LAWRENCE PERRETTO

Lawrence is a distinguished science educator and a nationally recognized leader in classroom based science education reform. A pioneer of STEM curriculum and teaching methods, Lawrence excels at designing science programs that effectively integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics. His vision for reforming science education links classroom science with college readiness and workforce development. A natural teacher, Lawrence has won multiple awards and recognitions for his innate ability to engage students in learning experiences that inspire and promote interest in science and engineering. His teaching methods were featured in a documentary video that aired nationally on PBS in 2012. In 2013, Lawrence founded the STEM Leadership Center to grow beyond his classroom, to redefine teacher leadership and to promote the development of a local STEM workforce in partnership with stakeholders in education, government and the business community. Lawrence serves on the Advisory Board for the Westchester County Youth Bureau, the Workforce Diversity Board for the non profit, Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers and the Youth Workforce Development Board for the Business Council of Westchester. 

Lawrence earned a Masters certificate in STEM Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, a Master of Arts in Teaching and Bachelor of Arts in History from Manhattanville College. He is a NASA Endeavor Distinguished Teaching Fellow, Siemens Foundation Research Fellow and 2016 Presidential Award finalist for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, (PAEMST - NY finalist).

MICHAEL SAMMARTANO

Michael Sammartano is an instructional technology coach and coordinator, with more than a dozen years of experience as a classroom science teacher. He holds Masters degrees in science education and instruction technology from Lehman College and the New York Institute of Technology respectively. In 2011, he was accepted into the prestigious Apple Distinguished Educator program. A year later, Michael was inducted into the Google Certified Teacher cohort. He actively curates and reviews educational apps, videos, lessons and other content for Participate Learning and Verizon Education. Mike is currently in a leadership role as a Teacher on Special Assignment in his school district  where he is training teachers district wide in the use and integration of iPads and Chromebooks in 7-12 classroom instruction in all academic disciplines. Mike is also an adjunct professor of science education at Lehman College (CUNY) in the Bronx, NY. Michael's passion about science and technology education is evident in his work with both students and other educators.

MICHAEL GARCIA-WING

Michael is an experienced 8th grade Earth Science teacher with 15 years of classroom experience.  He has Masters of Science degrees in secondary education and geoscience Education. Michael is a pioneer in the integration of education technologies in classroom instruction. He has written, and assisted in writing over $125,000 in technology grants for his science department. He continuously develops interactive, lessons using 1:1 iPads that enables students to engage in science through discovery experiences.  In 2013, Michael was awarded the National Association of Geoscience Teachers Outstanding Earth Science Teacher of the Year award for New York State.

STEFAN BIREK

Stefan Birek is an 8th grade Regents Earth Science teacher with certifications in both Biology and Earth Science. He holds a Bachelors degree in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching Science from SUNY Cortland and Mississippi State University. Stefan brings 4 years of teaching experience in 9th grade Biology, 8th grade Earth Science, 6th and 7th grade Life Science, as well as 10th grade Science Research to the STEM Leadership Center. He has also completed his own research in biology. He is the current Science Department Chair at Mamaroneck UFSD. He is the recipient of the NOYCE Teaching Scholarship award. Stefan's main goal, is the education and growth of students in all areas of science with a focus on life long learning and self-advocacy.

DANIEL FERNANDEZ

Daniel Fernandez is an 8th grade Earth Science teacher entering his third year of teaching. Prior to teaching, Dan worked as an after school science instructor where he developed and implemented hands-on science activities with elementary school students with an emphasis on proper lab safety procedures. Daniel is a motivated educator with a passion for science and inspiring students to realize their full potential. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Geology and Masters degrees in Adolescent Education and Special Education. His ability in the classroom was recognized by his alma mater, Dominican College, where he received an award for outstanding student teaching.