Frank Aurigema
Clinton Central School District
Frank Aurigema earned his BA from SUNY Plattsburgh and enjoyed his time doing research in the geology department under Steven Tice and Dr. Roden-Tice. Mr. Aurigema continued on to get his MS in Special Education (grades 5-9) from Touro University. He is certified to teach Earth Science grades 7-12 in New York State and is currently teaching Earth Science to 9th and 10th grade students at Clinton High School. Mr. Aurigema organizes the annual Science Fair and has begun the first schools first ever High School ESports League. He is an active member of STANYS and attends the annual conferences. Mr. Aurigema is currently Vice President of NYESTA (New York Earth Science Teacher Association) where he enjoys collegiality of like-minded Earth Science Teachers where they share their passion for all things Earth. He enjoys spending time with his young family, running, snowboarding, gardening or anything outdoors. Mr. Aurigema loves Earth Science and can often be heard telling his students that Earth Science is the best of all sciences by stating, “Earth Science is the most practical of all sciences because you are hopelessly connected to it and you just can't escape it.” Mr. Aurigema is looking forward to learning and exploring in the NYS Master Teacher Program with the hopes of it all benefiting students.
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Eric Boisen
Westmoreland Central School District
Eric Boisen earned his BA in Psychology, MST for Pre-k to Grade 6 certification from SUNY Potsdam, and MS in Educational Leadership and Administration from Utica College. Mr. Boisen has taught computer coding and STEM for grades 5-6 with a focus on robotics at the Westmoreland Upper Elementary School since 2017. He has created a student driven environment that allows his students to take risks while building perseverance and problem-solving skills. Mr. Boisen also advises the Student Council, the School Bookstore, and the Helping Hands Club. Prior to teaching in Westmoreland, Mr. Boisen taught for one year at The House of the Good Shepherd in a 15:1:1 classroom and then for over 15 years in the Ilion/ Central Valley Central School District as a third-grade teacher for three years before transitioning to teaching sixth grade math. He created 6th grade math benchmark assessments and helped vertically align the math curriculum with grades 7-8. In addition to teaching in the Ilion/ CVCSD, he served as the sixth-grade level coordinator and coached cross country and track. He was known for connecting math lessons to these two sports. Mr. Boisen enjoys traveling with his family, woodworking, kayaking, skiing, and snowmobiling. He is looking forward to participating in professional development activities for coding, math, and science through the NYSMTP.
Emily Bonomo
Whitesboro Central School District
Emily Bonomo earned her BA in Mathematics from Nazareth College with teaching certificates in Mathematics (7-12) and Teaching Students with Disabilities (7-12), and her MSEd in Literacy from SUNY Cortland with a certificate in Literacy (5-12). Ms. Bonomo has been a teacher at Whitesboro High School since 2014, teaching special education Algebra, Topics in Geometry, and Topics in Trigonometry in the 15:1:1 setting. She is an active member of the school community as the Red Cross Club advisor and a member of the school's Renaissance Committee, a group celebrating the achievements of strong academics and well-rounded students. She loves seeing her students excel outside the classroom at musical and sporting events, sometimes participating in them herself! Ms. Bonomo loves to spend time with family, read, and golf and is a proud achiever of both a hole in one and an eagle! As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Bonomo looks forward to collaborating with teachers from other school districts to enhance her instruction and finding new techniques to reach students of all abilities.
Jeffery Brown
Utica City School District
Jeffery Brown earned his AS in Chemistry from Herkimer College, his BA in General Science with a concentration in Chemistry and a minor in Middle and Adolescent Education from Alfred University, and his MSEd in Literacy Education at SUNY Cortland. He has been a committed STEM teacher since 2012. Prior to devoting his career to education, he has experience as a Quality Control Chemist. Mr. Brown has taught at Utica Notre Dame, Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES, West Canada Valley, and currently teaches at T.R. Proctor High School in Utica. Mr. Brown has taught a great variety of courses including Regents and Non-Regents Chemistry, Regents and Non-Regents Physics, Life Science, and CTE Integrated Science. Mr. Brown has been very active in the school communities. He has coached football, basketball, softball, bowling, tee ball and soccer. Mr. Brown has also advised science clubs with college visits, senior class advisor, Envirothon, and has served as a science department head. Outside the classroom, Mr. Brown loves making memories with his family, enjoys running, skiing, camping, hiking, and boating. He is looking forward to collaborating strategies, best practices, and labs with other passionate STEM New York State Master Teachers.
