum across the state.
Michelle Griffin earned her B.S. in Mathematics from St. John Fisher College and her M.S.T. in Mathematics from Binghamton University. Throughout her career, Mrs. Griffin has taught most levels of high school math and currently teaches Algebra 1, Foundations of College Math, and Pre-Calculus at Maine-Endwell High School. Mrs. Griffin has served on the Building Planning Team, Response to Intervention Committee, and Strategic Planning Team. She has participated in regional collaboration groups and she is also a member of NYS Computers and Technology in Education and the Association of Math Teachers of NYS. Mrs. Griffin has facilitated sessions at EdCampSTNY and has helped organize the annual event since 2016. One of the highlights of Mrs. Griffin's 30-year career was being selected for the Desmos Fellowship and going to Desmos Headquarters in San Francisco for a weekend of learning and community building. She is the proud mom of two young adults and she enjoys theater, movies, spending time with her family, and planning Disney trips. As a Master Teacher, Mrs. Griffin looks forward to joining Professional Learning Teams, sharing her love of Desmos, and learning new ways to motivate and challenge her students.
Bonnie Grinnell received her B.S. in Chemistry from Bryn Mawr College, her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and her M.S.Ed. from Elmira College. Mrs. Grinnell is a second career teacher, coming to teaching after working as an engineer for Merck for five years at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. She currently teaches Regents Chemistry, IB Chemistry and SUPA Forensics at the Corning-Painted Post High School. Mrs. Grinnell enjoys sharing her love of science with students at all levels and says the best part of teaching is seeing that "Aha!" moment when a student makes a new and exciting connection. If you cannot find Mrs. Grinnell in her classroom, check the costume closet. Mrs. Grinnell has worked closely with the CPP Drama Club these last three years costuming various productions. She looks forward to networking with other science teachers in the Master Teacher Program as well as expanding her knowledge in both the sciences and pedagogy.
Elisabeth Haller earned her B.S. in Biology with a Chemistry minor from SUNY Cortland and her M.S.Ed. from the College of St. Rose. Before teaching, she was a zookeeper and worked at a wildlife rescue in South Africa. Mrs. Haller began teaching in 2010 and has experience with grades 7-12, teaching biology, as well as science electives. Mrs. Haller teaches 8th grade Physical Science and Living Environment at Johnson City Middle School. She currently serves as the robotics coach and previously served as the STEM Coordinator for BOCES, where she facilitated STEM curriculum for 9 component districts. Outside of school, Mrs. Haller helped found the Binghamton Pond Festival, an outdoor hockey tournament that benefits youth mental health awareness. Mrs. Haller also enjoys playing ice hockey, a sport she has played through the collegiate level. She is passionate about STEM because she loves seeing students discover the world around them. She teaches using her old HS motto: pro vita non pro schola discimus; learning not for school, but for life. She is looking forward to being a Master Teacher because of the shared passion for teaching kids about STEM, the collaboration, the new ideas she can bring to her students, and the opportunities to improve her practice as an educator.
Stacey Hanna earned her B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology from SUNY Cortland and M.S. in Students with Disabilities from Binghamton University. Mrs. Hanna has taught at Maine-Endwell Middle School for 15 years. She started her career as a Special Education Teacher with a Math focus. She followed her passion and love for Science to become a 6th grade Science Teacher. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Hanna serves on the Response to Intervention Leadership Team, which provides academic and behavioral interventions for students. She is a member of the Building Strategic Planning Team, that makes action plans for her building’s future. In the past, she was a representative at NYSCATE in Rochester and mentored teachers. In her spare time, you will find Mrs. Hanna traveling with her family, camping, boating, cooking, and reading. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to collaborating with fellow educators and strengthening her content knowledge to foster a sense of wonder in all her future scientists.
Therese Hans Bio coming soon.
Nichole Hantsch earned her B.A. and M.S. in Biological Sciences and M.A.T. in Adolescent Biology from Binghamton University. Mrs. Hantsch has been teaching science classes for eleven years, with experience in grades four through ten, as well as being an instructor of record for a summer at Binghamton University. Currently, Mrs. Hantsch teaches eighth-grade Physical Science at Chenango Forks Middle School. She serves as the advisor for their two middle school level Science Olympiad teams and represents the Educator Advisory Committee at Roberson Museum in Binghamton. She also enjoys chaperoning groups of students to Engineering events and the class trip to Washington, D.C. Outside of school, Mrs. Hantsch is an active officer for the Glenwood School Community Association. She enjoys skiing in the winter with her family, is an avid NY Mets fan, and spending time with her pets. She is also a supporter and advocate for sustainable farming. As a new member of the Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Hantsch is looking forward to spending more time working with pre-service teachers and continuing her professional development as a life-long learner.
Lindsey Hendricks earned her B.A. in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta and M.A. in Education Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Mrs. Hendricks has spent the last 6 years in the Windsor Central School District. She is a 5th grade teacher at C. R. Weeks Elementary. She serves on the district’s Technology Think Tank Committee, Pineapple Technology Committee, Building Leadership Team, and Safety Team. Mrs. Hendricks also advises a Breakout EDU Club. She has also reviewed technology proposals for the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference and presented at the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education Conference (NYSCATE). Mrs. Hendricks loves spending time with her family, bike riding, and gardening. As a Master Teacher, Lindsey is looking forward to collaborating with others in Professional Learning Teams, furthering her knowledge of STEM and bringing back enriching experiences for her students.
Kari Hettinger earned her BA in Elementary Education, African American Studies, Studio Art and MSEd from Cortland College. Currently a STEAM Teacher at Owego Elementary School, Mrs. Hettinger also serves as Professional Learning Committee Lead, mentor to untenured and student teachers, and member of several professional associations. A strong advocate for science education, Mrs. Hettinger engages her students in the exploration of science and technology providing hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, at times partnering with community organizations including Lockheed Martin and Cornell University. Her passion is to increase student awareness and interest in STEAM careers so they can contribute to their community. In addition to classwork, she makes accessible extra-curricular opportunities such as Genius Hour, STEAM Clubs and summer programs. The Engineering Club placed 3rd at Engineering Day. Outside of school, Mrs. Hettinger loves spending time with her family. She enjoys traveling, photography, art, the beach, and anything Disney. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to leading and participating in many exciting professional learning opportunities to deepen her understanding of STEM content, incorporate the best instructional methods, and enhance her engagement with her students, families, and community.
Jason Hope earned his BA in Mathematics from Ithaca College and MAT in Secondary Mathematics from Binghamton University. In the classroom for 24 years, primarily at the high school level in the Chenango Valley School District, he currently teaches Algebra 2, Math 11, and Accelerated College Pre-Calculus through the Fast Forward Program at SUNY Broome. He has also spent significant time teaching Geometry and Algebra 1. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Hope has been a member of the Algebra 2 and Geometry Regional Collaboration Committees and the Algebra 2 and Geometry Curriculum Development Professional Learning Committees, a mentor with the Chenango Valley new teacher mentoring program and private math tutor. Mr. Hope was the head football coach at Chenango Valley for 15 years and is currently the head coach of the indoor track and field program. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and fishing. As a New York State Master Teacher, he is looking forward to growing as a teacher through the professional development opportunities as well as collaborating with the talented and diverse teachers from around the state.
Kelly Hudock earned her B.A. in Health and Human Services with a minor in Early Childhood and M.Ed. in Childhood Education from the University at Buffalo. Before pursuing her Masters, Kelly interned in the Buffalo Public Schools which is where she realized she was right at home in the classroom. Kelly began teaching in 2013 and currently teaches in the Vestal Central School District. She is a Level 1 and Level 2 Google Certified Educator who inspires and prepares her students to collaborate, connect and innovate using technology. Kelly extends this knowledge and passion as an Instructional Technology Mentor for the teachers within the district. Extracurricular activities that Kelly enjoys are serving on the Board of Directors for the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, reading, listening to podcasts, cooking and doing home renovations with her husband. What Kelly is most passionate about within the STEM field is also what she is most looking forward to from the Master Teacher Program: having the tools to help motivate and inspire life-long problem solvers who are prepared to enter the always-evolving workforce.
Terrie Hunter earned her BS degree in Chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry from St. John Fisher College, MS in Chemistry from Cornell University, and her teaching certification from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Hunter has been teaching for 13 years, and she teaches general, Regents, and AP chemistry at Horseheads High School. A strong advocate of guided inquiry learning and scientific relevance, she teaches her students the importance of independent thinking, and uses the POGIL method in her classroom to help students attain problem-solving skills. In addition, she blends chemistry curriculum such as food chemistry, climate change, and renewable energies to solidify the importance of chemistry curriculum present in the students' everyday lives. She is a member of the Science Teachers Association of New York State and the American Chemical Society. Terrie encourages students to get involved with groups that she advises, such as Science Club, Chem Bowl, Science Olympiad and ECOS club. Teaching is her passion, chemistry is her interest, and children are the future. Within the MTP, she has had the opportunity to work with highly motivated professional educators to share curriculum and pedagogy strategies that have helped her become a more effective teacher for her students.
John Jackson earned his AAS in Veterinarian Science Technology from SUNY Delhi, BS in Animal Science from Cornell University and Master of Arts in Teaching in Biological Sciences from SUNY Cortland. At Delhi, Mr. Jackson was an Academic All-American in Basketball. Prior to becoming a teacher, he worked as a Veterinary Technician at the Cornell University Large Animal Clinic. As an educator at Unadilla Valley Central School for 26 years, he has taught Principles of Biology, Principles of Human Anatomy, Contemporary Issues in Genetics, and Biotechnology as concurrent enrolled courses through TC3 and SUNY Albany. He is also a Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers (CIBT) alumni. He is the Environmental Club Advisor and has taken students on whale watch trips to Massachusetts over 20 times: "The reward is the excitement and appreciation displayed by students." Mr. Jackson is a Class Advisor, Science Fair Coordinator, Basketball and Baseball Coach. He is passionate about music and is the lead singer/guitar player for the UV faculty band called "Storm Surge". As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Jackson looks forward to collaborating with teachers and professionals in his community, sharing best practices with new educators and continuing to implement STEAM skills into his science classes.
Meridith Jackson earned her B.A. in Mathematics from Alfred University and both her M.B.A. and M.S.Ed. in Childhood Education from Binghamton University. She has been teaching for 12 years for Union-Endicott Central School District, currently teaching fifth grade at George F. Johnson Elementary School and having previously taught second grade and fourth grade. Mrs. Jackson has served as George F. Johnson’s Project Lead the Way Launch Lead Teacher for two years, has taught multiple math and ELA after-school academies, and has taught PTA After School Enrichment Program classes including Board Games, Fiber and Fabric, Letterboxing, Math Club, and Upcycling. Outside of school, she serves on U-E’s ELA Steering Committee and is a member of NYSED’s Mathematics Content Advisory Panel. Mrs. Jackson has worked with Questar where she participated in rangefinding, forms construction, and item-writing for the NYS grades 3-8 assessments. She and her husband enjoy hiking and are aspiring to become Adirondack 46ers. As a Master Teacher, Mrs. Jackson is looking forward to being part of a larger community of like-minded individuals and lifelong learners.
Catherine Jeremko earned her BS in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh and Master of Arts in Teaching from Binghamton University. Ms. Jeremko has been teaching for 18 years, and she teachers Grade 7 and 7 Honors Mathematics at Vestal Middle School in Vestal, NY. She serves as a mentor to a new teacher at her school. A strong advocate of the effective use of technology in the classroom, she serves as a Technology Liaison for the Vestal Central School District. Ms. Jermko has authored several books on math and math preparatory materials. She has made presentations at both mathematics and technology conferences around the state, and conducted professional development in the Vestal district, BOCES and the Teacher Center of Broome County. Her professional interests focus on collaboration through the use of social media, such as twitter, blogging, and Pinterest. In addition, she serves as the MathCounts coach and the Yearbook Advisor for Vestal Middle School. Ms. Jeremko is a member of the Association of Math Teachers of New York State.
Arti Jewett had many excellent teachers in high school, but particularly in biology. As a result, she was inspired to earn her BS from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and her MS in Fishery & Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University. New York's Alternative Teacher Preparation pathway offered her a chance to use her life experiences to help young people better understand their health and their relationship to the natural world. She entered the profession in 2012 as a teacher at Ithaca High School. Ms. Jewett currently teaches Living Environment and Advanced Placement Biology, and is excited to have started a local chapter of BioBuilderClub, where students explore synthetic biology. She has expanded her content and pedagogical knowledge through workshops led by the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers, the Bryce-Thompson Institute, and the Cornell Research Experience for Teachers program. When she's not teaching or planning instruction, she loves to try out new recipes and go on walking adventures. Ms. Jewett recognizes that a STEM education provides a foundation for innovation and experiential learning. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to learning how to offer her students the best foundation possible.
Denise Johnston earned her BS in Aerospace Engineering from Syracuse University, and Master of Arts in Teaching from Binghamton University. She has served in the secondary math classroom for 14 years teaching a variety of courses including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Advanced Placement Calculus, and College Algebra. Most recently, she teaches high school seniors in a Pre-Engineering program in the Roxbury School District. Mrs. Johnston is an active member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS, and an advisor for the local chapter of the National Honor Society. In her free time, Mrs. Johnston enjoys running and traveling with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Johnston is looking forward to participating in upcoming mini-courses, learning new ways to incorporate technology into her teaching, and to collaborating with many STEM educators on Professional Learning Teams.
Tonya Jones earned her BA in Mathematics and her EdM from the University at Buffalo. From an early age in school, Ms. Jones enjoyed being challenged to apply critical thinking skills and different solution methods when solving math problems, inspiring her to become a math teacher. Since 1995, she has taught in the Elmira City School District, first at Elmira Free Academy and now at Elmira High School where she teaches Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, and ACE Statistics. Ms. Jones is passionate about her students' success and strives to provide her students with engaging lessons that appeal to a variety of learning styles. Throughout each school year, she attends many workshops and works closely with members of her Math Professional Learning Community to share best practices and create common assessments. Ms. Jones dedicates many hours outside of school providing tutoring and regents review classes to her students. She is an ETS SAT Supervisor for Elmira High School, volunteers as a judge at VEX Robotics Competitions, and enjoys attending school musicals, sporting and academic events. Continuing her education has always been a priority for Ms. Jones. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to collaborating with others in Professional Learning Teams and mini-courses.
Gene Jordan earned his A.S. in Math/Sci/Engineering from Sacramento City College, B.S. in Fiber and Polymer Science from the University of California at Davis, and his M.S. in Textile Chemistry at the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, VA. Over his 16 years of teaching, he has taught Algebra, AP Calculus, and Chemistry in Whitney Point Central School District. Prior to teaching, he served with the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer and Landing Support Specialist. Afterward, Mr. Jordan started his career as an engineer before teaching. Mr. Jordan currently serves as coach of the lacrosse team, member of his school’s STEM, technology, and shared decision-making team. He has served as an advisor for Science Olympiad, Science Club, technology integrator, and coached soccer, baseball, volleyball, swimming, and currently lacrosse. He is also the Executive District Representative for the Association of NYS Math Teachers. He restarted the Southern Tier Math Conference to give teachers a place to share and learn from each other in a local setting. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Jordan is excited to learn from other teachers and experts on how to help our students grow as people and learners. His favorite reminder to students is that a classroom is for learning and not just knowing.
Deborah Kalivoda earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Houghton College and her M.S.Ed as a Reading Specialist from Binghamton University, and began her teaching career in 1991. Currently, Deb is teaching Elementary Science full time in the Windsor Central School District. Mrs. Kalivoda teaches Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science in the district's three elementary schools: Floyd L. Bell Elementary, Alice Palmer Elementary, and CR Weeks Elementary School. She is developing and implementing, hands-on, inquiry-based, lessons using the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as guidelines for third, fourth and fifth grade students. In the summer of 2017, she did curriculum work for Roberson Museum's Nature Trek exhibit. It was through this experience that she became passionate about stimulating students' curiosity about the natural world. She often tells her students, "Science is so much fun because it is full of surprises." Mrs. Kalivoda runs a Science Enrichment Club for students and is actively involved in the Windsor Central School District's Teacher Mentoring Program. In her free time, Deb loves to travel and also enjoys birdwatching. As part of the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Kalivoda hopes to gain more knowledge about Ornithology and generate more resources about phenomena that will drive her units and improve student learning.
Ray Kaschalk (Mr. K), a twenty-plus year teaching veteran, teaches Regents/AP Physics and other STEM classes at Haverling High School. Ray is a graduate of Mansfield University, and holds a B.S.E. in Secondary Physics Education and an M.S.E. with an emphasis in Computers in Education. Mr. K is a National Board Certified Teacher® in Adolescence/Young Adulthood Science, in the specialty area of Physics, and a multiple honoree of Who's Who Among America's Teachers®. He serves as a NYSED Education Specialist on the Regents Physical Setting/Physics exam and hosted the NYN Cable Network Physics Regents Review Live! Show, which is re-broadcast statewide annually in mid-May to help students prepare for the Regents Physics Exam. He received nuclear reactor operator and electronics technician training in the US Navy, became a commissioned officer in the US Army Reserve and served as an M-1 Tank Platoon Leader in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Mr. K serves as science department chair and member of the professional development committee. His other passions include learning new things, smallmouth bass fishing, mixed martial arts (3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo), singing in school and church choirs, and, of course, "making physics phun". As a Master Teacher, Ray has taken the Tissue Engineering mini-course, collaborated with other physics Master Teachers on ways to use Breakout Boxes in Regents Physics class, and co-led the dynamic Physics Breakout Boxes Baby! session at the 2017 Annual Conference at SUNY Buffalo State.
Mary Pat Keenan earned her B.A. in Education from SUNY Cortland and her M.S. in Reading and Literature from Walden University. Ms. Keenan has been teaching over 16 years across multiple grade levels which include pre-school, first, and fourth grades. She currently teaches second grade at MacArthur Elementary in the Binghamton City School District. Ms. Keenan serves as on the Shared Leadership Team, Computer Club, Project Lead the Way, and Odyssey of the Mind, and coaches Girls Varsity Swim and Boys Modified Swim. Ms. Keenan's goal for her students is for them to be lifelong learners—for them to always want to explore and to try new things, in their community as well as at school. She enjoys teaching with a hands-on approach, having students do activities instead of watching them be done. When Ms. Keenan is not in the classroom she loves sports, including swimming, running, playing softball, and, most importantly, being with her family. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is most excited about learning from others, collaborating, and bringing all of her learned knowledge back to share with her students and colleagues.
Sean Keenan earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and M.A.T in Physics Education from Binghamton University, and independently achieved NYS Technology Education certification via state exams and credential review. Before beginning his career as a teacher, he spent 15 years in the engineering field in research and development positions where he implemented robotic and machine vision systems for manufacturing. Later, he provided systems engineering support and leadership for military and commercial avionics programs. Mr. Keenan has been teaching since 2010, educating students in Design and Drawing for Production (DDP), Architecture, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Invention and Engineering, Video Game Design, Computer Programming, and Digital Electronics. Sean currently teaches at Maine-Endwell High School and has served as the Tech Club Advisor since 2011. Sean has been a STTEEA and NYSTEEA member since 2010, launching the STTEEA website and serving as webmaster since 2012. He was honored as the NYS STTEEA Region 43 Teacher of the Year in 2017-18. Although Sean's main hobby has turned to playing, repairing, and building guitars over the last several years, his enthusiasm for working on automotive projects remains. Always looking for a new challenge, Sean welcomes the experiences the NYS Master Teacher Program will provide that will help him pass along his STEM passion to his students.
