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DAVID DEUTSCHPhysics, AP Physics B & C Manhattan Center for Science and Math |
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JONATHAN ROTHMANAlgebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Technology & Design, Robotics & Parametric Design Manhattan Academy for Software Engineering |
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JUDE JULIENEarth Science, Living Environment, Regents Chemistry Bronx High School for Writing and Communication Arts |
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KATELIN CORBETTRegents Physics, AP Physics C Eleanor Roosevelt High School |
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LUKE SCHORDINEAlgebra, Geometry, AP Statistics Queens Metropolitan High School |
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TEMPESTT TAYLORAlgebra, Integrated Algebra, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Geometry High School of American Studies at Lehman College |
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TERRENCE MCKIERNANAP Biology, AP Environmental Science, PBAT Environmental Science The Laboratory School of Finance & Technology |
DAVID DEUTSCH
Physics, AP Physics B & C Manhattan Center for Science and MathDavid Deutsch is described as a magician in the classroom. "David's passion never runs outs. Even after teaching 27 years, he enters his classes with an unmatched energy. He knows how to get the shiest, most subdued, and most timid students to be vocal, confident and passionate about science," notes a colleague. A former student, now an aerospace engineer, comments, "I am not being hyperbolic when I say that that man changed my life. He was able to see my potential and set me on a path of engineering." For Deutsch, "My main goal is to give my students a sense of wonder about physics and the natural phenomena that surround us in our lives. When I teach, I am constantly re-affirming my love for science. I hope that students have the same reaction every day when they come to class and learn."
JONATHAN ROTHMAN
Algebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Technology & Design, Robotics & Parametric Design Manhattan Academy for Software EngineeringBecause Jonathan Rothman teaches Technology & Design and Robotics & Parametic Design in addition to traditional math courses, his classroom resembles a workshop with 3-D printers, laser cutters, circuit boards, and soldering irons and the latest design software. Here, instead of students encountering problems only in a textbook, students must apply math to actual tasks. In a lesson on using a rotation tool, Mr. Rothman has his students engineer their own Fidget Spinners and then produce them using a 3-D printer. According to Principal Shawn Raeke, "Mr. Rothman's courses are unique in that they are remarkably challenging and are often geared towards students who have struggled in math and science. He is superior in his ability to reach students. It doesn't matter if he is working with a student who is naturally gifted in math or a student that has struggled his whole life."
JUDE JULIEN
Earth Science, Living Environment, Regents Chemistry Bronx High School for Writing and Communication ArtsJude Julien has transformed his school's science department. Before his arrival, students often had to retake Regents exams; now they are pass them on the first try, and then take upper-level science courses. Says Mr. Julien, "The best science teachers are ones who have a nurturing relationship with their students: teachers who nurture their ability to be ready for academic challenges, their mastery of scientific principles, and their confidence to take risks that will put them into successful situations they may have never thought they could attain." A student notes, "When you walk into Mr. Julien's classroom, you find a teacher who will never judge you based on where you're from, what you've been through or what your experience is with school. He sees someone capable of achieving great things. His goal is to find the best way for you to see that capability too."
KATELIN CORBETT
Regents Physics, AP Physics C Eleanor Roosevelt High SchoolKatelin Corbett is described as warm, inquisitive, and brilliant. According to a colleague, "Ms. Corbett is remarkable in her ability to get students to perform at a level they would never have imagined and then to consider science as a career option. Every day she is changing the lives of her students." Before she arrived, 86% of the students passed Regents Physics but only 37% achieved mastery level. After her first year, the passing rate was 95% with 65% the rate of mastery. Says Principal Dimitri Saliani, "This was amazing. Without a doubt, Ms. Corbett is one of the best teachers I have ever seen. And, I would say, there is no student she can't reach." Echoes a student, "I guarantee you'll push yourself beyond what you think your limits are in her classes."
LUKE SCHORDINE
Algebra, Geometry, AP Statistics Queens Metropolitan High SchoolLuke Schordine is the go-to-math-guru for students and teachers at his own and many other NYC high schools. "It is not an exaggeration to say that I consider teaching to be a sacred trust. My job is not to cover the material. My job is to ensure that students, at all levels, get to that 'aha' moment, which can be life changing. So many students come to me believing all the negative things they have been told about their capacity. Usually none of this is true. So when they have their "aha" moments, I am rewarded with an "aha" moment too. There is nothing better," says Mr. Schordine. He embraces every opportunity to help students. He maintains a YouTube channel of 50 math videos, tutors after school, teaches a college-level course on statistics and created a Video Game Club to promote confidence and student friendships.
TEMPESTT TAYLOR
Algebra, Integrated Algebra, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Geometry High School of American Studies at Lehman CollegeMs. Taylor's courses are among the school's most popular and most challenging. She encourages students to embrace the struggles associated with mathematics because being a mathematician is inherently a difficult enterprise. According to Ms. Taylor, "The most beautiful part of my job is seeing everything click for my students. That moment is made even sweeter when students accept that they are going to struggle and make mistakes. But struggle is the way that we build strength." A students says, "Her attitude is so friendly that I never feel like I am doing a project for a teacher. But then you hear her 'drop some knowledge" about exponential functions and you remember just how brilliant she is." Another notes, "She cultivates an interest in math for students who would never in a million years think that math would be a subject for them."
TERRENCE MCKIERNAN
AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, PBAT Environmental Science The Laboratory School of Finance & TechnologyMr. McKiernan is recognized as a brilliant teacher, a curriculum innovator, a caring colleague, and a person dedicated to his students' success. He says, "I am so fortunate to be a teacher. Every day I see young people who may not start out with many advantages make it. They grow to be educated, self-directed, passionate human beings who are committed to their families and their community. Every day it is an absolute thrill." In all his classes, McKiernan works to find the intersections among science, ecology, economics, civil rights and equity. Topics have included insecticides, hydro-fracking, water pollution, acid rain, among others. According to Ramon Gonzales, Principal of the Lab School. "He is an incredible teacher. He's the kind of teacher you build a school around. He's who you want to work with."