Russell Brown
Hamilton Fulton Montgomery BOCES
Russell Brown earned his MS in Secondary Education and his BS in Geology and Expeditionary Studies from SUNY Plattsburgh. In the classroom for nine years, Mr. Brown teaches Earth Science, Astronomy, and other science electives in an alternative educational setting at Adirondack Academy. He strives to create a student-centered environment in his classes that allow students to develop perseverance, self-advocacy, and technological skills to succeed. Outside the classroom, Mr. Brown focuses on building systems for grading automation and data collection to streamline communication among colleagues. He is a member of the Professional Learning Plan Committee that develops the long-term professional development plan for the district. As a strong proponent of using technology in the classroom, Mr. Brown holds workshops to share techniques with his colleagues. He is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of NYS and presented at the July 2022 Southern Regional Educational Board's Annual Conference in Grapevine, TX, on literacy strategies in the science classroom. Outside of school, Mr. Brown is an avid outdoorsman and certified NYS Guide, spending most of his time in the mountains or on the water. He has worked as a ski instructor, raft guide, and backpacking guide and considers himself a lifelong learner and educator outside of the classroom. As a NYS Master Science Teacher, Mr. Brown is looking forward to collaborating with other STEM educators and pre-service teachers to help improve student outcomes across the state.
Katherine Butler
Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District
Katherine Butler earned her BS in Mathematics and BS in Adolescent Education and MS in Educational Technology from SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. Butler has taught middle school mathematics since 2013 and is currently teaching 7th grade math and AIS math at William H. Golding Middle School at the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District. Mrs. Butler serves as the 7th Grade Team Leader, member of the Building Leadership Team, member of the Strategic Planning Team, WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Boomerang Project Teacher Leader, Curriculum Writing Member, Interview Committee Member, and assists with technology integration at her school. Mrs. Butler has been the commissioner of the girls youth basketball program in her community, a modified softball coach, JV girls basketball coach, AAU girls basketball coach, Running Club co-advisor, Comic Community Club advisor, Celebration Club advisor, as well as a Jr. Iron Chef judge. In her community, she is a member of the Summit Conservation Club, Summit Sno- Riders Snowmobile Club, and Schoharie County Jeep Club. She enjoys outdoor motorsports, camping, fishing, and competing in and watching athletics with her husband and two sons. Mrs. Butler is passionate about educating, inspiring and empowering her students in the STEM areas as they become creative, engaged and productive young adults. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Butler is excited to work with other Master Teachers to continue creating and enhancing engaging STEM lessons and activities in her classroom that foster cross-curricular ties with Science, Technology, and other Math curriculums.
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Lorraine Cittadino
Westmoreland Central School District
Lorraine Cittadino earned a BS in Biology from Utica College, MS in Inclusive Education from Utica College and an MLS in Information and Library Science from SUNY Buffalo. She has been teaching a variety of biology courses including Living Environment, Anatomy & Physiology, and AP Biology at Westmoreland Jr- Sr High School for the past 20 years. Prior to teaching at Westmoreland, Mrs. Cittadino was the Curator of Education at the Utica Zoo and developed many classes for children and adults. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Cittadino serves as the Science Department Chair for Westmoreland Central School and is a member of the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). She is an avid kayaker and enjoys the beauty of New York's Adirondack Mountains. She looks forward to joining other Master Teachers in exploring new strategies to enrich students' understanding of the natural world.
Christopher Cottrell
Milford Central School District
Christopher Cottrell earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Plattsburgh and his MST in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. Currently, he teaches fifth grade at Milford Central School, where he has served for 17 years. Mr. Cottrell is the Elementary Department Chairperson and serves on the Milford Central School District's Comprehensive District Education Plan (CDEP), Technology, and Liaison committees and mentors teachers who are new in the district. Mr. Cottrell facilitates his school's quarterly newsletter, has directed several school musicals, and serves as a yearbook advisor and as the Parent Teacher Student Association President. Since 2019, he has held the position of Adjunct Professor at SUNY Oneonta, teaching Reading and Literacy II and Math and Technology in Elementary Education. Outside of the classroom he enjoys spending time with his foster children, camping and boating. During the summer he continues a lifetime passion of showing a competitive six horse hitch of Belgian Draft horse mares across the United States and Canada. As a new NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Cottrell looks forward to working with others to continue developing and translating modern curriculum through STEM activities to the students in his small rural district.