Mary Ann Keene earned her B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from Binghamton University, M.S.Ed in School Counseling from State University of New York at Oneonta, and M.S.Ed from Roosevelt University. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Keene worked as an Elementary School Counselor and a Psychosocial Rehabilitative Counselor. Mary Ann was inspired to become a teacher by her mother who made an impact on her young students' lives. Mrs. Keene has been teaching in her hometown at the Norwich City School District since 2002. For the first eight years, she worked as a sixth grade Earth Science teacher. She currently teaches second graders at Stanford Gibson Elementary where her science knowledge has been used to help transition to the Next Generation Science Standards. Mary Ann serves on the Technology committee and is also active on the school LINKS committee. Outside of school, she is a co-leader for a multi-age Girl Scout Troop in Norwich. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Keene is very excited to be a part of the first cohort to include elementary educators. She can't wait for all the new experiences and professional development.
Paula Kilts earned her B.S. in Education from Eastern Michigan University and an M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of New Orleans. Ms. Kilts has been in the classroom for 31 years and currently teaches 4th grade at Northeast Elementary School in Ithaca. She started her career in New Orleans, Louisiana, teaching deaf students, and before moving to Ithaca, New York. Her passion for STEM reaches beyond her classroom, with the creation of a coding club for 4th and 5th grade students and co-creation of monthly STEM challenges for elementary teachers in her district. She keeps her enthusiasm for running alive by coaching Girls on the Run, a program that combines training for a 3.1-mile running event with building self-esteem. Ms. Kilts currently serves on a team in her district to provide monthly math support to colleagues at her grade level. She looks forward to collaborating with others to build confidence and passion for STEM in girls in elementary school.
Benjamin Kirk earned a BA in mathematics and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Cornell University from Cornell. He immediately started his teaching career just down the hill at Ithaca High School, where he has taught for 7 years. In addition to teaching Algebra 1, Advanced Placement Statistics, and one of the country's only high school-level classes in Fractals and Chaos Theory, Mr. Kirk is the faculty advisor and coach of IHS's nationally-ranked academic Quizbowl team, traveling with them to tournaments as far away as Boston, Washington DC, and Chicago. Mr. Kirk has been an active member on his district's budget advisory committee and chairperson in the local teachers union, and led the introduction of a flipped-classroom format for the school's Honors Algebra 1 program. Outside of school, he is a lover of Finger Lakes wine, and can sometimes be found working for a local winery at events. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Kirk is looking forward to Dan Meyer's Perplexity Session in July and hopes to form a team with fellow teachers across the state to create curriculum and pedagogical recommendations to Governor Cuomo.
Jennifer Kizis earned her B.A. in Secondary Education Mathematics from Ithaca College and M.S. in Special Education from Binghamton University. Mrs. Kizis taught mathematics for three years at Dryden High School and currently teaches Special Education at Horace Mann Elementary in the Binghamton City School District for the last 20 years. Outside of the classroom, she serves on the Shared Leadership Team, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Team, and Response to Intervention Team. She is a Co-founder and Coordinator of a school café where the mission is to develop social/emotional skills and establish a link between academics and employment skills. She is an active participant in the youth cheerleading program in her community. Mrs. Kizis enjoys spending time with her family, reading a great book, and being outside. She believes her classroom is the children’s home away from home where she strives to provide a fun, loving, and problem-solving environment. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Kizis looks forward to participating in professional learning teams, collaborating with other Master Teachers and learning new ways to motivate and inspire her students. A favorite quote of hers is, “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see!” - Alexandra K. Trenfor
James Klem earned his B.A. in Mathematics (7-12)/Special Education from Keuka College and an M.S. in Secondary Mathematics (7-12) from SUNY Geneseo. Mr. Klem teaches CC Geometry, CC Algebra II, Gemini Pre-Calculus, ACE Statistics, and ACE Calculus for the Avoca Central School District. Mr. Klem is active in community wrestling programs and is an avid outdoorsman. James is a strong advocate of student goal-setting and does everything he can to help students achieve their goals through hard work. As a New York State Master Teacher, Mr. Klem looks forward to participating in mini courses, collaborating with other Master Teachers, and becoming a mentor for future teachers.
Peter Klimas earned his BS in Computer Engineering from Villanova University, MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, and completed the University at Buffalo's teacher certification program. In the classroom for nine years, Mr. Klimas teaches Regents, International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level, IB Higher Level, and Advanced Placement 2 Physics at Vestal High School. Outside his classroom, Mr. Klimas has served as the Physics Department Chairperson and swim team coached, worked with the Cornell Institute for Physics Teachers, is an active member of the American Association of Physics Teachers. He is fascinated by the history of ideas and what questions motivated thinkers of the past to pursue knowledge. As a physics teacher, he finds it unusual that he greatly enjoys the following poem, "No written word, no spoken plea can teach our youth what they should be. Nor all the books on all the shelves, it's who the teachers are themselves." As a NYS Master Teacher, he has co-facilitated a Physics mini-course and participated in a Statistics workshop.
Mary Knapp earned her BS in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Vermont and MSEd in Special Education from SUNY Binghamton. While earning her master's degree, she worked with the Whitney Point Preschool and Daycare Center where she taught the Universal Prekindergarten program for three-year-olds. Miss Knapp has spent the last four years as a 5th grade teacher at the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy (TRA), from which she is also an alumna. She serves as a committee member of the TRA Science Fair Team and Student Incentives Committee in her building. Miss Knapp is actively involved in the Whitney Point field hockey program and has coached the Modified field hockey team for the last three years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, taking advantage of all the nature experiences this area has to offer, as well as spending time on Lake Ontario with family. As a Master Teacher, Miss Knapp is looking forward to learning from and collaborating with new colleagues as well as the many professional development opportunities the program has to offer.
Jane Koestler earned her B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University, M.S. from SUNY College at Cortland, and National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2017. She began teaching in 1988 with the goal of sharing her love of learning with her students. Ms. Koestler has taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade and currently teaches 3rd grade at South Hill Elementary School in Ithaca, New York. She helps plan monthly school-wide assemblies and runs a science enrichment club. Previously, she served as the Science Olympiad School Coach. In addition, she is a building representative and committee chair for her union. She has served both as District Elementary Mathematics Curriculum Chair and a building Technology Mentor. Her experience also includes two years as a Teacher on Special Assignment to support elementary mathematics. She is the co-author of "Critical Thinking and Health: Nutrition & TV Commercials" based on her sabbatical work and has presented at three National Media Education Conferences. She was awarded a Best Buy Grant for an integrated writing and technology iMovie project. Outside of school, she loves reading, singing, and walking. She participates in two monthly book groups and a women's barbershop chorus! Ms. Koestler enjoys learning and networking with other passionate educators who are dedicated to strengthening their collective practice.
Regina Kolb earned her B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University and her M.A.T from SUNY Cortland. She hadn't intended to become a teacher, even though it ran in her family. After visiting the Alternative Community School, a public alternative school in Ithaca, she changed her mind. She quit her job at the Cornell University Swine Farm, entered SUNY Cortland, completed her student teaching at the very same alternative school and, a year later, landed a job there. That was 30 years ago, and she has been there ever since! In her time at ACS (now Lehman Alternative Community School), Regina has taught numerous science courses for middle and high school students, including Backyard Barnyard and Animal Biology. In addition to teaching, she is a Family Group Leader and Trip Leader and has taken students to New Orleans to help in the ongoing efforts to rebuild structures and lives after the devastation left by hurricane Katrina in 2005. Regina also has facilitated several student-led committees which help run the school, including the Gender and Sexual Minorities and their Allies group and the Alternative Community Court which is focused on restorative justice practices. Ms. Kolb uses a very hands-on, inquiry-based approach to her teaching and works hard to establish and foster close working relationships with staff and students alike. As a Master Teacher, Regina looks forward to working closely with other Master Teachers, and to participating in the rich professional development available to improve her teaching practices and to help ensure success for more students across the state.
Allison Kootsikas earned their BS in Elementary Education at Illinois State University, MAEd in Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia, and PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Kootsikas has taught at a variety of levels including elementary, middle, and university levels. They have been at Ithaca City School District for six years, with the last four years at DeWitt Middle School where they teach 6th grade Science. They also enjoy working with pre-service teachers in a variety of field placements. Dr. Kootsikas is a member of National Science Teaching Association and has been the advisor for the school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance. Dr. Kootsikas enjoys spending time with family, CrossFit, hiking, kayaking, knitting, and throwing pottery. Dr. Kootsikas is looking forward to learning more about enhancing their teaching practices as well as deepening their STEAM content.
Alesia Kuratnick earned her B.A. in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta and her M.S. in Literacy Education Birth-6 from Binghamton University. Mrs. Kuratnick has eight years of experience in education teaching at the elementary level in the Windsor Central School District. Currently, she is teaching 4th and 5th grade math, and co-teaching science and Project Lead the Way. Mrs. Kuratnick focuses on integrating technology into her station-based learning structure. She has also trained many instructional staff members on how to use and integrate technology in the classroom. She currently serves on the Technology Committee and the Extended Student Contact Committee. She has served as a new teacher mentor and the 4th grade Team Leader for four years. In that role, she initiated collaboration with the district grade level team facilitating DDI sessions to ensure school-wide support for all students' success. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her two daughters and her husband. As a NYS Master Teacher, Alesia looks forward to collaborating with professionals in her community, sharing best practices and continuing to implement STEAM skills into her elementary classroom.
Barbara LaBarre earned her BA in Biology from SUNY Oswego, and Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology from Binghamton University. In the classroom for 22 years, Ms. LaBarre teaches Regents Chemistry at Binghamton High School.
Denise Lang earned her B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta and her M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of New England. She has worked as a 5th grade teacher at AF Palmer Elementary in the Windsor Central School District for 16 years. She teaches all content areas to her students: Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading and Writing. She is passionate about helping students recognize their potential. She is the Professional Learning Community team leader for the district-wide 5th grade team. Denise plays an active role at her school by serving as the Science Fair Coordinator, member of the Building Leadership Team, and member of the Building Professional Council. She helps to plan school-community events and is the Student Council Advisor. Outside of the classroom, Denise coaches a modified field hockey team and youth baseball and is a member of the Windsor Youth Sports and Recreation Board. In her free time, Denise loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two sons, exercising and reading. As a Master Teacher, Denise looks forward to deepening her understanding of STEM content, sharing best practices with her colleagues, and developing ways to inspire students in STEM content areas.
Nancy Lanz earned her B.S. degree in Social Work from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, and her M.S.Ed. from SUNY Binghamton University. Mrs. Lanz has been teaching third grade for 13 years at African Road Elementary School. Before beginning her career in education, she served in the Social Work industry as a counselor for adolescents. Mrs. Lanz then started as a substitute for the Vestal School District and was inspired to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education. She enjoys the diverse population of her students and consistently strives to celebrate the uniqueness of each child through student-centered learning. Mrs. Lanz serves on her school’s building planning team helping create school-wide character ed programs and community outreach opportunities. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, hiking with her dog, reading and spending time with family. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Lanz is looking forward to learning innovative teaching practices and the many professional development opportunities.
Michelle Lee earned her BS in Animal Science from Cornell University, MS in Science Education from Syracuse University, and is NYS permanently licensed in Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, and General Science. Employed by Ithaca Senior High School, Mrs. Lee teaches Honors Chemistry and Principles of Chemistry 101 (a concurrent enrollment CollegeNOW course with Tompkins Cortland Community College). The 2022-2023 school year marks her 28th year of teaching high school science, with the majority of her teaching career spent teaching what she loves to teach - chemistry. Mrs. Lee was the founding advisor for the Aquaponics Club, where students harvested lettuce and other leafy greens while maintaining a koi fish population in several closed circulation systems, the largest of which was a 400-gallon tank. Fascinated by escape rooms, Mrs. Lee has integrated BreakoutEDU kits into her chemistry and biology classes. She has leveraged grant-writing skills as a means to bring these STEM-rich opportunities to students both in her current and previous teaching positions. Mrs. Lee loves being back in the Ithaca area after living in the Midwest for 17 years and enjoys identifying birds and wildflowers while exploring Finger Lakes waterfalls. She looks forward to working collaboratively with the Master Teacher participants and finding creative ways to enhance her chemistry curriculum.
Ethan Leet earned his BS with a double major in Physics and Computer Science from SUNY Oswego. He worked as a corporate trainer for Lockheed Martin for five years and taught night Physics Labs at SUNY Broome before catching the teaching bug. He then earned his Master of Arts in Teaching in Physics from SUNY Binghamton. In his 12th year of teaching at Whitney Point High School he has taught College Physics, Physical Science, Earth Science, Health, Geometry, Algebra, and Robotics. He created and advises the Robotics club. Mr. Leet was the coordinator behind the SUNY Broome Robotics Competition, which is in its 9th year. He is currently a member of STANYS and serves as the Southern Section Treasurer. Mr. Leet is an avid woodworker and uses this skill to build wood contraptions for Physics demonstrations and lab experiments. Mr. Leet loves the outdoors. Along with his wife and children they are working on bagging as many peaks as they can on their summer camping adventures. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Leet looks forward to learning from others who are just as passionate about their teaching as he is about teaching physics.
Dr. Jennifer Leip earned her BA in Spanish and Biology from the University of Rhode Island, MEd in Secondary Education, MS in Educational Administration, and EdD in Education from Northeastern University. She is pursuing an additional Master's degree in Biology Field Studies at Miami University. Dr. Leip was a volunteer firefighter and EMT-B with the West Windsor Fire Department. She holds teaching certifications in Biology, General Science, Spanish, ESOL, Special Education, and as a School Administrator. Dr. Leip currently teaches Special Education at the Windsor Central High School and Forensics 1 & 2 and Real World Science for the VLA at Broome-Tioga BOCES. She is a graduate school adjunct professor through the NYSUT Education Learning Trust and an institutional review board member at Western Governor's University. Dr. Leip is an active member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS, serves as the Students with Disabilities/English Language Learners "Subject Area Representative" for the Southern chapter, and is a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers. She has a hobby poultry farm with ducks, geese, and an emu named Coco Chanel. When not teaching or involved in science-based activities, she enjoys spending time at her cottage on White Birch Lake, walking her rescue dog, traveling, and exploring new cultures. She is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers across the state in professional learning teams and improving as an educator.
Meghan Leonard, inspired to enter the profession because of a long line of educators in her family, earned her B.A. in Childhood Education from The University of Central Florida in 2005. She earned her M.S. in Childhood Education from The University at Albany. Mrs. Leonard has 12 years of experience in education teaching at the elementary level for the Windsor Central School District at Floyd L. Bell Elementary School. This year, she is teaching 4th and 5th grade and co-teaching Science and Project Lead the Way. She focuses on integrating technology and other STEM activities into her station based learning structure across all educational disciplines. Meghan plays an active role at her school by serving as a member of the Building Leadership Team, the Technology Committee, and has been the Student Council Advisor in her building for the last 10 years, organizing many annual charity and community events. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her four children and husband, sing, go antiquing, and is a professional photographer. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Leonard looks forward to collaborating with professionals in her community, sharing best practices, and continuing to implement STEM skills into her elementary classroom in new and exciting ways.
Trina Leonard earned her B.S. from SUNY Cortland in Health Education and her M.S. in Special Education. Trina has taught special education for the Greene Central School District for the last 21 years. She has spent most of her time at the primary building teaching first and second grade special education students. Her love of teaching students with special needs came after spending a year, after she completed her bachelors, as a nanny for a family with a child diagnosed with autism and another child diagnosed with ADHD. Mrs. Leonard has served on several committees' which include the District Safety team, the RTI team, and the District Special Education committee, and as co-coordinator of her school's Arts in Education committee and Morning Program, and as the secretary and a building representative for her school's teacher association. She has been active in her community by leading her son's Cub Scout packs and supporting her oldest son on his journey to become an Eagle Scout. Mrs. Leonard is excited to learn how to bring her love of learning science, math and new ideas in technology into her school and classroom through her new adventure in the Master Teacher Program.
Andrew Lesser earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of Rochester and his Master of Science in Education from Elmira College. Before becoming a chemistry teacher, Andrew served in the Peace Corps, teaching science in the Solomon Islands. He worked in special education while earning his teaching certification. Andrew teaches honors chemistry, AIS, at Ithaca High School and has developed an elective in Food Science. During the summers he works as a teaching assistant for the chemistry department at Cornell University. After school hours, Andrew advises the Super Smash Brothers club and is DJ for the school's Brain Team Trivia Nights. In the past he has advised Anime, A Capella, and Sailing clubs. When he is not in the classroom you might find Andrew cooking, reading, parenting 2 young kids, practicing Taekwondo (1st dan black belt), listening to funk or electronic music, canoeing, gardening, trying to figure out how to fix his house, playing board or video games, and now—connecting with other teachers to move all classrooms forward as part of the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Stephanie Lewis earned her BS in Chemistry from the University of Scranton, and Master of Arts in Teaching in Education and Chemistry from SUNY at Binghamton. In the classroom for seven years, Ms. Lewis teaches Regents Chemistry, Chemistry IB/SL (International Baccalaureate Standard Level) at Vestal High School.
Stephen Lindridge earned his AAS in Wood Products Technology from SUNY Morrisville, BS in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego, and MSEd from SUNY Cortland. He has spent 25 years teaching Technology Education at Candor High School. His focus is preparing students for technical and trade careers after high school. Mr. Lindridge has developed extensive partnerships with local businesses receiving donations of equipment, tools, and materials valued at $200K. He uses these donations to teach precision machining to high school students and adults. Mr. Lindridge's recognitions include induction into the Delaware, Chenango, Madison, Otsego BOCES Hall of Fame in 1999, WETM TV Golden Apple award, 2013 NYS Technology and Engineering Educators Association (NYSTEEA) Region 43 Teacher of the Year, 2015 NYSTEEA State Teacher of the Year, a 2016 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Teacher of Excellence, and in 2017 received the General Douglas A. MacArthur Youth Award. By having extensive industry partnerships Mr. Lindridge is uniquely positioned to understand and address the needs of tomorrow's workforce and looks forward to sharing this with the Master Teacher Program. His philosophy is, "If you are not getting dirty, you are not learning."
Alison Locke earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Nazareth College and her M.S.Ed. from Utica College. Mrs. Locke teaches chemistry and physics at Norwich High School, her alma mater. Mrs. Locke is an active member of several district committees including: Links, the Technology Committee, and the Professional Development Team. She serves as Teacher Leader for the Science Department and mentor for new teachers in the high school. In the past, Mrs. Locke has taught summer courses in introductory chemistry at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich campus. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Locke enjoys attending school athletic events and performances, visiting local festivals, and spending time with her family, devoting much of her time to raising her twin toddlers. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Locke looks forward to participating in Professional Learning Teams, collaborating with other science teachers and learning new ways to inspire her students.
