VITAL EDUCATORS DIRECTORY

School Social Worker with experience in Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Previous Non-Profit work and CPS related work. Over 18 years of various experience in the child welfare and education systems.

Betsy’s professional career started as a high school science teacher where she taught the disciplines of biology, anatomy and physiology and earth science. Chosen to be a teacher leader and district-wide curriculum writer along with being a technology expert in the building, classroom teaching time was often taken to fulfill other duties. Betsy decided to pursue a degree that would have a wider reach on the school building and earned her Masters of Library and Information Science. Betsy worked as a K-8 librarian and a high school librarian before deciding to pursue her Certificate of Advanced Study in School and District Leadership. She then took a job as a school library system director at Oneida BOCES. In 2023, she left Oneida BOCES

I am an assistant principal at the Red Creek School District. I have been an educator for 14 years after a career in IT and the Army. I am a happily married man to my wife Lisa who is also an educator. We have 2 children, Matthew 13 and Juliana 16. With us are our 3 pups, Wally, Alabama, and Chewbarka

Dedicated educator with a passion for empowering students and supporting colleagues in professional growth. Currently serves as a fifth-grade teacher, bringing expertise and enthusiasm to the classroom. With a background as an educational technology coach for three years, she supports district technology initiatives, ensuring that students have access to innovative learning tools and resources. Mrs. Varacchi also infuses STEM learning into her teaching, as she previously held the role of STEM teacher for grades K-6, where she played a pivotal role in the collaboration to develop the STEM curriculum for the Three Village School District. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is committed to ongoing professional development and collaboration.

I have been a certified English Language Arts teacher in New York State for 15 years. I have also taught English 101 and lectured at the college level on literacy in the middle and secondary schools. In my positions at BOCES programs I have served as an instructional support specialist for literacy and created curriculum to incorporate literacy standards into CTE courses. I am currently in my first year of fully virtual teaching and tutoring with Synergy Virtual School.

Special education consultant with 10+ years experience. Professional certifications in Culturally responsive pedagogy, and Teaching English to students of other languages.Currently serving in Special Education Teacher Support Services. 5+ years extensive research with the Zuckerman institute of Columbia University in the area of neuroscience instruction as related to special education. My educational philosophy is based on equity. My personal pursuits include photography, fencing,fashion design and interior decorating.I am a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. I consider myself a renaissance man with a social conscience. I live by the mantra : One must be Well read, Well spoken, Well traveled, Well dressed but above all Well balanced

With 18 years of teaching experience, I am a Literacy Coach, supporting New York City Public Schools to provide reading intervention for underserved readers. As part of this work, I facilitate training to build teacher capacity, foster a culture of data literacy, and implement strategic reading periods. I am a recent graduate of the Educational Leadership program of the American College of Education. and am very excited about serving as a Vital Educator to train and support teaching across learning environments.

Carly is a middle school science teacher and an online science instructor. She is certified in biology, Earth science, and has a general science extension. She has experience teaching at the high school and middle school levels. The New York State Master Teacher Program Fellowship allowed Carly to reconstruct her pedagogy as well as her confidence. Carly has found joy working with and training fellow teachers embracing the New York State Science Learning Standards! As a Section Area Representative with the Science Teachers Association of New York State, and a participant on the Middle Level Committee with the National Science Teachers Association, she has been able to develop workshops and resources for teachers near and far!

Timothy J. Johnsen is an experienced educational leader with a strong background in instructional technology. He is currently the Executive Director of Instructional Technology at the Rochester City School District. He has held various roles within the district since 2008. Johnsen holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from St John Fisher College, a Master of Science in Geoscience from Mississippi State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the State University of New York College at Geneseo. He also holds several New York State certifications.

Ms. Castro is a dedicated Bilingual Special Education Teacher with a diverse professional background. With experience in literacy intervention & non-profit project management, she brings a unique blend of expertise to education and community outreach. Ms. Castro's strengths lie in fostering community and parent engagement, alongside a deep commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all learners. Holding a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on public policy, as well as a Master of Science (MS) in Special Education, and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Literacy with a specialization in Bilingual Education/ELLs, Ms. Castro remains passionately dedicated to bridging gaps in education and advocating for inclusive practices.

Carrie Sunkes has spent the past 25 years in the field of education, excelling in roles ranging from a teacher in multiple grade-levels where she focused on curriculum development and student engagement to an administrator. As the Executive Principal of the Cooperative Virtual Learning Academy, she oversees synchronous, targeted instruction for K-12 students statewide. Carrie's expertise seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional classroom pedagogy and virtual learning environments, fostering community, nurturing social-emotional growth, and reinforcing academic skills. She integrates innovative technical platforms to enhance connectivity and personalized learning experiences for both students and teachers.

Special Education teacher with experience in teacher development, specially designed instruction, and culturally responsive and sustaining education. Over 9 years in the field of education , and over 3 years in social services. Currently serving as a LEAP Apprentice within the Department of Education to obtain Masters in Educational Leadership and School Building Leader license.