Jaclyn Countryman
Whitesboro Central School District
Jaclyn Countryman earned her BS in Elementary Education with a Minor in Biology from Elmira College, and her MA in Science Education, Biological Sciences, from Western Governors University. She holds professional certifications in Childhood Education and Biology, Grades 7-12. Mrs. Countryman is trained in iPads, Chromebooks, and Google Apps for Education, and is passionate about technology and its use in the classroom, especially at young ages. She has presented at the NYS Rural Schools Conference, and at the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education Annual Conferences. Mrs. Countryman is also a proud member of the Elmira College Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame for her team's winning of the 2007 National Championship of Competitive Cheerleading. For 12 years, Mrs. Countryman taught 5th grade Math and Science at Memorial Park Elementary in the Waterville Central School District. She has now joined her alma mater, the Whitesboro Central School District, as a 3rd grade Teacher at Marcy Elementary School. As a new Master Teacher, Mrs. Countryman looks forward to collaborating with her Master Teacher peers to create hands-on learning experiences for her students. In her spare time, Mrs. Countryman enjoys boating, crafting, and spending time with her husband and their 3-year-old son, Carson.
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Katelynd DeSanctis
Holland Patent Central School District
Katelynd DeSanctis earned her BS in Childhood Education with a Mathematics Concentration from The College of Saint Rose and her MS in Literacy from SUNY Cortland. Ms. DeSanctis has taught primarily middle school math for the last 12 years and is currently teaching 7th grade math at Holland Patent Middle School. In addition to teaching, Ms. DeSanctis is a club advisor for the Mathcounts Team and National Junior Honor Society. She is also an active member of the District Technology Committee and the Holland Patent Teacher Center Policy Board. In her free time, Ms. DeSanctis enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and traveling. Prior to becoming a NYS Master teacher, Ms. DeSanctis participated in the Mohawk Valley Math PLT Conference "We're All in This Together-A Day of Sharing Mathematics" and found the day to be extremely informative. It was part of what inspired her to become part of the NYS Master Teacher Program. Ms. DeSanctis is looking forward to collaborating with other math teachers and bringing new ideas back to her students.
Kelly DiNatale
Fonda-Fultonville Central School District
Kelly DiNatale earned her BS in Marine Biology, Secondary Education Teacher Certification from the University of New England, MS in Teacher Education from the College of Saint Rose, and National Board Certification in Young Adolescent Science. In addition, Mrs. DiNatale has extensive field research experience with green sea urchins, coral reef research in Belize, and Steller sea lion research in Alaska. She previously worked for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation as a Marine Biologist overseeing marine habitat restoration projects on the Hudson River. Mrs. DiNatale taught 6th-8th grade science, STEM, and marine biology at Broadalbin-Perth Junior High School for 10 years. She served as National Junior Honor Society Co-Advisor, founded the Community Service Club, and served on the Building Leadership Team. Additionally, she established a biannual Splash Into Science trip to the Florida Keys that introduced students to marine ecology and conservation. While at Broadalbin-Perth, Mrs. DiNatale received both the Barnes and Noble “My Favorite Teacher Award” and the Patriot of the Year Award. Mrs. DiNatale now teaches Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology at Fonda-Fultonville Senior High School. Loving all things sand and sea, Mrs. DiNatale relishes time spent with family in tropical locales, snorkeling with the resident marine life. She looks forward to learning from her talented colleagues in the NYS Master Teacher Program and will continue to promote and engage in opportunities for girls in STEM, conservation, and climate change awareness.
Kathleen Donovan
New Hartford Central School District
Kathleen Donovan earned her BFA in the Visual Arts from the University of Bridgeport, an MS in Education Technology from The College of St Rose, a graduate certificate in Engineering Education from Tufts University and is currently taking courses in the Creativity & Leadership program at SUNY Buffalo State. After ten years of professional graphic design work, she entered the world of education as an elementary Computer Technology instructor. Mrs. Donovan earned her certification as a (K-12) Education Technology Specialist, taught for seventeen years at New Hartford Schools, and is currently the district's STEAM Enrichment Specialist where she designs STEAM enrichment opportunities for elementary students. She has participated in the planning of the district's Spring-STEAM event and currently advises The Character Lab at Myles Elementary School. She regularly assists her colleagues in digital technology integration and is also on the district's socio-emotional learning training program sponsored by Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Donovan continues to work on her own creative skills with her visual art and writing to fuel her STEAM pedagogy. Her passion to participate in the jam-band music festival scene keeps her vitally aware of the joy it is to learn through improvisation. She is looking forward to sharing her learning experiences with other Master Teachers and, in turn, continuing her own education through the passion and leadership of their work.