Robyn Love earned her BA in Adolescent Education in Biology from SUNY Oswego and her MAT in Adolescent Education in Science from CUNY Brooklyn. Ms. Love began her decade-long career teaching Regents Earth Science at the George Washington campus in Washington Heights in Manhattan. Shortly after, she took an opportunity to teach Regents Living Environment at the Martin Luther King campus near Lincoln Center and finished four years in New York City at Hamilton Grange Middle School in Harlem where she made the transition to teaching middle school life science. At Hamilton Grange, she worked as a FIRST Lego League robotics coach, as well as the girl's softball coach. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Love made her way back up toward central New York to be near family and currently teaches 7th grade life science at Dewitt Middle School. She created the school's first Outdoor Adventure Club in which students venture into Ithaca's amazing natural surroundings. In addition, Mr. Love chaperones the school's ski and snowboarding club. She is one of the two district equity mentors at Dewitt, a committee that engages peers on modern subject matters regarding equity. Outside of school, Ms. Love spends most of her time outdoors with her Golden Retriever. She is currently working toward completing hikes in the 46 high peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. As an NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to engaging in meaningful professional learning and collaboration with peers from across New York State.
Kenneth Lyman earned his B.S. in Biology from SUNY Geneseo and M.S. in Education from Binghamton University. Mr. Lyman started his career at South Charlotte Middle School in Charlotte, North Carolina before moving on to Jennie F. Snapp Middle School in the Union-Endicott district in 1995. Over twenty years later, you can still find him teaching physical science at Jennie F. Snapp. Mr. Lyman is proud of his years as science department chair and volleyball coach, but he has transitioned into many new roles. Currently, Mr. Lyman serves as a mentor teacher for newly hired staff at UE, a cooperating teacher for student teachers in science, a representative on the BOCES technology model schools team, and vice-chairperson of the Southern Section of the Science Teachers Association of New York State. Mr. Lyman is passionate about the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to transform the way we live and solve problems in the world. Mr. Lyman holds two patents that use STEM principles to protect the environment and he thoroughly enjoys encouraging students to become involved in the invention process through Invention Convention. He looks forward to bringing the knowledge and expertise of New York State Master Teachers back to his classroom and community!
Deborah Lynn earned her BS in Nutrition from Cornell University, MS and Master of Philosophy from Yale University in Cellular & Molecular Physiology and teaching certifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In the classroom 12 years, Ms. Lynn teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Physics at Ithaca High School. She has served as an AP Reader, a mentor for undergraduate teaching assistants in physics at Cornell, the adviser for the Student Newspaper, and has written questions for the AP Physics 1 Exams. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Ms. Lynn has presented at the Cornell Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT) and the Science Teachers Association of NYS conferences, and she is a member of the NYS Section American Association of Physics Teachers Executive Board. International teachers utilize the labs she developed, as part of the lending library at CIPT. Ms. Lynn brings expertise of Science Researchers to high school students through open monthly seminars on a variety of scientific areas. She is a 3rd Dan Tae Kwon Do instructor, and enjoys knitting and dancing. She is particularly excited about the collaborative opportunities that the NYS Master Teacher program supports.
Christine Mack earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and a 7-12 Social Studies Certification from SUNY Cortland, her M.S. as a Reading Specialist from SUNY Oneonta, and her M.S. as an Education Technology Specialist from Nazareth College. She began teaching Kindergarten in 1992 at Greene Central School. She soon took over the developmental transitional program of Pre-First for 18 years before returning to Kindergarten six years ago. Mrs. Mack has always had a love for technology in the classroom and 9 years ago decided to return to college where she graduated with Distinction from Nazareth College with her second M.S. degree. Mrs. Mack has served in many leadership roles in her district which include grade level team leader, Representative and Negotiator for the Greene Teachers, Arts in Education Coordinator, and several different curriculum committee roles. She has also served on the District Technology committee since very early in her career as her passion has always been using technology in the classroom. She has worked at the building level to share what she has learned and to help others in their journey of learning. Outside of school, Mrs. Mack enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 children, and 2 grandchildren. Growing up on a successful dairy farm has shaped her values and her goal is to share that with her own children. As a Master Teacher, Christine is looking forward to collaborating with other educators to bring stronger STEM learning into early elementary classrooms.
Maureen Malloy earned her BS in Biology with Honors at Syracuse University, her MS in Natural Sciences from the Roswell Park Division of University of Buffalo, completing research in molecular immunology, and her MS in secondary education from Niagara University. During her 24-year tenure, Ms. Malloy taught biology and chemistry and is currently the New Visions Health Academy instructor for Broome-Tioga BOCES. She teaches Health Academy and Medical Terminology classes and coordinates job shadowing experiences in healthcare fields for students in this rigorous college preparation program. Ms. Malloy has served as a department chairperson for high school science, adjunct instructor for Tompkins Cortland Community College, and Fast Forward instructor for SUNY Broome. She was the head coach for indoor and outdoor varsity track teams and has been a member of various committees, including acting as a district-level literacy team leader and Student Against Destructive Decisions advisor. Ms. Malloy is a member of the Strategic Planning and Professional Development teams at BOCES. She is also an advisor for the SUNY Upstate Medical Case Competition, a volunteer at United Health Services hospitals, and a board member for the Medical Loan Society of Broome County. Ms. Malloy pursued her interest in running and fitness as a participant in and mentor for a runners' development program, completing 13 marathons, and she continues to participate in local charity road races. Ms. Malloy is looking forward to collaborating with teachers who have similar goals, providing a unique perspective, and learning from their experiences.
Yustyna Mancini earned her A.A. in Liberal Arts from Broome Community College, B.A. in Adolescent Education in Mathematics from SUNY Cortland, and M.S.Ed. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Binghamton University. In the classroom for 9 years, Mrs. Mancini has taught Math 7, Algebra 1, Geometry and Non-Regents Algebra 2. Currently, Mrs. Mancini teaches Geometry and Algebra A1 at Owego Free Academy. She serves on a Professional Learning Community, coaches the Mathletes for Owego, and is President for the Southern Tier Mathletes. Mrs. Mancini has made several presentations at Southern Tier Math Conferences and presentations to her colleagues. She is a member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS and a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Mancini looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers, continuing to learn and grow as an educator and learning new ways to inspire her students
Jayasree Mangalagiri earned her Master's in Math Education in her home town Hyderabad, India, and is a trained Engineering Design Instructor. She began her teaching career in India and has experience teaching Math, Physical Sciences and Engineering Design. She currently teaches Algebra II and Pre-Calculus and coordinates Math Club activities at Corning-Painted Post High School. Her passion is to promote STEM education amongst the girls. One of the ways Ms. Mangalagiri does this is by implementing the annual "Hour of Code" for elementary students in her community and through her summer camps. An avid reader and human rights advocate, she uses her internet-based radio talk shows to promote what she believes in. "When a person really desires something the entire Universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream" this quote by Paulo Coelho, author of Alchemist, inspires her to instill such desire in her students and to do her part to "change the world, one student at a time". As a Master Teacher, Jayasree looks forward to enriching her professional growth through workshops, mini-courses and presentations, meeting like-minded, committed professionals and learning best practices that will help her guide students in choosing careers in STEM.
Karin Mann earned her BS in Adolescence Education/Mathematics from SUNY Cortland and her MA in Educational Psychology from New York University. Mrs. Mann has been teaching for nine years, and she teaches math at Waverly Central School District. A strong advocate of bringing meaning to learning, she demonstrates and incorporates various activities that connect mathematics to real-life applications such as, student-led statistical studies and geometric art projects. Her professional interest involves promoting character education programs, and in addition, she is an active member of the School Based Intervention Team, a Talent Show Advisor, and a Musical and Play Director. Mrs. Mann is also a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State. She was named a "Distinguished Teacher" by the Maine-Endwell Class of 2012, an award voted on by students, for teachers who made a significant impact in their lives. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mrs. Mann has participated in various workshops and has helped launch a Professional Learning Team on Middle School Math Common Core. Mrs. Mann's favorite STEM quote is, "Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience." – Albert Einstein
Peter Manuelpillai earned his BS in Chemistry and Biology, and Post-graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and MSEd from Mansfield University. Mr. Manuelpillai has been teaching for 27 years, and he teaches chemistry at Elmira High School. A strong advocate for student-centered learning, he encourages development in critical thinking and reasoning through active participation in guided-inquiry activities and labs. His professional interests include his participation in a three–year Professional Development for Advanced Coursework in STEM conducted by the New York State Education Department in partnership with College Board. In addition, he is a member of National Science Teachers Association and the coach of ChemBowl Quiz team at Elmira High School. Mr. Manuelpillai has been recognized by the American Chemical Society for his continued guidance and support to one of his students, a 2014 National Finalist for the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad competition. His favorite part about teaching STEM is awakening the natural curiosity of students through labs, demonstrations, and other hands-on activities that nurture the curiosity of students. Mr. Manuelpillai's favorite STEM quote is, "Science provides a special way of knowing about the world." – John Moore
Ryan Marchewka earned his B.A. in Environmental Studies and Ecosystems from SUNY Binghamton University and M.S.Ed. from Elmira College. Currently, Mr. Marchewka teaches Life Science and Regents Earth Science at Owego Apalachin Middle School. Previous teaching experience includes Living Environment and Environmental Science at the Binghamton City School District. During his undergraduate studies, Mr. Marchewka served as an Environmental Education intern with the Waterman Conservation Education Center. Outside of the classroom, he serves as an organizer of a schoolwide Polar Plunge team, mentors for the Go Green Institute at SUNY Binghamton University, and is a board member of the Charles H. Bassett Youth Foundation. Outside of school, Mr. Marchewka enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing bass guitar with local bands. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to collaborating with STEM teachers from around the area, learn about the latest pedagogical practices and education technology.
Chris Martin graduated from Misericordia University with bachelor's degrees in psychology, philosophy, and mathematics. He went on to get his master's in philosophy from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and then returned to Misericordia where he taught philosophy and mathematics while completing a B.S. in computer science. Chris spent several years managing development for a web design company, but the call of teaching was too strong. He attended the MAT program at Ithaca College, where he was also accepted for the National Science Foundation Noyce Fellowship. While there, Chris became a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Mu Epsilon honor societies and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. In 2013, Mr. Martin began work at New Roots Charter School before moving to Lehman Alternative Community School in 2016, where he teaches geometry, pre-calculus, and probability and statistics. His pedagogical passions include maximizing engagement through a student-centered classroom, connecting mathematical modeling to topics in sustainability, and integrating issues of social justice into the mathematics curriculum. Outside the classroom Chris can be found helping students learn about plants in the school's Green Thumb Committee or extending their reasoning skills via strategy games. As a Master Teacher, Chris looks forward to finding new ways to foster curiosity in his students.
Susan Mayer earned her BS in Science with a concentration in Earth Science from SUNY Oneonta and Master of Arts in Teaching from Binghamton University. Ms. Mayer has been teaching for 15 years, and she teaches earth science at Binghamton High School. She is a strong advocate for collaborative learning and teaching using Kagan structures. Ms. Mayer was a Mentor Teacher for the 2013-2014 school year for the SUNY Cortland Clinically Rich Teacher Preparation Pilot Program for two earth science student teachers. She co-taught (based on St Cloud State University - Minnesota model) using data-driven instruction, instructional technology, innovative teaching methods (Kagan Cooperative Learning model), common core standards and differentiated assessments in Regents Earth Science classes that had diverse student populations (students with high poverty rates, special education students and special need students). Within the MTP she is the co-facilitator of the Literacy in Science PLT. She loves earth science and has had a passion for it since she was a child. She enjoys seeing her students learn about the world around them. A favorite quote of hers is "The Mediocre teacher tells. The Good teacher explains. The Superior teacher demonstrates. The Great teacher inspires." – William Arthur Ward
Kimberly McCabe earned her B.A. in Mathematics and M.A.T. in Mathematics Education 7-12 from Binghamton University. She has been teaching for 12 years at Union Endicott High School and is currently teaching Geometry and the second year of 2-year Algebra. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. McCabe loves chaperoning the snowball dance and prom, attending the musical, and participating in community events to see her students in more relaxed settings, making stronger connections. She also serves on her school's Response to Intervention team and is a member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State. She has previously taught credit recovery and the SAT prep classes after school. In her spare time, she is having fun with her 3 children, traveling, running or participating in any other fun form of fitness including obstacle course racing. Mrs. McCabe is most looking forward to collaborating with other professionals in the STEM disciplines.
Clare McGovern-Lind earned her BS in Biological Sciences and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Binghamton University, where she was awarded a Klee Fellowship for graduate students pursuing a degree in science or mathematics education. Prior to teaching, Mrs. McGovern-Lind was a zookeeper at the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park and a community educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, experiences that inspired her to become a biology teacher. In the classroom since 2008, she teaches Applied Science and Regents Living Environment at Union-Endicott High School. She has served as a Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (STLE) Coach for Special Education, Response to Intervention Team Member, coordinator for various biology curriculum projects, regular chaperone for science department field trips, and is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers of NYS. Outside of the classroom, she is a volunteer Odyssey of the Mind and Science Olympiad coach, is active in various ministries at her church along with her husband and two children, and enjoys yoga, tennis, and gardening. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. McGovern-Lind looks forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers, and participating in mini-courses to improve her teaching practices and encourage more of her students to pursue science-related careers.
Katherine McNelis Flint earned her B.S. in Natural Sciences & Chemistry from SUNY Geneseo, and her M.S. in Education from Alfred University. Mrs. Flint began her career as a chemical technician in the pharmaceutical field where she performed analytical and instrumental analysis of product raw material and controlled substances. Her later environmental experience included instrumental analysis of hazardous waste, drinking and wastewater drinking water, using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Mrs. Flint teaches Regents Chemistry and AP/ACE Chemistry at Hornell High School where she has previously taught Biology and Physical Science. An affiliate of the American Chemical Society, she has served as department chair and as member of the Building Leadership and Professional Learning Teams. Additionally, she is an adjunct Professor teaching Chemistry at SUNY Alfred. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors and with her family. Watching students have that "aha" moment is her favorite element of teaching. Albert Einstein's quote "You never fail until you stop trying" promotes her desire to encourage student involvement in learning and STEM. Mrs. Flint looks forward to collaborating with other master teachers to provide opportunities for her students to discover the relevance and application of material learned in class.
Barbara Melby earned her BA in Biology Secondary Education from SUNY Oswego and her MSEd in Biology from Binghamton University. She began teaching in 1994, and the majority of her career has been spent working at Owego Free Academy. She teaches Advanced Placement Biology, Regents Chemistry, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. Mrs. Melby is the gaming club advisor and serves on her school's National Honor Society committee. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Melby is an active member of the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers, which helps to facilitate and provide resources for her goal of making citizen scientists out of her students. In addition, Mrs. Melby enjoys family game nights, traveling, baking, running, and volunteering in her community. She is honored to be a part of the NYS Masters Teacher Program and is looking forward to gaining knowledge, resources, and meaningful STEM activities that she can bring back to her classroom to ignite and engage her students with.
Erin Mellander earned her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo and her M.S.Ed. in Elementary Mathematics from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Mellander was inspired to become a teacher by her parents, both teachers, who showed her what it meant to be a dedicated and passionate teacher. Ms. Mellander started her career in special education in Annapolis, Maryland and Fairfax, Virginia. She has been a Special Education teacher for the Binghamton City School District for the past 16 years. Ms. Mellander serves as a member of her School Leadership Team, math mentor at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School, Site Supervisor for the Empire State Afterschool Program, and long-time Odyssey of the Mind Coach, and has served as a cooperating teacher for many student teachers. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Mellander enjoys spending time with her family and being involved in her twin sons' activities. As a NYS Master Teacher, Erin hopes to share her learning experiences with both her students and her peers and to further strengthen her skills as an educator.
John Miller earned his BS and MS in Education from Mansfield University. Prior to teaching, Mr. Miller worked in construction and as a construction inspector for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The first 19 years of his career were spent teaching College Physics, Regents Physics, and various electives including Astronomy and Forensics. He has also taught Physics at Corning Community College. He currently teaches 7th grade Physical Science at Broadway Academy. Mr. Miller is an active member of Science Teachers of NYS and the American Association of Physics Teachers. Coaching Varsity Basketball for 11 years, he was awarded the Star Gazette Coach of the Year Award and the Kiwanis Coach of the Year Award. He spends many evenings and weekends coaching youth soccer and basketball in Elmira. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Miller is looking forward to participating in the course "Nudging Newton: Next Generation Science for Elementary Teachers and K-12 Physical Science Learning Progressions," joining the Professional Learning Team "Talking Across Curricula," as well as meeting science and math education majors.
Jacquelin Miner earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo and M.S.Ed. in Reading from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Miner began teaching for Vestal Central School District twenty-one years ago and currently teaches second grade at Tioga Hills Elementary. She also serves on a District Math Assessment Team, a Science Curriculum Development Team, and works with several colleagues to present an after-school program for K-3 students called “Full STEAM Ahead!” Mrs. Miner believes science and math are best taught through inquiry, in conjunction with reading and writing instruction. She feels fortunate to be working with second-grade students because they are naturally curious and inquisitive. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Miner enjoys gardening, cooking, spending time with her family, and relaxing with a good book. As a New York State Master Teacher, she is grateful for the opportunity to extend her STEM knowledge, to collaborate with other Master Teachers, and to learn new ideas that will enrich STEM education in her classroom and school.
Jessica Mirtallo earned her B.S and M.A in Teaching from SUNY Cortland. Jessica began her teaching career in 2004 for the Vestal Central School District where she continues to teach. Mrs. Mirtallo is a fourth grade teacher at Glenwood Elementary School and serves on her building's Response to Intervention Team. At the district level, she serves on the Technology Advisory Committee and the Professional Development Committee, and mentors new teachers. She previously served as a math coach and Technology Liaison for her building. Jessica is passionate about infusing technology in her teaching and having her students learn science concepts through inquiry. When she's not in the classroom, Jessica enjoys hiking with her two dogs, reading a great book and spending time with her family. As a New York State Master Teacher, Jessica looks forward to collaborating with other STEM teachers and bringing new ideas back to her classroom.
Karen Monforte earned a BS in Special Education and Regular Education with a concentration in Psychology from Keuka College and MS in Literacy Education from Elmira College. Mrs. Monforte began her teaching career in the Finger Lakes area but most of her 23 years of teaching have been for the Owego-Apalachin School District. She is currently working at Owego Apalachin Middle School teaching both 6th and 7th grade mathematics. Mrs. Monforte is the coach for the 6th grade Mathalon Team and the co-advisor for the middle school yearbook. She tutors outside of the classroom as well, encouraging students to reach their full potential. When she isn't with her students, Mrs. Monforte is supporting her family in their activities, reading a good book, and spending time with her loving husband. As part of the Master Teacher community, she is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers as well as enhancing her teaching with new STEM activities.
Teresa Monico earned her BA in Mathematics Education from SUNY Potsdam and MA in Reading Education from SUNY Cortland. She has been teaching at Whitney Point High School for the past 27 years. Currently she teaches Algebra, Pre-calculus, and Statistics. Mrs. Monico serves in numerous roles beyond her teaching responsibilities including: senior class advisor, scorekeeper for both the Varsity Field Hockey and Wrestling teams, site person for the boys Modified Basketball team, secretary for her union, Mathematics Department Chairperson, and mentor teacher. She has even been known to play her clarinet in the orchestra for the School/Community productions that take place every two years. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family and is an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Sanitaria Springs. She has been a member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of the Southern Tier. Mrs. Monico enjoys reading, scuba diving, and riding her motorcycle in her spare time. She looks forward to many of the professional development opportunities that being a Master Teacher will provide.
Barbara Morgan earned her BS in Business and MS in Education from Binghamton University. She has been teaching in the Vestal School District since 2009, in various grade levels and capacities, teaching 5th grade at Glenwood Elementary since 2016. Mrs. Morgan plays an active role at her school, having served as a new teacher Mentor, a member of the Building Planning Team, and most importantly, co-chair of the Sunshine Committee. She wrote and won a grant for Stem Chain reaction kits in 2019 and brought her students to Engineering day at SUNY Broome the following year. Outside of school, she likes to garden, crochet, craft, garden, read, and spend time with her adult daughters, husband, and dog. She also enjoys being steward of the Little Free Library that sits at the edge of her yard. As a NYS Master teacher, Mrs. Morgan is excited to collaborate with professionals in her community and to continue to incorporate STEM skills into her elementary classroom through inquiry.
Marguerite (Meg) Moyer earned her B.A. in Mathematics at St. Bonaventure University and her M.S.Ed. from Binghamton University. Mrs. Moyer has taught a wide variety of courses within the math department at Vestal High School and has served on various committees, including Mentoring and IB Steering Committees. Currently, she teaches International Baccalaureate SL 1 & 2 and Geometry Workshop. In her free time, Meg enjoys watching her three children and her students participate in sporting, art, and music events. Recently, she began running and completed her first 5K, Vestal's Running of the Bears. As a member of the Vestal faculty, Mrs. Moyer is committed to staying on top of the latest research and continually engaging in professional development courses and collegial idea-sharing with the other teachers in her department. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Moyer looks forward to collaborating with teachers across New York State while expanding her pedagogy and deepening her knowledge of mathematics.
Eileen Mulcahy earned her B.S. in Human Development and M.S.Ed in Childhood Education from Binghamton University. Inspired by a passion for learning, Ms. Mulcahy began teaching in 2003 after a successful career in the business sector. She is an engineering teacher at Clarence R. Weeks Elementary, Alice F. Palmer Elementary, and Floyd L. Bell Elementary. She is also a Project Lead the Way Launch Lead Teacher in Windsor Central School District. She serves on Windsor's Engineering Leadership Team and is member of New York State Technology and Engineering Educator's Association. Eileen is the District Coordinator for Odyssey of the Mind and has coached four Odyssey World Finalist teams. Ms. Mulcahy is passionate about project-based learning and creative problem solving and eagerly encourages her students to seek solutions to real-life problems. Outside of school, Ms. Mulcahy has been a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America since 2004 and was recognized by the Boy Scouts of America Baden-Powell Council with the Silver Beaver Distinguished Service Award in 2016 for making an impact on the lives of youth through Scouting. Eileen is looking forward to working with New York State Master Teachers to bring innovative ideas in the Next Generation Science Standards Three Dimensions of Science Learning to New York classrooms.
Corey Munn earned his BS in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego and his MS in Educational Technology from the American College of Education. Mr. Munn began his 11-year teaching career in Southern Maryland, and is currently teaching at Union-Endicott High School: Principles of Engineering, Engineering Design and Development, Aerospace Engineering, Design Drawing for Production, Digital Electronics, Civil Engineering, and Architecture. Mr. Munn is the teacher leader for the Technology, Engineering, Business, Family, and Consumer Science departments. Mr. Munn was named the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association Regional Teacher of the Year. His influence to become a teacher, came from his three high school technology teachers at Carthage High School. Outside of school, Mr. Munn advises the school's National Technical Honor Society Chapter and coaches wrestling and lacrosse. He is a member of Southern Tier Technology and Engineering Education Association (STTEEA), New York State Technology and Engineering Education Association (NYSTEEA), and International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA). Mr. Munn enjoys spending time at the St. Lawrence River on his boat with his dog. As a Master Teacher, Mr. Munn is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers to learn creative approaches to teaching Math and Science within his engineering classes.
Tara Musa graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland and M.S.Ed. in Literacy Education (B-6) from Binghamton University. She has been teaching for the Maine Endwell School District for 11 years, currently working as a 4th-grade teacher with ESL inclusion at Homer Brink Elementary. Mrs. Musa has been a 1:1 technology classroom for 5 years, participating in the district’s pilot year. Outside of the classroom, she is an active mentor teacher for the district’s Youth Apprentice Program, teaches students from China how to speak English via an online platform, has participated as a panel member at the NYSCATE annual conference, served as a science representative for her school to develop regional assessments, coordinated district-wide fundraisers for local organizations, and coached the modified and JV softball teams for Maine Endwell. Mrs. Musa is always seeking ways to grow professionally and “Strive for Excellence”, a district motto she lives by. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her family and friends, relaxing at the cottage, and finding ways to continually dabble in interior design. As a New York State Master Teacher, Mrs. Musa is looking forward to participating in professional learning teams with other master teachers, where she can learn about new ways to approach content to help invigorate her students, grow in her STEM knowledge, and stay current in an ever-changing world.
Raquel N. Nayor earned her BA in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo and her MS in Elementary Education from SUNY Binghamton. Ms. Nayor began teaching kindergarten and first grade at the Sidney Central School District in 2003 and moved on to teach kindergarten at the Binghamton City School District. She taught kindergarten at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School since 2007. She has served on numerous committees at Coolidge and the district including Positive Behavior Intervention Systems, PTA, and the Math and ELA Assessment, Attendance, and Literacy Committees. Ms. Nayor has coached Odyssey of the Mind, and is a founding member of the Aliza Spencer Memorial Committee at Coolidge. She takes pride in coordinating important events such as the Annual Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony, and the traditional Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast. Ms. Nayor actively participated in a plethora of professional development STEM and best-practices courses. When not teaching, Ms. Nayor is an avid fitness enthusiast, with a strong interest in health and wellness. She is passionate about her pet parrots and loves engaging in creative writing pursuits. Ms. Nayor enjoys spending time with family and friends. As Newton's Law of Motion states, objects at rest stay at rest, and objects in motion stay in motion—as a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Nayor is excited to continue to learn and grow professionally, collaborate with teachers throughout the Master Teacher program, support pre-service teachers, and stay in motion.
Mark Nelson earned his BS in Biology from the Lyman Briggs School at Michigan State University and his MSEd from SUNY-Oswego. He also studied Land Use Planning and Environmental Science at SUNY-Syracuse, College of Environmental Science & Forestry, where he researched residual contamination due to historic industrial uses of the Oil City Triangle in Syracuse, NY, and helped the Town of Elbridge develop a comprehensive, 20-year land use plan. He has graduate credits from Syracuse University, Hobart & William Smith College, and Cornell University – where he served as the community representative on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Mr. Nelson has taught science at Ithaca High School for 21 years, teaching Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology (courses he developed), and Honors Biology, as well as working as an Academic Intervention Services provider. He has advised the Environmental Action Club, the Zoology Club, and has mentored numerous students through their Wise Individualized Senior Experience projects. Mr. Nelson is an avid barbershop singer and has performed and competed with numerous quartets around New York and Pennsylvania. He is always on the lookout for three other singers to ring some chords with.
Bryan Neubert earned his BA in Science from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and MS in Education from SUNY at Binghamton. In the classroom for nine years, Mr. Neubert teaches Regents Earth Science at Sidney High School.
Kelly Newman earned her BS in Biology and General Science 7-12 from Mansfield University and her MS in Education from Elmira College. She been teaching in her current school district for 25 years providing engaging, hands-on, critical thinking science lessons and opportunities. Over the years, she taught 7th and 8th grade general science, Honors and Regents Living Environment, and most recently, Anatomy and Physiology. While she loves working with her young scientists in the classroom, she has also enjoyed mentoring several teachers and has hosted many student teachers. Ms. Newman has been an advisor to the Student Council and National Junior Honor Society, and has been a member of multiple committees and book studies. When not in the classroom, she can be found chaperoning dances, attending various sporting events, and attending school plays. Ms. Newman enjoys reading, walking her dogs, and watching her children play collegiate lacrosse. She has a love of learning and looks forward to working with other Master Teachers so that she can bring the best practices to her classroom and colleagues. She is excited to explore current research topics to deepen her knowledge in the STEM fields. Ultimately, she wants her students to have a positive experience in her science classroom, and see all of the possibilities that they can explore in the field of STEM.
Frances Nial received her B.A. and M.S.Ed. from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Nial teaches Kindergarten at Stanford J Gibson Elementary School in the Norwich City School District where she has taught grades K through 2 for 22 years. Mrs. Nial currently serves as the technology leader for the Kindergarten team. In the past, she has served as a mentor for new teachers, the chairperson for the new playgrounds committee, and as a member of several district committees including LINKS and the Technology Team. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Nial enjoys serving on the local PTO and is a past president. She also enjoys spending time with her family and visiting local antique stores. Caring about her community, where she grew up and graduated from high school, Mrs. Nial has served on the city's historic preservation committee. As a newly appointed Master Teacher, Frances looks forward to collaborating with other elementary teachers and finding new ways to engage younger children in STEM subjects.
Chelsea Northrop earned her BS in Mathematics from Binghamton University, and MS in Education from St. John Fisher College. In the classroom for five years, Ms. Northrop teaches Regents Algebra CC, Foundations of Algebra A, Enriched Geometry at Binghamton High School.
Taylor Norton earned his B.S. in Elementary Education from Boston University and M.S. in Elementary Reading and Math from Walden University. Mr. Norton is currently in his 14th year of education, teaching 5th-grade at Homer Brink Elementary School. Before returning to the classroom three years ago, he worked as one of the district’s first instructional technology professional development specialists. Mr. Norton is a member of the Maine-Endwell Central School District’s Technology and Strategic Planning Teams. At Homer Brink, he is the co-advisor of the building’s Media Club, Student Council, STEAM Club, History Club, and Spartan Garden Club. Additionally, he serves as Homer Brink’s Odyssey of the Mind-Building Coordinator and as a coach. Mr. Norton enjoys presenting at local, regional, and statewide technology conferences. Outside of school, he volunteers for Compeer Youth Mentoring and is an active member of the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier. Much of his remaining free time he spends supporting New York sports teams. As a new Master Teacher, Mr. Norton is looking forward to building his pedagogy in the program to further develop meaningful learning experiences with real-world applications for his students.
Timothy O'Brien earned his B.S. in Chemistry and M.A.T through the 3-2 program at Binghamton University. As a graduate student, he was awarded a Conrad and Virginia Klee Fellowship. Mr. O'Brien began teaching in 2013 at Southern High School in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. While there, he taught Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, Forensic Science, and AP Physics, while leading an enthusiastic group of students in a Chemistry Club that put on magic shows for various school functions. He was inspired to teach because of the positive forces of great teachers he had and the ever-widening and wondering field of science. Having taught Chemistry, Physics, and Forensics at Elmira High School, Mr. O'Brien moved to teach a Math/Chemistry/Physics/Engineering project-based blended course at the brand new P-TECH Academy at TST BOCES in 2018. For the 2019-2020 school year, Mr. O'Brien taught Chemistry and Forensics at Oxford High School. As of September 2020, Mr. O'Brien is teaching Chemistry full-time at Maine-Endwell High School. Mr. O'Brien is most passionate about the use of STEM in the real world and hopes that the Master Teacher Program will expand his pedagogical content knowledge enabling him to bring even more of this into the classroom. When he is not teaching or designing inquiry learning activities, Mr. O'Brien writes, records, mixes, and masters albums of original music from his home studio.
Colette O'Donnell earned her BS in Chemistry from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and her MSEd in Secondary Education of Chemistry at Binghamton University. Ms. O'Donnell is in her 16th year of teaching and has taught in West Shore School District in New Cumberland, PA, Chenango Forks High School, and Vestal High School. She taught several science courses including Quantitative Chemistry, Qualitative Chemistry, Earth Science, Living Environment, Organic-Nuclear Chemistry, Forensic Science, Applied Chemistry, and Regents Chemistry. She currently teaches International Baccalaureate-Standard Level Chemistry at Vestal High School. Ms. O'Donnell served as a National Honor Society advisor, an advisor for the Chemistry Magic Show (a student-run demonstration show for elementary students), an advisor for the Vestal Federal Reserve Challenge Team, a founding advisor of the Cooking in Chemistry Club, and a science department representative for the Teacher-Administrative Committee at Vestal High School. In her free time, Ms. O'Donnell enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, reading, and singing (most recently in the Binghamton Downtown Singers). She earned a black belt in Tang Soo Do, runs in 5k's, and does CrossFit. Ms. O'Donnell looks forward to participating in the many learning opportunities the Master Teacher Program offers. In Tang Soo Do, the black belt is actually a dark blue color. This signifies that the deepest color (understanding) is never truly achieved. There is always more to learn. Self-evaluation and improvement are at the core of Ms. O'Donnell's educational philosophy.
Jennifer O’Shea earned her B.S. in Psychology from SUNY Binghamton University, Elementary Education Certification at SUNY Cortland, and M.S.Ed. in Special Education from Binghamton University. Mrs. O’Shea teaches second grade at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, where she has taught since 1999. She is passionate about giving young students a strong start in mathematics and spreads her enthusiasm for mathematics through her work as a Math Mentor. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. O’Shea serves on the Liaison Committee, Positive Behavior and Intervention Support Committee and the Social Emotional Learning Committee. Mrs. O'Shea serves as a new teacher, hosting student teachers from SUNY Binghamton University. Every summer she and her family hitch up their camper and travel the United States. Mrs. O'Shea especially loves hiking, biking, and kayaking in State Parks, and National Parks and Historic Sites. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is excited to engage with experts and gain inspiration by collaborating with other Master Teachers, to better facilitate students in their learning and engage families more successfully.
Debra Ortloff earned her BS in Engineering, and Masters of Engineering from the University of Louisville, and Masters of Teaching from Binghamton University. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Ortloff worked as an engineer for IBM as well as Universal Instruments. Mrs. Ortloff left engineering to pursue teaching. She has 12 years of experience teaching eighth grade mathematics and eighth grade honors mathematics at Vestal Middle School. Mrs. Ortloff is currently a Math Counts co-leader. She also assists students who are interested in learning about robotics. Mrs. Ortloff is a member of Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Mrs. Ortloff has been a Committee Chair for the After-Prom event as well as Team Parent for several sports teams. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Ortloff is looking forward to participating in several courses which connect her love of mathematics to her love of science, and integrating technology into the classroom. One of Mrs. Ortloff's favorite quotes is "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." (Thomas Edison) so keep trying.
Eric Ostrander earned his B.S. in Elementary Education and M.S. in Education from Elmira College. In the classroom for 23 years, Mr. Ostrander is currently teaching 6th grade Math and Social Studies at Deposit Middle School. He also has the honor and challenge of teaching 6th and 7th grade math to an accelerated group of 5th graders. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Ostrander serves as the coach for the varsity cross country team and youth sports team, taught local history and STEAM summer programs, and has chaperoned for the school kayak trip. He also serves as a mentor to new teachers and is on the Conference Committee. Mr. Ostrander has been a technology leader and strives to incorporate technology into all instruction. Mr. Ostrander is busy outside out of school also; he has been a youth sports coach and a participant in local 5k races. In any free time, you'll find him running, kayaking, or working with wood. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to learning and sharing as much as he can!
Stacie Paler-Large earned her A.A. in Early Childhood from Broome Community College, her B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta, and her M.S. in Literacy from Walden University. She has been a kindergarten teacher for 17 years, 16 of those years at Horace Mann Elementary School. Ms. Paler-Large is passionate about teaching young children during their first experiences in school, especially with STEM activities. Ms. Paler-Large serves on her school’s leadership team, and co-founded and coordinates a cafe at her school aimed to help students most affected by trauma. In her community, Ms. Paler-Large is the coordinator of a food program that gives students weekly bags of food. In her spare time, Ms. Paler-Large enjoys spending time cheering on her own children on the court and the field. As a Master Teacher, she is looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with other early childhood educators more frequently to improve STEM instruction and implement the NYS Science Learning Standards.
Joseph Palka earned his BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University at Buffalo. After working for 11 years as an environmental engineer, Mr. Palka chose to pursue a career in education to more directly impact the lives others. He earned his Master of Arts in Teaching in Mathematics Adolescence Education from Binghamton University and began teaching high-school math later that year. He is currently in his 10th year at Union-Endicott High School where he teaches Algebra II, Algebra 1B, and Math Intervention. He is the assistant varsity baseball coach and is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Mr. Palka learned to ski at age 46 and has been obsessed ever since. He loves other outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and golf. His favorite part about teaching is forming meaningful connections with his students through mathematics and helping them develop traits which will serve them (and their communities) well into the future. Mr. Palka is looking forward to the excellent professional development opportunities offered by the Master Teacher Program as well as meeting and exchanging ideas with other like-minded professionals in order to drive his teaching to new levels.
Chrissandra Palermo earned her BA in Biology with a concentration in Ecology from Alfred University, and an MS in EEE (Environment, Ecology, and Evolution) from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. In the classroom for eight years at Campbell-Savona School District, she currently teaches 8th grade STEAM Physical Science, Sustainable Living – a high school environmental STEM course, and ACE Environmental Science – a college accredited high school STEM course hosted by Corning Community College. Mrs. Palermo serves as an Advisor for the High School Recycling Club, Middle School Student Council, and Class Advisor. She also is known to volunteer her time to help coordinate and run teacher-initiated school programs for the Middle School STEAM Family Night and Pick Your Path Night for High School students. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Palermo has a passion for a sustainable lifestyle, pursuing a deeper knowledge for natural alternatives to conventional practices and exposing not only her students to "green" alternatives but also her family and friends. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to participating in professional development through the mini-courses and professional learning teams. She is excited for the opportunities to build strong connections with other STEM teachers within her region.
Denise Parsons earned her B.A. in Human Development from Binghamton University and her M.S. in Elementary Education from Marywood University. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Parsons worked at Broome-Tioga BOCES, where she found herself surrounded by people with a passion for teaching. She quickly realized she shared their passion and returned to school. Mrs. Parsons is currently a first-grade teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School in the Binghamton City School District. She serves on the Professional Advancement Committee, Behavior Task Force, and the Science Curriculum Planning Committee. In addition, Mrs. Parsons is an Odyssey of the Mind Coach and sits on the Binghamton City School District Alumni Association Board. In her free time, Mrs. Parsons enjoys spending time with her family, running, organizing absolutely everything, and participating in district-wide events. Denise is passionate about bringing new ideas into the classroom, particularly STEM-based activities. She recently wrote a proposal on Donor's Choose, which was fully funded, for a "Creation Station", providing students with hands-on STEM activities right in the classroom. As a New York State Master Teacher, Denise looks forward to participating in mini-courses, becoming a member of Professional Learning Teams, and collaborating with other Master Teachers to help bring her energy and excitement into the classroom.