Meghan Dote
Whitesboro Central School District
Meghan Dote earned her BS at SUNY Brockport in Childhood Education and her Masters Degree from Touro College in Students with Disabilities. Since obtaining her Master's Degree, she has taken many content graduate classes to earn a teaching certification in Science. Mrs. Dote currently teaches 15:1 Science in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades at Whitesboro Middle School. Although teaching since 2007, this is her fourth-year teaching at Whitesboro Central Schools. Outside of her teaching, Mrs. Dote is involved with the Whitesboro School District community as a Varsity Assistant Field Hockey Coach, is a member of the Compass Committee. She has also created and advised a club called Accomplishments in STEAM, where women in the STEAM field speak to the club about their path taken, struggles, and accomplishments. Mrs. Dote is also a member of the Woods Valley Ski Patrol, where she assists injured patrons and helps them seek the medical attention they need. She enjoys being very active, particularly through outdoor activities such as downhill skiing, hiking, kayaking, and waterskiing with her family. Mrs. Dote looks forward to the many opportunities that the NYS Master Teacher Program offers especially guiding and helping future teachers find their paths and helping to enrich her students' learning.
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Justin Eberley
Holland Patent Central School District
Justin Eberley earned his BS in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Med and MSEd in Adolescence Education Biology from Utica College. Mr. Eberly, in his 15th year, teaches middle school science and facilitates the Makerspace classroom. He advises the Makerspace and Technology Clubs at Holland Patent Middle School where his students compete in FIRST Lego League Robotics. He serves on various committees within the district. In the community, he is involved with the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee for Research at Utica College and CNY FIRST Robotics. Mr. Eberley has received many awards including the 2019 Teacher of the Year from the Library Media Specialists of OHM BOCES, the 2019 Coach/Mentor Award from FIRST Lego League-Utica Region, and the 2016 Outstanding Educator in STEM Education from the Mohawk Valley Engineering Executive Council. He loves to develop curriculum and provide professional development through the Holland Patent Teacher Center. He has also set up trainings to instruct coaches about Robotics. He is sought after to develop and teach summer camp courses for local colleges. Mr. Eberly has many passions ranging from fixing houses, watching sports, the Olympics, writing music, traveling, and creating art where he has won twice in the amateur mixed media category at the New York State Fair.
Michael Eisinger
Sauquoit Valley Central School District
Michael Eisinger Michael Eisinger earned his BA in Physics from SUNY Geneseo and his MSEd in Curriculum and Development from SUNY Oswego. In his eighth year of teaching at his alma mater, Sauquoit Valley High School, he teaches Regents Physics, Advanced Placement Physics through Herkimer College, and Consumer Math. In addition to being the Content Area Coordinator for science teachers in the high school, Mr. Eisinger advises the Chess Club and coaches boys junior varsity and girls modified volleyball. In the past, he has worked with other science teachers over the summer to develop resources for local elementary school teachers and was chosen by his students to receive Rotary International's Outstanding Educator Award for Sauquoit Valley in 2019. Outside of school, Mr. Eisinger enjoys playing volleyball, supporting Syracuse University athletics, and hiking in the Adirondacks, as he has just become an Adirondack 46'er this past summer. Mr. Eisinger remembers the exact day and homework question that he was working on when physics, to that point somewhat of a struggle, finally "clicked" for him, and he has loved every step of that journey ever since! He is looking forward to meeting other Master Teachers in the area, collaborating with them on best practices, and learning through workshops and other meetings, how to better inspire and advise his students in their science endeavors.
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Heather Grant
Morris Central School District
Heather Grant earned her BS in Environmental Earth Science from SUNY Oneonta, and an MS in Geology from the University of Vermont. Ms. Grant's entry into teaching began in 2008, when she applied for a substitute teaching position at Lyndon Institute, an independent school in Northeastern Vermont, teaching AP and Honors Physics. After teaching for several years in Vermont, she returned to New York, and received her Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Adolescent Education. Over the last 13 years in the classroom, Ms. Grant has taught high school and middle school level Physics, middle school Chemistry, Earth Science and Environmental Studies. In addition, Ms. Grant is a Curriculum Specialist for the Otsego County Conservation Association Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, specializing in Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences, and works with Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring as a citizen scientist, collecting and analyzing stream water samples in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. She also works with her local Town Board through Climate Smart Communities, to ensure watershed protections are in place at the town level. Ms. Grant is an avid outdoors person, who enjoys hiking, mountain biking, backpacking and gardening and coaching the local National Interscholastic Cycling Association mountain bike team. Ms. Grant is looking forward to participating in the NYS Master Teacher Program, especially the Earth Science Rocks PLT, and any opportunity to dive into local and regional geology.