Maureen Patterson graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Marywood University and M.A. in Literacy Education from Binghamton University. While pursuing her masters, she received the Medal of Excellence in Early Childhood Education for outstanding work performed in the Early Childhood classroom and a profound understanding and philosophy of the development of young children. In the classroom for fourteen years at Homer Brink Elementary, Mrs. Patterson is currently teaching Kindergarten and has taught fourth grade and Early Kindergarten. Her professional interests include being an active part of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Binghamton Area Reading Association. Throughout past summers, Mrs. Patterson has been employed by Johns Hopkins University to teach at the Center for Talented Youth. She has taught writing and humanities classes at several major universities, including Stanford University. Outside the classroom, she enjoys running, delivering meals to families in her community, and attending Syracuse University sporting events. As a Master Teacher, Mrs. Patterson is most looking forward to collaborating with colleagues in the STEM fields and the professional development opportunities that will improve her best practices for her young students.
Elaine Perkins earned both her BS in Mathematics and her MS in Education from Elmira College. In the classroom for 27 years, Ms. Perkins currently teaches Algebra II/Trigonometry and Accelerated College Education (ACE) Calculus at Elmira High School. As the adviser for the Elmira High School National Honor Society, Ms. Perkins works closely with students to promote scholarship, leadership, character, and service. She is passionate about teaching mathematics and aspires to challenge her students to become "big fish". Ms. Perkins is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS. Her students have shown their appreciation by recognizing her as a University of Rochester Singer Family Prize for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching Finalist, Twin Tiers Outstanding Educator, WETM Television Golden Apple Award recipient, and with a Tufts University Tribute Recognition. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Perkins looks forward to working with other Master Teachers to explore best practices for teaching within the STEM curriculum.
Ann Phinney-Foreman earned her BS in Secondary Education Chemistry from Clarion University and her MS in Computer Science from Binghamton University. Mrs. Phinney-Foreman has been teaching high school science, mainly chemistry at Waverly High School for 27 years. She participated in several Research Experiences for Teachers at Cornell University and one at the IBM Research Facility in Almaden, CA. She has received several recognitions, some of which include the NYS lottery as "Educator of the Week" and the Elmira-Corning section of the American Chemical Society for "Outstanding Dedication to Science Education". Her most memorable honors have come from former and current students who have identified her as the person integral to their success at college. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Phinney-Foreman enjoys her "Strong Women" program where she lifts weights and socializes with friends and coworkers. She is also a co-advisor to the Science Club, Quiz Team, and is the Chem Bowl Advisor. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Phinney-Foreman is always impressed with the motivation and dedication of her peers, and looks forward to learning with and from them.
Heather Pizza earned her A.A. in Liberal Arts from Cazenovia College, her B.S. in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Psychology of the Exceptional Child from SUNY Cortland, and her M.S.Ed. in Special Education from SUNY Binghamton University. Mrs. Pizza, who has been in the classroom at Oxford Academy and Central Schools for over twenty years, currently teaches 4th Grade Science and Social Studies. She serves as an active member in the Central New York Council for the Social Studies, Oxford’s Comprehensive District Education Plan Team, and the District’s STEAM Committee. Mrs. Pizza has guided over forty student participants in Roborave, NY since its inception in 2018. She will soon begin her third year of The Trout in the Classroom and is a member of her local Trout Unlimited Chapter. In her free time, Mrs. Pizza enjoys playing golf and spending time outside with her husband and family.
Beth Powell earned her Bachelor of Humanities and Arts from Carnegie Mellon University and M.S. in Teaching from Fordham University. She is currently working on a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning at University at Buffalo. In the classroom for 14 years, Ms. Powell started her career as an 8th grade science teacher in the Bronx and currently teaches Living Environment and AP Biology at Watkins Glen High School. She serves as the co-chair of the district’s Grading & Evaluation Committee, coordinates the Science Department, member of the district’s Curriculum Advisory Council, and an active Teacher Mentor. In addition to teaching, Ms. Powell worked for the Chemung County Health Department for two years, including completion of the Basic Environmental Health Program at the University at Albany. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Powell is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers to learn best practices for encouraging students to be life-long learners and to pursue STEM careers, as well as sharing her work on grading and evaluation practices.
Elly Powers earned her B.S. in Adolescence Education-Earth Science from SUNY Oneonta, M.S. in Adolescence Education-Earth Science from SUNY Cortland, and is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a summer semester in the Rockies. While at SUNY Oneonta she was the recipient of the award for Excellence in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, the Academic Achievement award for adolescent education, and a Noyce Scholar recipient. Mrs. Powers has been teaching at Oxford Academy and Central Schools since 2012. Her current courses include Earth Science, Robotics, and Coding. While at Oxford she has served on the Curriculum Council, LINKS, advisor for Envirothon, coached JV Girls Basketball, and a class advisor. Outside of school, Mrs. Powers enjoys spending time with her family, visiting state parks, and training her dog Zoey in agility and obedience. Zoey, with the help of Mrs. Powers, performed in the High School Musical Annie, as Sandy. Science has been a lifelong interest for Mrs. Powers and she enjoys sharing that interest with her students. Through the Master Teacher Program, she is looking forward to learning from her peers through the Bring Your Own Science and Math workshop and she is looking for inspiration from the Robotics in New York workshop to bring back to her own classroom.
Megan Preston earned her B.S. in Math Education from SUNY Cortland and her M.S.Ed. in Adolescent Special Education from Binghamton University. Mrs. Preston began teaching in 2012 and has taught math for five years at Union-Endicott High School in the Career Academy, a specialized program for 9th grade students who are at risk for dropping out of high school. She is currently teaching Algebra 1 at her alma mater, Chenango Valley High School. Here, Mrs. Preston has the pleasure of working alongside some of her former teachers who inspired her to follow in their footsteps and choose a career in teaching. She serves on the schools' Response to Intervention team, Literacy Team, and Freshman Connection, and is the Mathletes Advisor. Megan enjoys attending regional collaborations where she can network with teachers from other districts and bring back new teaching strategies, as her passion is to make math an integrating, hands-on and fun experience for even the struggling learner. When she is not in the classroom, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband and children in the Thousand Islands region where they frequently camp and boat. As a NYS Master Teacher, Megan is looking forward to the many new professional development opportunities that will add value to her teaching, and she is excited for her first mini-course: "A Hitchhiker's Guide to Machine Learning."
Elizabeth Quadrozzi earned her BS in Journalism from SUNY Brockport, her MS in Outdoor Education, and her MS in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. In the classroom for ten years, Mrs. Quadrozzi has been teaching 6th grade science at DeWitt Middle School. Before teaching, she worked at various zoos and nature centers inspiring kids to connect with the outdoors. Passionate about learning, Mrs. Quadrozzi works to teach students to stay curious, ask questions, and become lifelong learners. Mrs. Quadrozzi also serves as the Science Department Leader at DeWitt Middle School and is the past advisor of the National Junior Honor Society and Science Clubs. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Quadrozzi is excited to inspire a new generation of science teachers and connect with other science educators on best practices.
Jeanne Raish earned her BS in Biology from Fayetteville State University and MSEd in Biology from SUNY Geneseo. She is an active member of the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers, Science Teachers Association of NYS, and the National Mole Day Foundation. Ms. Raish has been teaching for 27 years and holds certifications in Biology, General Science, Chemistry, and Physics. She developed the Marine Biology and Forensics courses that she currently teaches. Additionally Ms. Raish provides instruction in Living Environment lab, and Regents Chemistry at Avoca Central School. Prior to teaching, she served in the Army, and worked as a hospital laboratory technician specializing in microbiology. Ms. Raish believes that giving back to her community is important, and has been an advisor for Chem Bowl teams, Robotics Club, and chaperoned students at "Splash!" Cornell events. Outside of school, she owns and trains two therapy dogs, and together they visit schools, colleges, libraries, and senior centers. She's an active member of Therapy Dogs International, Newfoundland Club of America, and the Genesee Region Newfoundland Club and enjoys competing with her Newfoundland, Brody. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Raish is looking forward to networking with her colleagues and becoming involved in moving science education forward.
Michael Ramsden earned his AAS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Alfred State College and his BS and MS in Technology Education from SUNY Oswego. He has been teaching since 2001 and has spent the past 7 years at Chenango Forks Central School, where he currently teaches middle school Technology Education. Mr. Ramsden also advises the MS Technology Club, MS Robotics Club, coaches wrestling and is a union building representative for his district. Mr. Ramsden is a member of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association and the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association (NYSTEEA) and serves as the Vice President of the Southern Tier Technology and Engineering Educators Association. Mr. Ramsden has presented at the New York State STEM Education Collaborative's Summer Institute, NYSTEEA's Spring Conference, and served as an event coordinator for the Southern Tier Robotics Competition. In 2014, he was named the NYS NYSTEEA Region 43 Teacher of the Year and in 2016 was selected to attend the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy. When outside of school, Mr. Ramsden enjoys hiking, kayaking, refereeing rugby, and participating in triathlons. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Ramsden looks forward to collaborating with other highly motivated educators to bring new and exciting interdisciplinary educational opportunities to his students.
Susan Reed earned her B.A. in Mathematics with a minor in Economics and her M.A.T. in Math Adolescent Education from SUNY Binghamton University. For 13 years, she has taught at Binghamton High School. Ms. Reed is currently teaching Foundations of College Math, Intermediate Algebra, and IB Math Studies. Outside of the classroom, she takes part in the after school credit recovery Twilight Program, volunteers at school sporting events, home teaches students who are on medical absences, and mentors pre-service teachers and new teachers. When not teaching, Ms. Reed loves decorating cupcakes and spending time with her dog, Izzy. Her inspiration for teaching came from the excitement of her parents and high school calculus teacher brought to mathematics. Ms. Reed is eager to be a part of the Master Teacher Program, and use it to provide new and exciting ways to approach math and technology in the classroom.
Tom Ring earned his BA in Psychology and BS in Earth Science from SUNY Fredonia, and his MSEd from Elmira College. Prior to teaching, he worked in the mental health field with adolescents and adults in a wide variety of settings both as a counselor and a program manager. Mr. Ring began his teaching career at Corning Painted Post High School and has remained there for the last 19 years. As a STEM teacher, he enjoys helping students deepen their appreciation for the interconnectedness of natural systems. Currently, he teaches Honors and Regents level Earth Science and has also taught courses in the Study of North American wildlife, Oceanography, General Science, and Syracuse University Project Advance Psychology. Mr. Ring started an Outdoor Club in an effort to offer students not engaged in traditional high school activities a way to actively participate in their high school experience. Mr. Ring is a member of the National Science Teachers Association. In his off time he enjoys traveling, boating, fishing, and a spending time outdoors with his wife. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to continuing to expand his skill set through mini-courses and collaboration with other Master Teachers.
Michelle Riter earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University at Albany and M.S in Elementary Education from Hofstra University. During her studies, Mrs. Riter was a substitute teacher during college breaks, where she decided that teaching was her future. Mrs. Riter began her teaching career at as a fourth grade teacher at Ladysmith Elementary School in Ladysmith, Virginia. In 2001, she returned to her alma mater, Deposit Central School, as a first grade teacher when her own first grade teacher retired. After teaching first grade for sixteen years, Mrs. Riter took on the challenge of piloting a STEAM classroom for kindergarten through fifth grade at Deposit Elementary School. Mrs. Riter has provided Academic Intervention Services during the after school program and the summer program at Deposit. She has served as an Instructional Technology Leader, Science Teacher Leader, peer coach, and new teacher mentor. Mrs. Riter is also a member of the Science Teachers' Association of NYS. Michelle is passionate about the community where she teaches and lives with her family. She hopes to use the opportunities provided by the NYS Master Teacher Program to strengthen her commitment to better her community and to enhance her students' appreciation of their community and its abundance of natural resources.
Elizabeth Roe earned her Associate in Science from SUNY College of Technology at Alfred, BS in Biology and Chemistry from SUNY Cortland and Master of Arts in Teaching in Biology from SUNY Cortland. In the classroom for 15 years, Ms. Roe teaches Living Environment at Waverly High School.
Tanya Ross earned her BS in Biology from SUNY Fredonia, MSEd in Counseling from Alfred University, completing the Teacher Certification Program and post-graduate work at Elmira College. Prior to teaching, she worked within the field of mental health as a National Board Certified Counselor and as Director of Community Residence Services for Pathways, Inc. She entered the field of education in 2007, choosing to utilize her invaluable experiences in mental health and returning to her roots. Through this transition, she was able to fulfill two passions: supporting youth in their development to become successful, productive, and healthy adults while sharing her passion for biological sciences and the outdoors. Ms. Ross teaches 7th grade Life Science at Hornell Jr./Sr. High School, where she has also served as Class Advisor, Student Government Advisor, Teacher Mentor, and is a member of many subcommittees. She is actively involved as a Cub Scout Den Leader with her son. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, camping, fishing, geocaching, and cheering as an ardent fan of the Buffalo Bills. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Ross looks forward to enhancing her knowledge and skill base, making professional connections to further develop effective, diverse instructional strategies.
Christopher Ruston has earned an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Chemical Engineering Technology from Broome Community College, a B.S. in Chemistry from Syracuse University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Binghamton University. Christopher teaches at Johnson City High School and has experience teaching at grade levels 8-12. He has taught both Chemistry and Physics at levels from local to AP as well as several other science elective courses. Prior to teaching, Christopher enjoyed a career as an industrial research and process chemist working in the paper industry. Mr. Rushton coaches his school's Science Olympiad team and is the faculty advisor for the High School Gay-Straight Alliance. Christopher has been active in community development projects including organizing neighborhood events and serving as block captain for his Neighborhood Watch group. Christopher enjoys spending his spare time with his family, especially his children and new grandchild. A hobby that occupies much of his time is training for and participating in endurance triathlon and running events including recently completing his first marathon. As a Master Teacher, he is interested in workshops related to maker spaces and inclusion and is most looking forward to having the opportunity to collaborate with other Physics teachers at the monthly cohort meetings.
Richard Rutherford earned his BS in Biology Education from SUNY Cortland and MS in Science Education from the SUNY Albany. Mr. Rutherford realized his passion for teaching 20 years ago while coaching his younger sister's soccer team, as a Junior in high school. Six short years later with his Masters in hand he began teaching Chemistry and Biology at O'Neil High School in Walton, NY. While still teaching chemistry and biology, he now works at Harpursville Jr./Sr. High School. In addition to teaching, Mr. Rutherford has been a Student Council advisor, Cross-Country and Track coach, as well as, Science Department Chair. Outside of school, he has been a Track Official, Board Member for the Invention Convention, and an instructor for the Summer STEAM Program run by Broome-Tioga BOCES. He is passionate about STEAM because he wants to provide his students with the knowledge and strategies necessary to be successful in pursuit of their passion. He enjoys spending his free time with his family, doing home improvement projects, and reading. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to collaborating with fellow Master Teachers and to the opportunity to learn and improve with the best teachers in the NYS.
Jeffrey Sabol attended Broome Community College and earned his BS Elementary Education with a concentration in Earth Science and Geology from SUNY Cortland and MAED in Curriculum and Technology from the University of Phoenix. In the classroom for over 20 years, Mr. Sabol teaches 6th grade Earth Science at West Middle School. He is Odyssey of the Mind coach, and advisor for the Weather and Atmosphere, Debate, and Caring for the Community clubs. Outside the classroom, Mr. Sabol served as an EMT/Firefighter and volunteered on the Cortland State Emergency, coached at his family's gymnastics center and was a Scoutmaster after attaining the rank of Eagle himself. He is active in the Science Teachers Association of NYS, holding the position of Elementary and Intermediate Subject Area Representative, and a lead trainer in his district on Standards-Based Grading. When not teaching, Mr. Sabol can be found skiing, hiking the Adirondacks, canoeing the local rivers, or traveling the country by RV with his wife and three children. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is looking forward to sharing his experiences and knowledge collaborating with new Master Teacher colleagues.
James (Jamie) Saroka earned his BS in Animal Science, and his MS in Nutrition Biochemistry from Cornell University. Prior to teaching, Mr. Saroka worked as a Research Support Specialist at Cornell University, and as a Quality Assurance Manager in the Poultry Research Department of Babcock Industries. Currently in his 12th year of teaching, Mr. Saroka teaches Regents Chemistry at Lansing High School. Mr. Saroka is the Chemistry Subject Area Representative for the Southern Region of Science Teachers Association of NYS, and is a member of the American Association of Chemistry Teacher. He coaches JV Boys Soccer, Modified Girls Basketball, and is the Assistant Advisor for the Robotics Club. Mr. Saroka is always willing to help students in their fundraising activities, volunteering as a chaperone and has participated in Twinkie-eating contests. Outside of school, Mr. Saroka is active in Boy Scouts as a member of the Council Advancement Committee, teaching Boating Safety at summer camp, and helping to train adults to be effective leaders. Mr. Saroka enjoys running and playing golf. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Saroka is looking forward to the opportunities for professional development and joining the Chemistry Professional Learning Team.
Jacqueline Scallan earned her BA in Geography and English, Diploma in Education, and MA in Geography all from the National University of Ireland, Cork, and MS in Instructional Design Development and Evaluation from Syracuse University. Ms. Scallan has been teaching for 10 years, and she teaches IB Environmental Systems and Societies at Binghamton High School. In addition, she is also the Curriculum Specialist for Science at Binghamton High School. A strong advocate in affirming that students can become scientists, she takes students out in the field to evaluate the quality of local rivers, and collect and analyze real field data. Her professional interests focus on improving critical thinking and writing. Her current projects involve advising several students that are writing their extended essays for the IB Diploma. She is also a member of the Geological Society of America, Science Teachers Association of New York State, and National Science Teachers Association. Within the MTP, she took part in a workshop on earthquakes and probability, and went on a really great three-day field trip to the Adirondacks with other teachers in the program. Her favorite quote is, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." –Nelson Mandella
Jessica Schindler earned her BA in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic, MSEd in Biology and Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Cortland. Ms. Schindler also holds a certification in Wilderness Survival and Kamana III from Wilderness Awareness School, along with Tracking II from Cybertracker. She enjoys traveling and interacting with animals around the world. In 2001, Ms. Schindler became a biology teacher at Greene High School and currently teaches Living Environment courses to 10th graders, Anatomy & Physiology to 11th and 12th graders and thanks to her work with Master Teacher a Forensic's class to 11th and 12th graders. She has coached JV soccer and Varsity track, but her passion has been coaching her Envirothon teams. Ms. Schindler is the Science Department Chair, mentors colleagues and student teachers, and is co-leader of the school's Makerspace. Outside of school, Ms. Schindler loves to track animals, hike, and spend time with her Yorkies that are trained therapy dogs. She travels with students through EF Tours reaching faraway places like the Galapagos Islands, Belize, and Europe. Ms. Schindler is passionate about helping all students to reach their potential in science and to explore the outside world. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Schindler loves to collaborate with colleagues and completely enjoys facilitating PLT's the most current one being The Whale Pod.
Danielle Schmider Dorsey earned her BA in anthropology from Hartwick College, BS in Adolescent Education: Biology from SUNY Oneonta, and MS in Life and Chemical Science from the University of Maryland. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Dorsey worked in the field of Emergency Medical Services. In the classroom for eight years, she teaches Living Environment, Chemistry, and Middle School Life Science at Charlotte Valley Central School. She serves as a member of the school's Inquiry Team, an activity leader for College Reach-out Program, and a science tutor. Mrs. Dorsey finds inspiration from her students and provides learning activities based on her students' interests. She was awarded the "Lowe's Toolbox for Education" grant to create an aquaponics program at her school. Mrs. Dorsey is an avid believer in hands-on learning opportunities that provide students with the same love and admiration for science as she has. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Dorsey is looking forward to participating in and learning from the many opportunities the NYS Master Teacher Program provides and bringing the knowledge she learns back into her classroom to inspire her students further.
James Schmitt earned his B.S. in Fisheries Biology and B.A. in Science Education from Mansfield University, and his M.S.Ed. from the University of New England. Mr. Schmitt is currently in his 16th year at Windsor Central School District, where he teaches life science and physical science. Prior to teaching, he worked several years as a field biologist in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Schmitt served has coached football and track at the modified and JV level for ten years and currently is a youth football coach in his community. He has just completed building his own home with the help of his wife. To relax, he enjoys spending time outdoors and competes in amateur bass tournaments when time allows. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Schmitt looks forward to collaborating with other passionate teachers who enjoy engaging their students in outdoor learning labs, as well as presenting some of his strategies for bringing the outdoors into the classroom.
Andrea Schneider received her Astronomy and Archaeology A.B. from Cornell University and her M.A.T. in Physics from Binghamton University. Prior to teaching, Ms. Schneider worked as an archaeologist in Greece, did programming for Cornell's South Pole telescope, and ran Roberson Museum and Science Center's planetarium. Ms. Schneider teaches Regents Physics, dual credit Physics, and dual credit Astronomy at Lansing High School. Previously, she taught middle school physical science in Greene, NY where she was interviewed for SUNY Albany's 2009 Middle School Best Practices Report. She is a member of NSTA, STANYS, and a lifetime member of ADK. Ms. Schneider advises the Lansing FTC Robotics Team, runs the school newspaper, and is the HOBY coordinator. She is a judge for the Cornell Cup USA, an embedded systems competition, and runs robotics summer camps for the local Parks and Rec department and Cornell University's Diversity Program in Engineering's CATALYST Academy. She wrote NGSS-based lessons for Intel's America's Greatest Makers TV show. Ms. Schneider loves to bake and feed her science colleagues. As a Master Teacher she looks forward to professional development and collaboration opportunities and to spreading what she learns throughout her district.
Colleen Schultz earned her BS in Mathematics and Elementary Education from St. Bonaventure University, and MSEd from Binghamton University. Mrs. Schultz has been teaching for 23 years, and she teaches Mathematics 8, Common Core Algebra I, and AIS Math 7 and 8 at Vestal Middle School. A strong advocate of using technology in the classroom, hands-on learning, and applications of mathematics across the content areas, she involves her students in a variety of activities that help students make real-world connections between mathematics and other subjects. Her professional interests focus on teaching reading and writing strategies in the mathematics classroom and conceptual approaches to mathematics education. Current projects include developing curriculum documents and materials aligned with Common Core Learning Standards and the teacher support necessary to implement the CCLS. In addition, she serves as the department chair of the Vestal Middle School Mathematics Department, is a math coach for both the Vestal School District and Broome-Tioga BOCES, has served as a teacher mentor for the Vestal School District, and is a member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State. Mrs. Schultz was recently honored with the Principal's Pride Award at for her contributions to the school community.
Jeanine Scinta-Sass earned her B.A. in Mathematics from Hartwick College and M.S.Ed. from The University of New England and has been teaching since 2000. Currently, she teaches 8th Grade Mathematics, Common Core Algebra I, Calculus II and AIS 7-12. She also teaches Statistics, Precalculus, and Calculus via Distance Learning at Stamford Central School. She networks with and enjoys helping school districts in her region. She integrates the use of technology in the classroom and enthusiastically collaborates with other teachers across disciplines in pragmatic learning and applications of STEM. Students and community are at the forefront of learning in Mrs. Scinta-Sass' classroom. She is a class and club advisor and enjoys coaching and playing soccer and softball. Mrs. Scinta-Sass is a member of the National Mathematics Honor Society, Kappa Mu Epsilon. She focuses on making her mathematics classroom integrated with an inquiry and real-world application approach. Mrs. Scinta-Sass serves as a delegate for the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State, member of the National Council Teachers of Mathematics, and is a New York State Educational Specialist. She enjoys being outdoors and incorporates different learning activities within the classroom environment as often as possible. Jeanine is grateful for the opportunity to develop more networks with other teachers and professionals to help support the learning needs within her classroom and community.
Karen Seifert earned her AAS in Criminal Justice from SUNY Broome, BS in Teaching Secondary Mathematics from SUNY Cortland, and Master of Science in Teaching in Mathematics from Binghamton University. Over the course of her 20 years of teaching at Ithaca High School, she has taught all levels of NYS Regents courses as well as Intermediate Algebra, Intro to Statistics, Advanced Placement Statistics, and Computer Programming. She also taught Statistics for two years at Auburn Correctional Facility as part of the Cornell Prison Education Program. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Seifert has been the Advisor for the Math Team, Debate Club, and Classes of 2004 and 2015. Outside the classroom, Ms. Seifert enjoys watching her students perform in theater, music, and athletics. Her leisure activities include crocheting, relaxing at her family's Pennsylvania lake house, and cuddling with her two dogs. Ms. Seifert has raised two puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the first of which is now a working with a narcotics K9 unit with the Westchester Police Department. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Seifert is most looking forward to sharing ideas with outstanding STEM teachers and attending her first mini-course, Geometric Investigations using Everyday Materials.
Susanna Seip earned her BS in Chemistry and MSEd from Mansfield University. She also holds National Board Certification for Chemistry. Mrs. Seip has been teaching for 26 years, and she teaches Honors and International Baccalaureate Chemistry at Corning Painted Post High School. She is a strong advocate for inquiry-based learning, critical thinking/problem solving techniques, and encouraging her students to be life-long learners. She involves her students in interdisciplinary group projects, and technology infused experiments. Her professional interests focus on curriculum design, modeling chemistry techniques, student assessment, differential instruction, and cooperative learning. In addition, she serves as the science department chair, Science Olympiad advisor, Chem Bowl advisor and Interact advisor involving students in a variety of community service activities. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, NYSUT, and the National Science Teachers Association. She was recently honored with the ServU Credit Union Teacher Award in the spring of 2014. As part of the MTP, Mrs. Seip has been involved in PLT groups (chemistry and local PLT). She has also attended numerous mini courses, and workshops on literacy, science, math.
Carin Shaffer earned her A.S. in Liberal Arts from Broome Community College, her B.S. and M.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland. She currently teaches 3rd grade at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School. Mrs. Shaffer previously taught 4th grade and was the district's 2nd – 8th grade Challenge Enrichment Teacher. Outside of the classroom, she established an afterschool Science Club which transformed into a STEM club and started a Mathletes Club. Mrs. Shaffer has also served on the building Shared Leadership Team, district Professional Development Committee, Assessment Committee, and as Trustee of the Windsor Central School District Board of Education. She mentors new teachers and has hosted several interns from SUNY Binghamton University and SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Shaffer has written and been awarded several Foundation Grants and Target Grants that have provided students experiences outside of the classroom. Mrs. Shaffer enjoys nature and learning. She spends time with her husband, two children, and eleven animals. As a Master Teacher, she is excited about learning and collaborating with others from around the state and engaging in the mini-courses and Professional Learning Teams.
Jon Shaut earned his AS in Mathematics and Science from Corning Community College, BS in Biology from SUNY Cortland, and MS in Science Education from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. He has been teaching courses such as Regents Biology, International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Biology, IB Standard Level Environmental Systems and Societies, Environmental Science, and the Study of North American Wildlife for 21 years. Mr. Shaut spent 6.5 years as a Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army National Guard. He currently volunteers with Team Rubicon, a veteran's disaster response organization, deploying to Beaumont, TX in response to Hurricane Harvey. He is also currently involved in an initiative to establish a greenhouse at C-PP High School, recently earning his Greenhouse Management Certification through the University of Arkansas. Mr. Shaut's passion for teaching STEM courses is rooted in his love of the outdoors and the environment. Teaching young people about environmental issues, their personal impact on the planet, and how they are able to contribute to the greater good is what gives him a sense of purpose in his career as a teacher. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Shaut sees this honor as an opportunity to work with colleagues to share experiences and ideas, furthering his craft.
Keri Sheridan earned her BA in mathematics and MAT from Ithaca College. While earning her graduate degree, she volunteered as a tutor for Ithaca High School's AVID program. Ms. Sheridan briefly worked as a substitute teacher before returning to Ithaca High School as a mathematics teacher. At Ithaca High School since 2011, Ms. Sheridan currently teaches Algebra 2 and Introduction to Statistics. Because of her strong passion for STEM, Ms. Sheridan received training on how to incorporate coding concepts into her classroom from the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy and is a member of her district's Computer Science for All Cohort. She has also participated in an inquiry-based Teacher Research Fellowship in partnership with TST BOCES and Ithaca College and presented her research on the flipped classroom model at the New York State Foundations of Education conference. During the summer, Ms. Sheridan works with students at Cornell University's Upward Bound Program and enjoys exploring all of the beautiful waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Sheridan is excited to collaborate with other educators and to continue to grow as a life-long learner.
Sonya Skinner earned her AA in Liberal Arts from Broome Community College, BA in Biology from Binghamton University, and MA in Education from Elmira College. In the classroom for eight years, Mrs. Skinner currently teaches Regents Earth Science and 8th grade Physical Science at Vestal Middle School, where she also serves on the Building Planning Team and the Response to Intervention Team. Mrs. Skinner also serves as the Supervisor for the Reading Buddies, a club that reads to preschool students within the district. Mrs. Skinner is a member of, the Science Teachers Association of NYS and the National Science Teachers Association. Prior to her career in education, Mrs. Skinner spent two years as an Americorps volunteer working in the field of drug and alcohol addiction. She also spent three years running a recreation program for Fairview Recovery Services in Binghamton. During that time she also received her EMTBasic and volunteered with Chenango Ambulance. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Skinner is looking forward to participating in the upcoming mini-course "Science Teaching in NYS: Past Present and Future" and joining Professional Learning Teams.
Jim Slattery earned his BS in Microbiology from Cornell University and worked at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine before completing his M.Ed. at SUNY Cortland. This year marks Mr. Slattery's 35th year in the classroom. Mr. Slattery teaches Principles of Chemistry, and Consumer Chemistry at Ithaca High School and during the summer months, he is a teaching assistant with Cornell's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Mr. Slattery is a long time active member of the American Chemical Society through which he advises Ithaca High's Chemistry Club. He served on countless committees, advised various clubs from Ping Pong to Poetry and early in his career, coached track and football. Mr. Slattery enjoys singing and acting, and is a member of The Savage Club of Ithaca. Mr. Slattery is eternally grateful to his parents for making science part of his everyday world when growing up, cultivating his curiosity and encouraging his imagination. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Slattery is looking forward to participating in the upcoming workshop "Let's not reinvent the wheel" and becoming a contributing member to various Professional Learning Teams. He is particularly interested in Science Literacy, STEM in the Southern Tier, and Chemistry Capers.
Julie Slechta earned her BA in Secondary Mathematics from SUNY Cortland, and MS in Secondary Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam. In the classroom in New York State for 23 years, she is in her twentieth year at Corning-Painted Post High School. She is teaching Algebra II and SAT Prep, after having taught every math course offered from 6th grade math to Pre-Calculus throughout her career. It is still exciting to hear the “OH!” from her students and to see the understanding in their eyes as they make connections. Being able to help students work as a team is her first goal so that they are helping each other learn not just being led by her. She advises the Math Club after school and is humbled every week as they succeed in contests. In the past, she served as Mathematics Department chair and as a mentor to education majors and new teachers. Ms. Slechta enjoys gardening, hiking, traveling, and getting together with her “Dinner Club” friends. Through the Master Teacher program, she is hoping to gain more insight into ideas to help her students make connections across STEM areas, learn difficult topics, and to increase their motivation to learn.
Amy Smith earned an A.A.S. in Accounting from Corning Community College, a B.S.E. in Earth and Space Science/General Science from Mansfield University and a Masters in Geoscience from Mississippi State University, and has a certificate in Phlebotomy from GST BOCES. Ms. Smith teaches Regents Earth Science and General Earth Science at Canisteo-Greenwood Central School where she is co-advisor of the High School Yearbook Club and the 8/9 Junior Honor Society. As part of her Yearbook Club duties, she runs the concession stand during the winter sports season where she is known far and wide for making salty popcorn. When she is not at school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends or working on projects around the house. Amy and her daughter like to take spur of the moment road trips to random places around the country with a goal of visiting all 50 states before she retires; they have already visited 40 states! Ms. Smith loves to learn new things and looks forward to taking advantage of all of the workshops and mini-courses that the NYS Master Teacher Program offers.
Aubrie Smith earned her BS in Elementary Education PreK-6 from Marywood University and MS in Literacy Education K-12 from SUNY Geneseo. In the classroom for 21 years for the Binghamton City School District, she taught first grade for 16 years and is currently a Math Interventionist at Woodrow Wilson Elementary. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Smith has facilitated professional development opportunities for her colleagues as a past technology mentor and a current math mentor. She serves on her building's School Based Leadership Team, Positive Behavior Intervention Support Committee, a district-wide Assessment Committee and has been a STEM educator for summer programs. She received several grants from the Binghamton City Schools Foundation to support STEM projects at the first grade level, most recently an “Indoor Recess Cooperative Learning” project that reinforced Social Emotional Learning through play. Mrs. Smith is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and plays an active role in the Binghamton Teachers' Union. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, crafting, and reading. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Smith is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers from across the region and the many professional development opportunities to facilitate a strong math foundation for her students.
Neil Snedeker earned his BS in Atmospheric Science, cum laude, with a minor in mathematics from the University at Albany and his Masters in Education in Adolescent Education from the University at Buffalo. Mr. Snedeker has been teaching for six years and currently teaches Physics, Earth Science, 6th grade intermediate Earth Science, Astronomy, and Meteorology in the Roxbury Central School District. The culture of his classrooms is designed to encourage curiosity and make connections to everyday experiences. Mr. Snedeker is a coach for both of Roxbury's Science Olympiad teams, for the Girls on the Run program, and a chaperone for a variety of extracurricular activities. He was recently selected to participate in the Appalachian Regional Commission/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute, a two-week residential program. As an active member of the Roxbury Collaborative Model Team, he works with community stakeholders to improve achievement and culture within the district. When not in school most of his time is spent snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking or backpacking. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Snedeker looks forward to working with the other Master Teachers to help ensure that all students maintain their sense of wonder and curiosity.
Amy Snell earned her BS in Mathematics from Wilkes University and MSEd from Elmira College. In the classroom for 22 years, Ms. Snell currently teaches Calculus, College Algebra, Algebra II, and Statistics at Candor High School. Prior to teaching, she served in the Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer and was twice decorated, earning the Air Force Commendation and Achievement Medals. Ms. Snell knew that she wanted to be a math teacher in fourth grade and feels blessed to be doing something she absolutely loves every day. She is passionate about helping her students see the beauty in mathematics. In addition to teaching, Ms. Snell serves as high school Mentor Teacher, supporting non-tenured teachers in their orientation into the classroom and school, as building representative for the Candor Faculty Association, as treasurer for the Tioga County Teacher Center, and as high school math department chair. Outside of school, Ms. Snell is a committee member and merit badge counselor for Boy Scout Troop 36. Ms. Snell is also an avid baker and likes to share delicious treats with everyone around her. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Snell is looking forward to learning more about STEM and how to incorporate it into her classroom.
Hallie Snowman earned her B.S. in Bioengineering and M.S. in Science Teaching from Syracuse University. She is certified in Biology, Physics, Math and General Science. Ms. Snowman began teaching in 1996 and was inspired to enter the field of science education because of her lifetime love of science and her desire to share her enthusiasm for the subject. She currently teaches Physics and Food Science at Ithaca High School. Hallie serves as a member of the National Science Teachers Association, the Science Teachers Association of New York State, and was a founding member of the Cornell Institute for Physics Teachers. She is a regular mentor of student teachers and student observers. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Snowman is an avid mushroom hunter. It is a perfect chance to combine her love of nature and hiking with the excitement of hunting for nature's bounty. She also enjoys cooking and pursuing a personal study of food science. As part of the Master Teacher Program, Hallie is looking forward to collaborating with other Master Teachers on using technology to enhance student understanding, and transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards, as well as learning about recent research regarding best teaching practices.
Janice St. Pierre earned her AAS in Laboratory Animal Technology from Stockbridge School of Agriculture at University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass), and both her BS and MA in Biology from SUNY Geneseo. Ms. St. Pierre earned additional graduate credits in Evolutionary Biology at UMass, and Chemical Engineering at Cornell. Prior to teaching, she was a lab technician for the dairy industry, an intern in microscopy at Corning Inc., an EMT, a public health inspector for New York State, and an adjunct professor for Corning Community College. In the classroom for 25 years, Ms. St. Pierre started teaching middle school science and transitioned to high school chemistry at Bath Central School District. She has taught a wide range of courses including Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Horticulture, and Consumer Chemistry. She currently teaches Regents Chemistry, Chemistry and Biology. A life-long learner, she also completed a summer Oceanology course with Wright's Institute at Woods Hole, and a research experience at Oakridge National Laboratory, presenting research findings at the National Organismic Evolutionary Biology Conference at UMass. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Ms. St. Pierre is a member of Chemistry Capers Professional Learning Team recently exploring Breakout Boxes for the chemistry classroom, and participated in the Tissue Engineering and Biology of Cancer mini-courses.
Joanne Stafford earned her BS in Psychology from SUNY Oswego and her MSEd from LeMoyne College. Mrs. Stafford teaches grades 3-5 science at Perry Browne Intermediate School where she has been for 22 years. She currently represents her school as a mentor to new teachers, and Leadership Club co-advisor. In the past, she has served as co-chair of the Playground Committee, as Parent Teacher Organization President and Vice President, and served on the Science Committee. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Stafford loves traveling with her family as well as cooking and baking for friends and family. As a newly appointed Master Teacher, she looks forward to learning new ways to implement science standards in a fun and engaging way as well as exposing students to new ways of problem-solving and collaborating.