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Jessica Hamilton
Whitesboro Central School District
Jessica Hamilton earned her BS in Elementary Education from Elmira College and her MA in Special Education from Touro College. Mrs. Hamilton taught 6th grade math for 19 years and recently embarked on a new journey of teaching 6th grade Science. She is the Student Council Advisor at Parkway Middle School and her main goals for her students are to promote school pride, create a sense of school community, work together for the greater good of her school, and give back to their community. In addition to being the Student Council Advisor, she enjoys participating as the Teacher Representative in the Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). This experience has given her the opportunity to be more of a leader on the Middle School campus and build stronger relationships with families in her community. Mrs. Hamilton's leadership roles with both Student Council and the PTO represent her core belief in leading by example. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to Florida to visit family, boating, spending time with friends, and making memories with her family. She is excited about continuing her life-long learning through experiences with her fellow teacher peers, and is honored to work with and learn from like-minded educators to better her craft and share her knowledge with her school district.
Julia Hudyncia-Davis
Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Central School District
Julia Hudyncia-Davis attended SUNY Cobleskill before transferring to Cornell University where she earned her BS in Animal Science and Master of Art in Teaching in Agriculture Education. Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis taught an array of agriculture science courses since 2010, including Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Equine Science, Dairy Science, Plant Science, Food Systems, Wildlife/Conservation Management, and Agriculture Mechanics. Currently, she teaches at Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville (OESJ) Central School, and is advisor of the Mohawk Valley Future Farmer of America, a youth organization focused on leadership, personal growth, and career success. Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis has been recognized for her teaching at the state and national levels including being named the New York Association of Agricultural Educators (NYAAE) Teacher Turn the Key Winner, and Outstanding Teacher Award. Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis has held many leadership roles in and out of school. At OESJ, she's an active participant in the Building Leaders Team and coordinator of “Cookie and a Compliment.” Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis is an active member of her family farm where they milk Registered Holsteins, raise organic grass-fed beef, and operate a garden and greenhouse to supply a local school and farm store. Recently, Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis was the New York Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Winner. As an educator, it is her goal to bring her passion and involvement in the agriculture industry to her students. Mrs. Hudyncia-Davis is looking forward to being able to share her passion and experiences in agriculture with other STEM content teachers.
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Rebecca Leahy
Gloversville City School District
Rebecca Leahy earned her BS in Biology from Molloy College and MS in Adolescent Education from The College of Saint Rose. Ms. Leahy spent the last 12 years teaching Living Environment, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, AP Environment, and Chemistry. She currently teaches Living Environment at Gloversville High School, and is currently starting an outdoor club at the High School. Professionally, Ms. Leahy is a member of the Science Teachers Association of New York State. In addition, she is most passionate about relaying her love of learning Science to her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking in the Adirondack High Peaks, skiing, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends. As a Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with colleagues on implementing the new Science standards.
Samantha Levine
Utica City School District
Samantha Levine earned her dual BS in Childhood Education and Spanish at SUNY Oneonta and an MS in Second Language Education at SUNY New Paltz with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. In English as a New Language (ENL) elementary grades classrooms for nine years, she teaches first, second, forth, and sixth grade students at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. Science is a core component of Mrs. Levine's curriculum: Science vocabulary and content are explicitly taught in ENL so students can develop a strong foundation for future science explorations in middle and high school. Her students can be observed germinating plants, experimenting with animals' coloration, creating models of the Earth, and crafting Lego bridges. Mrs. Levine has served as Chair for the school's Multicultural Night and is a member of the school's Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports team and of the Faculty Affairs Committee. When she is not at school, Mrs. Levine loves to spend time outdoors hiking, skiing, or running, which reminds her of J.R.R. Tolkien's famous words: Not all those who wander are lost. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Levine is mostly looking forward to learning new science to share with her class and sharing her expertise on making science curriculum more accessible for English Language Learners.
Heidi Libertella
Camden Central School District
Heidi Libertella earned her BS in Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude, and her MSEd from LeMoyne College. Mrs. Libertella has been teaching at her alma mater of Camden Central since she entered the teaching profession 23 years ago. She began her teaching career at the middle school level and for the last two decades teaches at the high school level. Her true passion in life is watching her students grasp science concepts through both lecture and lab experimentation. Mrs. Libertella credits her inspiration for becoming a chemistry teacher to her former high school chemistry teacher. Mrs. Libertella teaches a variety of science classes including Regents Chemistry, Community College level Chemistry, Forensics, and Food Science. Mrs. Libertella is advisor to the National Honor Society and is the district wide chemical hygiene officer. In addition, she spends summers teaching school, has been a member of the external review team for her local BOCES and has served as educational specialist for the New York State Education Department. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Libertella looks forward to collaborating with her peers to deepen and broaden her knowledge in science content and pedagogical strategies. In her free time, Mrs. Libertella loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors watching the seasons change.