Andrea Stanley earned her A.S. in Liberal Arts from Broome Community College, B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Geology (Cum Laude), and her M.S.Ed. in Reading from SUNY Cortland. She was inspired to join the field of education after growing up in a household that believed that teachers had the most important job in the world. She started teaching at the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy in the Whitney Point Central School District in 2001 and has taught both 4th and 5th grades as a regular education teacher in an inclusion classroom setting where she thoroughly enjoys collaboration with colleagues. She served as an Odyssey of the Mind coach and has worked in conjunction with SUNY Cortland on Action Research teams. She is passionate about inspiring children to see the beauty in nature and to understand that the choices we make impact the environment we live in. Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and taking her two boys on adventures in the woods—building forts, fossil-hunting, and hiking. Andrea is looking forward to working with and learning from other Master Teachers in order to improve her own knowledge of STEM and also to learn ways to inspire teamwork and problem-solving skills in her students.
Tim Strantz earned his AA in Liberal Studies from Broome Community College, BS in Secondary Education in Geology and MEd from SUNY Cortland. During his years at SUNY Cortland, Mr. Strantz studied carbonate sediments in the Florida Keys, Karst Geomorphology in Northern Pennsylvania, and banded iron formations in Northern Canada. In the classroom for 11 years, Mr. Strantz teaches Earth Science at Harpursville Central High School. Over the years, he has been a STEM mentor and has taught a variety of courses including Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, and College Geology. He coaches the Varsity Volleyball Team which has had two undefeated seasons and took third place in NYS in 2014. Mr. Strantz also enjoys running youth turkey hunts in the spring to inspire young men to lead active healthy lifestyles and become good stewards of the land. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Strantz is looking forward to participating in the course on Physics and Chemistry in Earth Science and working with some of the best minds in science and education.
David Streib earned his BS in Ceramic Engineering and Materials Science from Alfred University. There, he did research and development with shape-memory alloys, optical fibers, and Bioactive glass. He began his teaching career in Quito, Ecuador in 2006; excited by the potential to impact and to learn from other human lives on a day-to-day basis. Mr. Streib returned to the U.S. in 2008 to work as a Spanish/English medical interpreter and to earn his MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction from SUNY Oswego. Through an assistantship at SUNY Oswego, he had the privilege to support international students and first-generation college students in meeting their goals through academic success. In 2010, he was awarded a fellowship with the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation because of his pedagogical content knowledge and his commitment improving student engagement and proficiency in science. Through Knowles's inquiry approach, he made remarkable strides as an educator. For the past seven years, he has taught interdisciplinary science at New Roots Charter School. His professional interests include: equity and social justice, and Project-Based Learning. He is thrilled to be collaborating with other NYS Master Teachers, and hopes to grow in his ability to teach and inspire all learners to perform at their highest level.
Laurel Strobel earned her BS in Biological Sciences from Cornell University and MS in Secondary Education from SUNY Oswego. Mrs. Strobel began teaching in 2001 and currently teaches 9th grade Living Environment at Odessa-Montour Central School (OMCS). Other courses that she has taught in her career include Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Biology, STEM Forensics, AIS Earth Science, and Current Issues in Science. She is a member of the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers and was recently awarded a grant from Cargill Inc. to purchase equipment for the Science Department at OMCS. She is an active member of the Odessa-Montour Parent Faculty Organization (Treasurer), has coached both cross-country and track, and has served on several district committees. Mrs. Strobel loves getting to know each and every one of her students, and encourages them to ask thoughtful questions in the classroom. In her free time, she spends time with her husband and daughters, hikes, runs, gardens, sews, and reads. Mrs. Strobel is looking forward to meeting other teachers in the Master Teacher Program and attending MTP workshops and courses to increase her knowledge-base and instructional techniques.
Tracy Suggs earned her BS and MS in Biology from Purdue University. Since that time she has been teaching (and learning!) chemistry. For the last 24 years, Mrs. Suggs has been at Vestal High School, teaching Regents, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement Chemistry classes. She has enjoyed supervising high school chemistry students to perform in the Chemistry Magic Show for local 4th grade classes. The Chemistry Magic Show is full of exciting chemistry demonstrations meant to thrill and entice younger students with chemistry. (As the students say, "Is it Magic… or is it Science?") Mrs. Suggs is currently an NYS Education Specialist in the Department of Assessments. She has been a partner in the High School POGIL Initiative and a Mentor in the NYS Biology-Chemistry Professional Development Network. In the Fall of 2016, Mrs. Suggs was honored as the recipient of the ACS Division of Chemical Education Northeast Region Award for Excellence in High School Teaching. "I am honored and humbled to be recognized for work that has been the product of so many 'masterful' teachers and amazing students over the years." Mrs. Suggs has found the most beneficial part of the NYS Master Teacher Program to be the enriching collaboration of teachers, post-secondary professionals and community members toward the common goal of benefiting student learning through excellent teaching.
David Syracuse earned his BA in Biology Education from Ithaca College, and MSEd from SUNY Cortland. Mr. Syracuse has been teaching for nine years, and he teaches general science at Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES. A strong advocate for critical thinking and problem solving in a global society, he believes that the solution to the problems of our time will not be found with any amount of Googling; rather, that great integrator of knowledge, the human mind, will produce them. He involves his students in more labs than quizzes, more dry humor than lecture, and plenty of fire, water-balloon launchers and larger-than-life periodic tables. His professional interests include integrating science into core classes. He has worked extensively with the ASSET program at Cornell University to design labs using the protist Tetrahymena, and has had two rounds of NSF GK-12 grant at Cornell. His paper concerning the connection between the phase of the moon and student behavior appeared in the STANYS Bulletin. In addition, he is a member of STANYS, the US Metric Association, and is the Vice President and percussion section leader of the Ithaca Concert Band. He was honored with Cayuga Radio Group's Apple for the Teacher award for excellence in teaching.
Kara Talbut earned her B.A. in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta and her M.S. in Literacy from SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Talbut has 11 years of teaching experience working in the Vestal and Windsor Central School Districts. She is currently teaching third grade in Vestal and has previously taught various elementary grade levels. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Talbut serves on her building’s Response to Intervention team and recently developed and implemented an after-school STEAM program for students grades K-3. She strives to provide shared experiences for her students through field trips and in-school programs by partnering with Lockheed Martin, and SUNY Binghamton University Chemistry and Biology Departments. At the district level, Mrs. Talbut has worked with grade-level teams to develop science units aligned with the NYS Science Learning Standards, and provides staff development for her colleagues. Outside of school, She loves spending time with her husband and three children. They enjoy hiking, traveling to the Outer Banks, and watching sporting events. Mrs. Talbut also enjoys running, reading, and photography. She is excited to collaborate with other Master Teachers, deepen her understanding of STEM content, and develop ways to inspire students to be life-long learners in STEM.
Karen Taylor earned her BS in Biology and Education from SUNY Fredonia, and MS in Biology and Education from SUNY Cortland. In the classroom for 17 years, Ms. Taylor teaches Biology 104 (College Concurrent Course through TC3), Regents Living Environment (Biology) at Dryden High School.
Kristine Taylor earned her BA in biology from Russell Sage College and her MS in Education from SUNY Albany. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Taylor worked as a research assistant in laboratories at Cornell University, University of California at San Diego, and TELIOS Pharmaceuticals. In the classroom for 22 years, Mrs. Taylor teaches Honors Biology and International Baccalaureate Biology at Corning-Painted Post High School. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Taylor advises the Key Club organization, and currently serves as President of the Parent-Teacher Association at William E. Severn Elementary School. She is also a member of her district's Building Design and Transition Team, Mentoring Steering and Honors Curriculum Committees. As a New York State Master Teacher, Mrs. Taylor is looking forward to participating in the upcoming mini-courses, "Statistical Inference" and "Evolution and Health", and joining the Biology Teacher's Professional Learning Team.
Keri Teribury Keri Teribury earned her BA in 7-12 Biology Education from Ithaca College and her MSEd from Binghamton University. Mrs. Teribury has been teaching at Union Endicott High School for 21 years. During this time, she has taught Living Environment and Applied Science. In addition, she has taught Forensic Science for 15 years. She created the curriculum for the district to introduce students to various STEM careers as well as provide a science elective to fulfill graduation requirements. She has been a cooperating teacher for several student teachers and has mentored new teachers. Mrs. Teribury's interests include attending the numerous sporting and musical events that her four children have been active in over the years. She also enjoys CrossFit, being active in her local church, and more recently, the joy of camping with her husband and children. Mrs. Teribury wants her children and her students to not be afraid of a challenge: embrace it, enjoy the process; and remember there is always something to be learned. She is delighted to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher network and is looking forward to collaborating with many highly qualified educators as she continues to foster the curiosity of her students, incorporate new learning in her classrooms, and refine her pedagogical skills.
Megan Thomas earned her BS in Chemistry from SUNY Fredonia and her MSEd from SUNY Cortland. Prior to teaching, she worked as an assistant lab director, lab manager, and quality control officer. Now, in the classroom for almost twenty years, Ms. Thomas teaches Honors Chemistry and an Applied Chemistry class called "Our Chemical World" at Corning-Painted Post High School. She serves as the high school chemical hygiene officer, Chem Bowl team advisor and tutors/supervises students at the Studio 3:15 after-school program. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, running, gardening, and hiking with family and friends. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Thomas looks forward to collaborating with inspirational STEM professionals and becoming part of new professional learning communities. She hopes to discover new ways to motivate and inspire both her students in the classroom and her fellow teachers in the STEM profession.
Debra Thorsland earned her BS and MS in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. Thorsland has taught at the Charlotte Valley Central School District since 1994 and is currently teaching kindergarten. She recently completed 12 credit hours with Molloy College to receive a Certificate in STEM Education. Mrs. Thorsland is a staff mentor, Primary Instructional Leader, Arts in Education Coordinator, STEM Coordinator, and Robotics coach at Charlotte Valley. She founded the CVCS District Safety Fair attracting participants including NY State Troopers, Life Flight helicopter, local fire departments, medical professionals, outreach programs, simulators, Senator Seward and other individuals and organizations highlighting STEM career choices. Mrs. Thorsland also started her school's robotics team, runs and teaches a STEM camp each summer, brought 3-D printing into the district, and coordinated with SUNY Oneonta to provide a STEM fair for her students. She is very excited to bring new ideas back to her school as a result of Master Teacher training and collaborations. Outside of work, Mrs. Thorsland enjoys walking, cooking, swimming, visiting Disney and Canadarago Lake, and spending time with family.
Vicki Tibbals earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology/General Science and Health Science, and her MSEd in Biology from SUNY Cortland. In the classroom for 13 years, Ms. Tibbals taught Physical Science at Greene Middle School before changing to Living Environment and Biology for college credit at Newfield High School. She participated in summer programs for STEM educators with the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers and Boyce Thompson Plant Research Institute, and collaborates with researchers from those organizations to bring labs and Citizen Science investigations into her classroom. PhD students have served as guest lecturers in her classroom as part of Cornell's Graduate Student School Outreach Program. Ms. Tibbals coaches Varsity Volleyball and serves on the National Honor Society Faculty Committee. An avid outdoors-woman, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and exploring nature with her children. Ms. Tibbals believes that the key to sparking and maintaining student interest and engagement in science is to be passionate about the subject and to get students out into real-world science settings as much as possible. As a NYS Master Teacher, she has participated in the Biology of Cancer and Tissue Engineering mini-courses, a workshops on Lyme disease, skill building for academic perseverance, and developing math-science collaborations through a sustainability curriculum.
Kyle Tibbits earned his BA in Physics with a concentration in Adolescent Education from SUNY Geneseo, and MEd from Walden University. Mr. Tibbits has been teaching for five years, and he teaches Regents Physics/ Lab, Foundations of Geometry, and College Preparatory for Science Majors at Harpursville Jr./ Sr. High School. His professional interests focus on creating models to dispel misconceptions in physics, minimizing lecture in the classroom, and utilizing Standards Based Grading as a means to provide student growth through assessment. His current projects include developing and mentoring courses that transition with the students' progression through high school and incorporate coding into geometry. In addition, Mr. Tibbits serves as the Science Department Chairperson at Harpursville, the Colesville Dollars for Scholars Website Administrator, and he coaches the Boys Varsity Boys Track & Field team. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, Mr. Tibbits has attended various mini-courses and he looks forward to future cohort and meetings. His favorite parts about teaching STEM is witnessing students overcome their fears of learning science, teaching them the positives of making mistakes and growing from them, and the smile on their faces when they achieve what they thought was impossible.
Stephen Tibensky earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Scranton and M.A.T. from Binghamton University. Mr. Tibensky teaches regents Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and an after school science course at Union Endicott High School. He introduced Science Olympiad to Union Endicott High School in 2000 and has been the head coach ever since. He received the "Distinguished Education Award" from the American Chemical Society: Binghamton Section in 2007 for the success of his AP students and the Science Olympiad team. Last year, Mr. Tibensky was recognized as a Founder's Day Award recipient by Union Endicott High School for his ability to relate and reach out to his students. Mr. Tibensky co-advises the Yes Leads Club which educates youth on the debilitating effects of teen alcohol and drug use in our state. Outside of the classroom, Stephen enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, especially watching his children's many sporting events. As a Master Teacher, Mr. Tibensky looks forward to sharing teaching techniques, secrets, and positive student experiences with fellow teachers and is also very excited to share ideas, experiences, and stories with the pre-service teachers.
Sarah Tingley Tingley earned her BS in Biology from St. John Fisher College and her MS in Education Literacy from Alfred University. Mrs. Tingley has been teaching for 10 years and currently teaches Regents Living Environment, International Baccalaureate Biology and Anatomy & Physiology at Corning-Painted Post High School. In addition, she has taught Regents Chemistry, Astronomy and Oceanography. Mrs. Tingley's goal as a teacher is to lead her students towards their own appreciation and understanding of science and to encourage them to listen, learn, observe, and join scientific conversations. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is a member of her school's Greenhouse Project Committee. She is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and is the Chapter's Corresponding Secretary. When Mrs. Tingley is not in the classroom, you can find her preparing for her upcoming running races or in the Adirondacks working on completing her Adirondack Forty-Sixers. She finds inspiration in a quote from Charles Darwin, "A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Tingley is most looking forward to networking with other STEM professionals and deepening her knowledge of biology.
Jordan Titus earned his BS in biometry & statistics at Cornell University and Master of Arts in Teaching at Binghamton University, where he was awarded a Klee Fellowship, a merit-based award for students pursuing a teaching degree in science or mathematics education. In the secondary math classroom for seven years teaching a variety of courses including 7th grade math, calculus and statistics, he currently teaches 8th grade math and co-advises the Academic All-Stars team at Hornell Junior High School. Mr. Titus incorporates hands-on experiences as a foundation for abstract algebraic ideas, and he motivates learning through interesting problems that require the application of new ideas. Mr. Titus is an active member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS, organizing regional conferences for the Southern Tier, and has served as a mentor for student teachers from SUNY Cortland. Mr. Titus loves traveling and being outdoors. He relishes the "simple life" of backpacking, and has especially enjoyed recent treks through Death Valley and the Adirondacks. As a NYS Master Teacher, he has participated in the math mini-course "2D and 3D Dissection," is a member of the Technology Professional Learning Team, and attended the "Saturday Workshop for Teachers" at Cornell University. He looks forward to mini-courses, and learning new ways to incorporate technology into his teaching.
Brian Tolan earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University and his MAT in Adolescence Education in Mathematics from Binghamton University. In the classroom for eight years, he teaches Computer Technology in the P-TECH program at Broome-Tioga BOCES in Binghamton. P-TECH is a project-based learning environment whose philosophy is that students learn by doing. Prior to teaching, he worked at IBM, spending most of his career in Serviceability Engineering. Mr. Tolan has coached youth soccer and high school track and field and helps organize a number of competitions for local students including Engineering Day, App Challenge, and the SUNY Broome Robotics Competition. His interests include traveling, running, hiking, and playing soccer. Mr. Tolan has traveled to over 40 countries and 46 states so far and is looking forward to visiting many more. He has dual United States and Irish citizenship. Mr. Tolan is excited to work with other Master Teachers in the area in order to enhance his skills in the classroom and to share his expertise. He is particularly interested in increasing the percentage of underrepresented communities, including women, in the STEM fields.
Richard Townsend earned his BS in Meteorology from SUNY Oswego, and MS in Atmospheric Science from SUNY Albany. Mr. Townsend has been teaching for 26 years, and he teaches earth science, physics, meteorology, astronomy, Introduction to Research, and Digital Electronics, and is science department chairperson, at Sidney Central Schools in Sidney, New York. Prior to teaching, he worked as a meteorologist for Fleetweather Inc. for six years before making the change to teaching. In 2003, Mr. Townsend and other former Sidney teachers developed the Upper Susquehanna Watershed Project. This is an on-going enrichment program that encompasses several schools districts during the school year, studying water quality along the upper Susquehanna River basin. Student interns are also employed from those districts to do additional summer research. They also developed the Sidney High School Flood Monitoring Program in response to the flood of June 2006. Both of these programs continue to flourish with donations and grants from local businesses and organizations. In 1996 he was named Sidney's teacher of the year. In 2001 he was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science teaching, a national award given annually to the top math and science teachers in the country.
Teresa (Terre) Trupp earned her BS in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University, and MSEd from SUNY Cortland. Teaching for 19 years, Ms. Trupp guides students in Regents Living Environment, Chemistry, and the Global Environment, a course through the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Union-Endicott (UE) High School. Ms. Trupp is the advisor for the UE Biology Club, Envirothon, the Gamer's Club, and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). She received a Union-Endicott Education Foundation Collaboration Grant of $10,000 to implement a Biomechanics STEM project in the classroom using articulated limbs and Vernier probes to collect data. She has participated in the Research Experiences for Teachers through Cornell University, and is a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS and the American Chemical Society. Ms. Trupp enjoys engaging students using inquiry-based labs and POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) activities. She encourages students to be Citizen Scientists by taking trips to a local stream to conduct water quality tests. Ms. Trupp loves to go hiking and camping with her family and study sustainable gardening techniques. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Trupp looks forward to participating in workshops and mini-courses to learn from others and be able to inspire more students to pursue STEM careers.
Bob Tuori earned his BS in Biology from SUNY Albany where he was awarded Phi Beta Kappa, MS in Forest Biology from SUNY Environmental Sciences and Forestry, and PhD in Botany/Plant Pathology from Oregon State University. During his stint in academia, he periodically travelled, worked as a mover or a lab technician, and played in punk rock bands. After time as a post doctoral fellow at Oregon State University and at Cornell, he began to pursue his teaching degree at SUNY Cortland while working as a substitute teacher. An unseasoned first year teacher, he recalls learning a lot about what not to do as well as what to do as a teacher. For the past 13 years, he has taught Chemistry at Ithaca High School. This year he is starting a Sustainable Agriculture elective, and will be leading a vegetable/flower growing operation involving both the Agriculture class and Special Education students. Mr. Tuori especially enjoys getting to know the amazing teenagers in his daily interactions. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Tuori looks forward to many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Maria Van De Weert earned her B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in history from SUNY Cortland and her M.S.Ed. in Special Education from Binghamton University. Maria began her teaching career as a Special Education Teaching Assistant at the high school level and has been an elementary teacher for the past 11 years. She was inspired to become a teacher after growing up among a family of educators and watching firsthand the impact a teacher can have on children's lives. Currently, Maria teaches fifth grade at A.F. Palmer Elementary in Windsor. Mrs. Van De Weert serves as coordinator of the school's mentoring program, professional learning community coach, member of her building's leadership team, co-coordinator of her school's Science Fair, and member of the Building Professional Council, and has coached cross country. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her family, exercising, and reading. Maria is passionate about making learning fun for children and fostering students' creativity through STEM. She truly believes each child has something great to offer through STEM. As a Master Teacher, Maria looks forward to being part of the first round of elementary teachers, exploring the next generation science standards, and participating in mini-courses.