Adam Lovecchio
Utica City School District
Adam Lovecchio received his BA in Physics and minors in mathematics, psychology, and philosophy and his Master of Scient in Teaching both from Le Moyne College. Mr. Lovecchio has been a teacher since 2007 and has been teaching at Proctor High School in Utica, NY since 2016. He also works as a physics adjunct at SUNY Poly in Utica, NY. Mr. Lovecchio teaches courses in Regents Physics, Nanotechnology, and Bridges Science. He is currently working on his National Board Certification in Physics. Outside of the classroom, he coaches the school's robotics team, works as the school’s Audio Visual Coordinator, helps as an advocate in STEP Up Physics (helps increase the number of women working in the physics field), helps advocate for energy conservation through the NYS Energy Department and is a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers. He loves spending time with his family, dog, and two cats. In the Master Teacher Program, he looks forward to working with others to get new ideas on how to better improve students’ understanding of the STEM field.
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Kelly Maynard
Oneonta City School District
Kelly Maynard earned her BS in Childhood Education with a concentration in English Language Arts from the SUNY Oneonta, and an MS in Special Education from Fort Hays University. While in college, Mrs. Maynard worked part-time in the outpatient lab at a local hospital and was promoted to perform data collection for the hospital. Mrs. Maynard also worked as a court stenographer for the Otsego County Public Defender's Office for a time during graduate school. In the classroom for ten years, Mrs. Maynard teaches special education resource room classes to 6th graders, is consultant teacher for 6th grade math and combined 6,7, & 8 science at Oneonta Middle School. Mrs. Maynard has been a part of several volunteer experiences throughout the years including chairing the school food backpack program, volunteering at Susquehanna SPCA with her daughter, and serving at the Lord's Table food pantry. She attended the Sense of Place Workshop at the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development where she learned to integrate resources from and about the Catskill Region and upstate New York into the curriculum. Mrs. Maynard has always yearned to see new places and ways of life and has traveled to other parts of the world including places like Africa and Japan. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Maynard is looking forward to participating in the Diverse Learners Professional Learning Team and the Strategies for Tough Times workshops.
Julie McKee
Oneonta City School District
Julie McKee earned her AAS in Veterinary Science from SUNY Delhi. She worked as a Veterinary Technician for several years before completing her BS and MS in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta. Julie taught 5th & 6th grade science for 18 years, Math AIS for 1 year, and has been a 2nd grade teacher for the last 5 years in the Oneonta City School District. Over her 24 year career, Mrs. McKee has hosted many student teachers, taught education classes at SUNY Oneonta, started a 3rd – 6th grade annual science fair, mentored new teachers, coached high school girls and boys diving, attended the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, and served as a member of several committees. Mrs. McKee is passionate about inspiring children at a young age in the areas of STEM. Outside of school, Julie is an East Coast Masters Diver, rides four-wheelers and horses, loves snow and water skiing, and takes every opportunity to soak up family time. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. McKee is looking forward to professional development in STEM for younger students and to collaborating and learning with other Master Teachers.
Heather Monroe
Utica City School District
Heather Monroe earned her BS in Biology and Adolescent Education at Utica College of Syracuse University, with teaching certifications for Biology (7-12) and General Science (7-12), and continued her studies at Utica, majoring in Leadership and Instruction for Inclusive Classrooms to earn her MSEd. At present, she is pursuing her second MSEd in Literacy Education (5 – 12) through SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. Monroe has been a teacher in the Utica City School District since 2014, teaching Physical Science, Environmental Science, and most recently Biology. She is an active member of the school community, serving as the head coach for Girls Varsity Cross Country Team, as well as the assistant coach for both Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. She loves being able to see her students excel inside and outside of the classroom in their individual endeavors in athletics and the arts! Mrs. Monroe enjoys spending time with her husband and dog. She is an avid reader, runner, and enjoys hiking the Adirondack 46 High Peaks. Mrs. Monroe is looking forward to collaborating with other teachers and sharing ideas for ways to enhance lessons and laboratory activities in the classroom.