Rosanne Van Wie earned her BS in Medical Laboratory Technology from St. Bonaventure University and MSEd from Elmira College. She worked in hospital laboratories doing clinical testing for several years and was a 1988 Recipient of a NYS Regents Empire State Challenger Fellowship for Teachers. This award was given to promote STEM education and encourage working scientists to enter the field of teaching. Ms. Van Wie has 11 years of teaching experience with the Vestal Central School district teaching Regents Chemistry and Forensic Science. She is a past participant in the Cornell Institute for Chemistry Teachers and the former advisor of the Chemistry Magic Show at Vestal High School. Ms. Van Wie has written several grants to purchase materials for use in the classroom and lab. She is interested in the history and use of pigments in artist's materials and enjoys painting as well as hiking with her dog. Within the NYS Master Teacher program, Ms. Van Wie is looking forward to joining the enthusiasm and creativity of teachers within her region and across the state, at Professional Learning Teams and the Annual Professional Development Conference, with the goal of bringing new ideas back to her classroom to enrich the education of her students.
Veronica Vidal earned her BS in Biology from Stony Brook University and concurrent MPS and MS in Conservation Biology from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and in Secondary Science Education with a concentration in Biology from Syracuse University. Before teaching, Ms. Vidal was a Peace Corps volunteer working with locals on conservation efforts of their natural resources in Central America, studied lemurs in Madagascar, and worked with the United States Geological Survey on a long-term study of wild wolves in Minnesota aimed to help their conservation. Ms. Vidal is currently teaching 7th grade life science at West Middle School in the Binghamton City School District where she has been teaching middle school science for the past 14 years. She is a member of the regional BOCES Professional Learning Community for middle school science teachers. Outside of school, Ms. Vidal enjoys participating in local running events, creating art, and is a volunteer for the Broome County Humane Society. She is looking forward to working, growing, and learning from other Master Teachers as well as sharing her knowledge and experiences with incoming teachers. She also looks forward to continuing to share her love for science and conservation with her students, hoping to inspire future generations.
Bradley Wales earned his BS in biology and MSEd at Mansfield University. He is continuing his graduate studies at Elmira College, where he is focusing on literature courses. Prior to teaching, Mr. Wales worked as a counselor for a youth services organization in Pennsylvania. In the classroom for more than 12 years, Mr. Wales teaches General Science at Broadway Academy. Mr. Wales is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of NYS. He is actively involved in volunteering and participating in local events, and has learned about the surrounding communities' needs and families. When he is not teaching or attending workshops, Mr. Wales spends his time with family taking care of a small number of cattle and goats on his farm. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Wales is excited to start collaborating with other Master Teachers about teaching practices and current content discoveries.
Joy Warner earned her B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education from SUNY Cortland and her M.A. in Education/Instructional Media and Technology from CSU San Bernardino. Mrs. Warner began her math teaching career in the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Corona, CA. While in California she taught everything from two-year ESL Algebra 1 to Pre-Calculus and served as the coach of the 9th grade girls basketball and boys and girls spring track. After five years on the west coast, Mrs. Warner relocated to Rochester, NY and taught Algebra 1 and Geometry and continued coaching boys and girls spring track in the East Irondequoit Central School District. Following a six-year term in Rochester, Mrs. Warner relocated to Endicott, NY, and taught courses ranging from two-year Algebra 1 to Algebra 2, for eight years, in the Union-Endicott Central School District. After one final move, Mrs. Warner has been teaching Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Honors and SUNY Broome Foundations in Endwell, NY at Maine-Endwell High School for the past three years. Mrs. Warner is currently an active member of the Maine-Endwell school safety and building planning teams and attends many student extra-curricular activities. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Warner enjoys following her own kids in all their extra-curricular activities. As a Master Teacher, Joy is excited to collaborate with fellow math and science teachers to develop ways to integrate math throughout student learning.
Mary Webster earned her BA in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University with Summa Cum Laude honors, and an MS in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Mrs. Webster has taught in the Binghamton City School District since 2004 as a Challenge Enrichment Teacher and as a 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grade teacher. Most recently, Mrs. Webster teaches 6th grade Math AIS at Vestal Middle School. She has been involved in both the Vestal and Binghamton School Districts as an Odyssey of the Mind Coach, Project Lead the Way Launch Lead Teacher, Sci-Girls facilitator, Technology Mentor and member of the Shared Leadership and RTI teams. She is an active Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Member and is also active in her local 4-H club. Mrs. Webster has spent the majority of her career teaching STEM content to multiple grade levels and has written several grants to incorporate STEM based programs and materials into the schools she works for. She is an active outdoor enthusiast and enjoys horseback riding, skiing, gardening, hiking and lake activities with her family. Mrs. Webster's curiosity about the world around is what has fostered her passion for the STEM fields and she strives to continue to be a lifelong learner and pass her enthusiasm for STEM on to her students and her own children. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Webster is looking forward to participating in the mini courses and collaborating with fellow NYS Master teachers to expand her STEM content knowledge and learn new and engaging approaches to teaching.
Allison Weisel earned her BA in Mathematical Sciences, and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Adolescent Mathematics at Binghamton University. Prior to teaching, she worked at Broome Community College, where she was the Supplemental Instruction Training Coordinator Assistant and a Supplemental Instruction Leader. Ms. Weisel has been in the classroom for seven years, and currently teaches Geometry and Elements of Algebra at Vestal High School. Outside of class, she serves on the Mentor Steering Committee and as a Staff Advisor to student mentors. She also enjoys helping chaperone the annual King Bruin Dance as well as the Junior and Senior Prom. Within the Broome-Tioga BOCES consortium, Ms. Weisel represents Vestal High School on the Regional Math Leadership Team. Ms. Weisel enjoys exploring new approaches to conceptual understanding as an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS. Outside of school, Ms. Weisel enjoys baking and attending regional theater. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Weisel is excited for the opportunity to grow in her craft and share her learning with both her colleagues and pre-service teachers.
Steve Weissburg earned his BS in Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin, and MSEd at SUNY Cortland. Mr Weissburg has been teaching for 24 years, and he teaches mathematics at Ithaca High School. In the past, he has served as Department Chair (2004-9) and District Math Curriculum Chair (2000-2013). He is a strong advocate for global education. He was a Fulbright Exchange Teacher (South Africa, 2003) and spent a year teaching in a township school near Pretoria. In 2012, Mr. Weissburg became a Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellow and visited schools in Morocco. He is also a Fulbright Math Education Specialist and traveled to South Africa on a sabbatical grant in 2014 where he collaborated on Math Education at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Most recently he has focused on collaborative international projects in secondary mathematics. This year, his students collaborated via Edmodo and Skype with students in India, Romania, South Africa and Serbia. He is working to develop an online database of collaborative projects and classrooms across the world. In 2009 Steve received the Raymond Van Houtte Teacher Award for Tompkins County. In his spare time Steve is an avid gardener and raises chickens and goats.
Nicole Weist earned her B.S. in Special Education from Keuka College and M.S. in Elementary Education from Binghamton University. Nicole began her career teaching at C.R. Weeks Elementary in the Windsor Central School District as a Special Education Consultant Teacher for grades 4 and 5 in 2008. She teaches goal-based instruction in the areas of math, reading, and writing. Her drive to become a teacher was to instill in each child a sense of empowerment with knowledge so that they have no limits to what they can achieve in life. Mrs. Weist was awarded the 1:1 Initiative, technology to enhance STLE instruction, and the STLE 2 Teacher Level Grant: Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness. Since 2008, Mrs. Weist has organized the Breakfast Club, makes pancakes, and serves specifically chosen students who show certain character traits throughout the month. She also participates in the Knight Lights Summer Program at Windsor CSD. She is most passionate about opening the eyes of her students to math and creating a sense of understanding that will enable them to become independent lifelong learners. Outside of school, she finds comfort and relaxation in a good book. Nicole is looking forward to continuing to learn best practices for supporting her students' learning through the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Mark Wentka earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University at Buffalo, a Graduate initial certificate for Mathematics from CUNY Queens College, and an M.S. in Educational Studies from Binghamton University. Mr. Wentka entered education after an 18 year career working as an electrical engineer in the design and development of complex digital electronic systems destined for military and commercial markets. In the classroom for 8 years at Windsor Central High School, he currently teaches Project Lead the Way courses that include Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, Civil Engineering and Architecture and Engineering Design and Development. He was drawn to education by his desire to share his enthusiasm for creative design and problem solving in a hope to inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in STEAM fields. He currently serves as the teacher leader of his department and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. His professional interests include learning more about effective project-based instruction and the assessment of group projects. Outside of the classroom, Mark enjoys travel and gardening and is a huge fan of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Mark is looking forward to working and collaborating with other NYS Master Teachers to learn and grow as an educator.
Lisa Wheeler earned her AAS in Physical Therapy Assistant from Broome Community College, BS in Biology-Chemistry from Elmira College, and MAEd in Education from Elmira College. Prior to teaching, Ms. Wheeler worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant for Corning Hospital where she became certified as a Manual Lymphedema Therapist. Educating her patients on their diagnosis and treatments, as well as her passion for science, led her to teaching the age group that both challenges and delights her. Ms. Wheeler teaches Living Environment at Ernie Davis Academy, is a member of the Positive Behavior Intervention Service team, tutors after school, chaperones dances, sells tickets at football games and wrestling meets, as well as, works at track meets. Ms. Wheeler has spent summers teaching summer school and most recently, worked at Cornell University doing research and curriculum development on stem cells in the Immunology Department. She enjoys spending time with her four children. Ms. Wheeler is passionate about new research and excited about guiding her students into discovering new paths in science and engaging inquiry-based learning. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Wheeler looks forward to participating in upcoming mini-courses as well as in a PLT with fellow science teachers.
Michael Wichowski earned his BS in Technology Education (K-12) from SUNY Oswego and his MEd in Educational Technology from the American College of Education. Mr. Wichowski started his teaching career in Charles County, Maryland in 2011 before returning to the Southern Tier in 2017. He currently teaches Technology and Engineering courses at Union-Endicott High School, including Design and Drawing for Production, Materials Processing and Construction Systems, and the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course Civil Engineering and Architecture. He is certified in the PLTW courses Introduction to Engineering Design and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Wichowski is involved in his school's Tech Club and the Parent Advisory Council for the engineering program and has enjoyed coaching boys varsity lacrosse for the previous 6 seasons. He is an active member of the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association (NYSTEEA) Southern Tier Technology and Engineering Educators Association (STTEEA) and International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on Ohio State Football. Mr. Wichowski was encouraged to go into Technology and Engineering Education through his father and both grandfathers who all instilled in him at a young age to be inquisitive and learn how things work. Being new to the Master Teacher Program, Mr. Wichowski is excited about collaborating with colleagues around the state and furthering STEM learning in his district.
Sarah Wichowski earned her BS in Secondary Mathematics Education from Ohio University and her MEd in Educational Technology from the American College of Education. In her 12-year career, she has taught in four school districts across three states (Ohio, Maryland, and New York). Mrs. Wichowski has taught Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Placement Calculus, and 8th Grade Math. She has enjoyed leading a professional learning community to share ways to incorporate technology effectively in the classroom and has been actively involved in district-wide curriculum development. Mrs. Wichowski is currently teaching Algebra 2 and Geo-Trig 2 and is on the Response to Intervention team at Chenango Forks High School. Mrs. Wichowski enjoys being involved in the school community, chaperoning events and supporting her students outside the classroom as they perform in sports, music, and other extracurricular activities. Outside of school, Mrs. Wichowski loves spending time with her husband, two children, and her chocolate lab, and she loves Saturdays in the fall watching Ohio State Football. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Wichowski looks forward to collaborating with other experienced teachers from a variety of STEM content areas and continuing to grow as an educator.
Michael Williams received his A.A.S. from Broome Community College in Computer Science, his B.A. from SUNY Geneseo in Computer Science, and his M.S.Ed. from Binghamton University in Inclusive Childhood Education. He fell in love with teaching after a fieldwork experience and observations of elementary classrooms and began teaching in 2009. He is an elementary special education teacher at Caryl E. Adams Elementary in Whitney Point where he teaches reading, writing, and math to students with disabilities in a general education setting. He enjoys sharing his passion for math and science with students and sparking their interest. Fostering a love and appreciation of nature, he created a 3rd grade field trip to test the water quality in the Tioughnioga River using a kit from the New York Geographic Alliance, of which he is a member. He currently serves on many committees in his district, including as a Department Chair of the Elementary Special Services Department. Mr. Williams has served as the star lab teacher for 1st and 3rd grade students and has begun working on his National Board Certification. Michael is a self-taught auto mechanic and home repairman. He has a lifelong passion for learning and is so excited for the opportunity to be a Master Teacher.
Charlie Wilson earned his BS in General Science from Houghton College and MSEd from Elmira College. Mr. Wilson has been teaching for 20 years, and he teaches ACE Physics as an adjunct professor through Corning Community College and Regents Physics at Elmira High School in Elmira, New York. A strong advocate for hands-on, relevant learning, Mr. Wilson involves students in labs that relate to their everyday lives. He has been involved in biomedical research in Cornell for the past two years, which has afforded him the opportunity to take students to see the research facility there, as well as bring graduate students into his classroom to share recent research to inspire and motivate students. He is a member of Science Teachers Association of New York State and New York State United Teachers.
Andrew Wolford earned his BS in Biochemistry from Binghamton University and MSEd in Chemistry Education from SUNY Cortland. At Binghamton University, Mr. Wolford performed two years of undergraduate research on enzyme metabolism of proteins in developing soybean plants under National Science Foundation and US Department of Agriculture grants. Mr. Wolford first started teaching at Otselic Valley Central School in 2001, and for the past 12 years, he has been teaching concurrent enrollment chemistry and physics classes through Tompkins Cortland Community College at Unadilla Valley Central School. Over the years, Mr. Wolford has been junior class advisor, sophomore class advisor, soccer coach, basketball coach, and academic team coach. He currently serves on the STEM committee, College in the Classroom committee, and as a mentor for new teachers. Outside of classroom, Mr. Wolford enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his wife and three children. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Wolford looks forward to collaborating with other science teachers and learning new ways to help make the curriculum relevant and interesting.
Murray Wright earned his BS in Secondary Mathematics Education from SUNY College at Buffalo and his MS in Secondary Mathematics Education from SUNY Geneseo. Mr. Wright has been teaching mathematics for the Bath Central School District at Haverling High School since 1992. He teaches Intro to Robotics/Coding, SAT Prep, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus I & II. He has been the Haverling Teachers' Association Treasurer since 2005 and is the National Honor Society advisor, the modified tennis coach, a ski club chaperone, and sits on the Professional Development Committee. He was a principal proofreader for the Pearson-Prentice Hall college text An Introduction to Abstract Algebra with Notes to the Future Teacher by Olympia Nicodemi. He has a fondness for the history of mathematics and believes that sharing the story of mathematics and the mathematicians who have made contributions to the subject brings math alive for students and helps give them a thorough understanding of math. As a NYS Master Teacher, he is excited to be able to collaborate with other STEM teachers and to participate in the high quality professional development.
Jennifer Young earned her B.S. in Childhood Education/Teaching Students with Disabilities from SUNY Cortland and her M.S. Ed. in Literacy from Binghamton University. Jennifer is a Special Education teacher at C. R. Weeks Elementary School in the Windsor Central School District. She began her career as a Consultant Teacher for kindergarten through second grade where she collaborated with teachers daily to meet individual student needs. Mrs. Young currently teaches students in kindergarten through second grade in a multi-age classroom where she teaches math, science, reading, and writing. She provides daily differentiated instruction to all her students based on their Individualized Education Plan needs. She serves on the school's Building Leadership Team and is currently training to become a district Literacy Coach. Jennifer enjoys working with children ages 5 to 8 years old because they are so curious about the world and, through engaging lessons, she is able to help them develop a new understanding of math, science, and literacy concepts. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family on hikes and relaxing on her boat. She has coached soccer and baseball for her two sons and participates in extracurricular school functions such as dances, Bingo nights, and Pancake Breakfast fundraisers. Jennifer is looking forward to learning new and engaging ways to incorporate technology into her daily lessons through the NYS Master Teacher Program.
Karen Zetzsche earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and her M.S. in Education at SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Zetzsche began her career in Baltimore, Maryland at Pimlico Elementary teaching 2nd grade in 1998. Since 1999, Mrs. Zetzsche has been teaching at Horace Mann Elementary in Binghamton, New York. She was inspired by her own fourth grade teacher who made learning fun and interesting. Science and math are Mrs. Zetzsche's favorite STEM subjects to teach. She loves to learn and tell her students gross facts or show off her dead animal collection. Within her school community, Mrs. Zetzsche serves as a member of the Share Leadership Team and advisor for the Student Council. Karen is the Math Mentor for her school she has helped guide young girls through projects in the Girls in Engineering program led by Lockheed Martin. Outside of school, Mrs. Zetzsche likes to garden and bake. She has coached Odyssey of the Mind teams and a toddler baseball team for her own children, and is a member of the marching band field crew. As a NYS Master Teacher, Karen is looking forward to participating in several upcoming courses, including ones on mindfulness and technology.
Aileen Zielewicz earned her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Scranton and her M.S.Ed. in Secondary Mathematics Education from SUNY Binghamton University. In the classroom for twenty-three years at Union-Endicott Schools, Mrs. Zielewicz currently teaches AP statistics, pre-calculus, and geometry. Previously, she taught various grade levels in middle and high school. Mrs. Zielewicz also taught SAT prep courses and a college statistics course. Outside of the classroom, she advises the Mathletes and mentors new teachers. Mrs. Zielewicz attributes her love of rules and order in mathematics to early activities, such as cards, and lessons her mother gave her in counting in base two. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers to expand her pedagogical knowledge.
Leslie Zolnik earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Biology from the University of Vermont and an M.A.T. in Adolescence Education from Ithaca College. Prior to teaching, she worked for a number of youth development non-profits and led conservation crews of high school volunteers for the Student Conservation Association in New England, Alaska, and California during the summer months. After spending a few years in the mountains of Montana, Leslie returned to her home state of New York to pursue her Master's degree. Ms. Zolnik teaches both honors and regents-level Biology at Ithaca High School. She has advised a number of student clubs and organized a school field trip to Costa Rica. Ms. Zolnik enjoys designing thoughtful labs that engage students in learning about important biological concepts. She is an active member of the National Science Teacher Association, and frequently utilizes local community and higher education resources to provide her students with relevant and real world experiences. As a the Master Teacher, Ms. Zolnik looks forward to further strengthening her content knowledge and pedagogical methods, and collaborating with other talented professionals throughout the region.