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Jason Nowicki
Rome City School District
Jason Nowicki earned his BS in Biomedical Science from Marist College and Master of Science in Teaching Adolescent Education from Le Moyne College. Mr. Nowicki possesses dual certification in Biology and Special Education. He worked at Rome Free Academy (RFA) for 9 years as a Living Environment teacher in both the general education and 15:1 setting. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he served on the RFA Scheduling Committee and is the creator and advisor of the RFA Fantasy Football Club. Mr. Nowicki is also a proud board member of the “Captain John J. Levulis Scholarship for Leadership”, which is given to an RFA senior who has exemplified leadership, both in the classroom and in the community. Coaching is one of Mr. Nowicki’s greatest passions. He has served as the RFA Varsity Ice Hockey coach for the past 9 years and was named Section III, Division I “Coach of the Year” for two seasons. In his spare time, he loves exploring the outdoors and sharing his love for the environment and biology with his family. Mr. Nowicki is always eager to strengthen his practices in the classroom and is excited for the opportunity to work with other NYS Master Teachers with the goal of inspiring his students to become passionate, lifelong learners in the area of STEM.
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Tracey Parker
Milford Central School District
Tracey Parker earned her BS in Elementary Education, with a 7-9 Mathematics Extension, from SUNY Oswego, and her MSEd from SUNY Oneonta. In the classroom since 1994, Mrs. Parker has taught 5th-8th grade and high school math. She currently teaches Academic Intervention Services to 6-8 math students, Math Prep 8, Algebra, Algebra B, and Geometry. Mrs. Parker was recognized with the SUNY Oneonta Exemplary Service Award for mentoring student teachers. She has served her school community in a variety of roles: Mathematics Department Chair, Milford Teachers Association treasurer, Safety Patrol advisor, member of interview, scheduling, and Comprehensive District Education Plan committees, volleyball, and Math Olympiad coach, and class advisor. Mrs. Parker enjoys camping and spending time with her husband and four children. Her favorite pastimes are watching her children play soccer, basketball and baseball/softball. Mrs. Parker is passionate about helping struggling students succeed and looks forward to expanding her STEM content and pedagogical knowledge as a NYS Master Teacher. She is particularly interested in learning how she can help students consider STEM related careers as viable opportunities.
Julie Power
Broadalbin-Perth Central School District
Julie Power earned her BA in Mathematics from SUNY Albany and her MSEd in Mathematics Education from Lehman College. Mrs. Power began teaching in 2000 and currently teaches Geometry, Advanced Placement/College in the High School Statistics, and Computer Programming in both Python and Java at Broadalbin Perth High School. In addition to teaching, she serves on the Mohonasen CSD school board. Mrs. Power is a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association, the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State, and Decoding Dyslexia of New York State. She has lived and taught in NYC, Florida, and Ireland, and believes that these experiences help her bring a broad perspective to the classroom. Mrs. Power believes it is important to understand the different ways students learn to reach every student in her classroom. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and two sons. As a New York State Master Teacher, Mrs. Power is looking forward to conversations with other like-minded teachers, collaborating with fellow Master Teachers to create innovative STEM activities for students, and learning new ways to inspire and educate.
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Kristen Riggles
Westmoreland Central School District
Kristen Riggles earned her AAS in Liberal Arts at Mohawk Valley Community College and BA in General Studies at SUNY Institute of Technology before earning her Master of Science in Teaching in Elementary Education at SUNY Potsdam. In the classroom for 25 years, Mrs. Riggles has been the STEAM teacher at Westmoreland Primary & Upper Elementary Schools since 2015, teaching Science to all students from kindergarten through fourth grade. She has coached teams for LEGO League Jr, conducted Science Summer Camps, held parent nights at various grade levels, and assisted with Zi3 (Zone for Imagination, Innovation, and Inspiration) evening events. Prior to teaching at Westmoreland, she was the director and inclusive preschool teacher at St. Paul’s Daycare, in Whitesboro, taught sixth grade for three years at Watson Williams Elementary in Utica, and sixth grade Math for 16 years at Poland Central School. Mrs. Riggles works with the Oneida Herkimer Madison BOCES Science Center developing curriculum for their K-5 Science kits and conducting training for teachers. She also co-leads, through the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, a Professional Learning Community to support collaboration among science teachers from area districts. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially at her favorite camping spot, Golden Beach on Raquette Lake. As a NYS Master Teacher, she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of STEM content and collaborating with other like-minded professionals in an effort to better enrich the lives of her students and colleagues.
Jessica Rogan
Westmoreland Central School District
Jessica Rogan earned her BA in Geology and her BS in Adolescent Education with a concentration in Earth Sciences from SUNY Oswego, her MS in Adolescent Literacy from SUNY Cortland, and is certified to teach Earth Science and Literacy at the secondary level. She teaches Regents Earth Science at Westmoreland Junior/Senior High School. Prior to her current role, she taught Regents Earth Science, Non-Regents Earth Science, and CUNY BRIDGES ELL SIFE Physical Science at Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica for eight years. Mrs. Rogan is a member of the Science Teachers Association of NYS (STANYS) and is looking forward to attending her first STANYS annual conference next year. Mrs. Rogan spent the summer session of her junior year at Oswego camping, hiking and geologically mapping a portion of the Adirondack Mountains. Most notably, she climbed and studied Snowy Mountain on her 21st birthday. As a newly appointed NYS Master Teacher, she is looking forward to collaborating with peers to work toward implementing the Next Generation Science Standards as smoothly and effectively as possible. She is also hoping to set up a recycling club at her new school and is optimistic that the NYS Master Teacher program can assist her exploration of impactful ways of getting students involved with helping the planet. When not in the classroom, Mrs. Rogan enjoys spending time with her family and sharing her love of science with her children.
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Renae Scott
Oneonta City School District
Renae Scott earned her BS and MS degrees from SUNY Oneonta. Mrs. Scott’s undergraduate work was in Mathematics Education and her graduate work was in Special Education. Mrs. Scott began her teaching journey in 2008 with the Gilbertsville Mount-Upton Central School District. After leaving GMU, she taught at Schenevus Central School where she was the lead teacher of a self-contained high school special education classroom before transitioning back to a full-time math teacher. Currently, Mrs. Scott is teaching Math 7 and Pre-Advanced Placement Algebra 1 at the Oneonta Middle School (OMS), her alma mater. In her 15 years of teaching, Mrs. Scott has been a National Junior Honor Society advisor, class advisor, ski club advisor, and has coached modified softball and girls soccer, JV Girls basketball, and Varsity Cross Country. Most recently, Mrs. Scott served as a volunteer at community food drives, building ambassador for the Catskill Regional Teacher Center, member of the Oneonta City School District School Comprehensive Education Plan, and advisor for house Ukuzidela at OMS. In her classroom, Mrs. Scott strives to inspire students to love math. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Scott is looking forward to collaborating with fellow colleagues while developing engaging lessons and activities for her students. Additionally, she is looking to provide her students with more cross-curricular opportunities. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Scott has a passion for the outdoors and photography. She enjoys camping trips and adventures with her family.
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Ana Ventre
Broadalbin-Perth Central School District
Ana Ventre earned her BA in Economics from the University of Puget Sound, MSEd in Mathematics from Pace University and pursued graduate level coursework in Educational Administration through Canisius College. Ms. Ventre got her start in education in 2008 through Teach for America and currently teaches 7th grade math at Broadalbin-Perth Jr/Sr High School. She loves teaching middle school math and encouraging all students to see the connection to math in everyday life. As a lifelong learner herself Ms. Ventre agrees with Malcolm Forbes assessment that, “An educations purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one”. Ms. Ventre is currently the Math Department Chair and part of the mentor program at Broadalbin-Perth. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and spends her free time skiing, running, and hiking with her husband and two daughters. As a member of the Master Teacher Program, Ms. Ventre looks forward to collaborating with exceptional teachers who all have the common goal of improving STEM education for all students.
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Karla Williams
Whitesboro Central School District
Karla Williams earned her BA in Biology from Siena College and her MAT from SUNY Cortland. She is certified in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and K-6. Mrs. Williams has been teaching at Whitesboro High School for the past twenty-two years and is currently teaching Earth Science and Earth Science Honors classes. She has also taught Living Environment, Forensics, Energy Studies, and Environmental Conservation throughout her years in the classroom. She is an advisor of the Utica University Science Fair, Envirothon, and the sophomore class. Mrs. Williams believes in the importance of hands-on, cooperative learning and provides activities in her classroom where students are actively involved in the learning process. At Whitesboro, she was awarded the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Teaching Tools Grant for her involvement in the Utica University Science Fair. In the past, Mrs. Williams was a member of the Colgate College Science Affiliates, a Model Schools Mentor, participated in Odyssey of the Mind, Science Olympiad, and enjoyed coaching basketball, track, and diving. She enjoys attending country concerts with her family and spending time at Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake. She is looking forward to working with other Master Teachers and collaborating with them as the new Next Generation Science Standards are implemented. Mrs. Williams is excited to have the opportunity to work with other educators and share ways to inspire students in all STEM fields.