About Us

More bios coming soon!

	Jeff Arnold - Director Jeff Arnold is the director of a Teacher/Leader Quality Partnership Program at Daemen College. As a consultant for the New York State Academy for Teaching and Learning (NYSATL) he helped pioneer the statewide and regional peer review process. Using the NYSATL model Jeff has designed professional development opportunities for pre- and in-service teachers to write and review learning experiences on-line. Jeff has permanent teaching certifications in Math (7-12), General Science (7-12), Chemistry, Physics, and Technology (7-12). Jeff holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an Ed .M in Education from SUNY @ Buffalo and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Science Education at SUNY @ Buffalo. Jeff’s comments How has The New York State Academy for Teaching and Learning (NYSATL) and the peer review process played a role in the development of the project? The New York State Academy for Teaching and Learning (NYSATL) is a Learning Community with a focus on student work. Peer review is the glue that holds curriculum, instruction and assessments together. NYSATL has allowed me to share my passion for curriculum development with people from across the state. Peer review values hard work and people who practice the art of teaching – and are willing to share insights, experiences and resources. My experiences as a NYSATL facilitator has helped me to formulate a vision of what professional development can be! My background is in Mechanical Engineering. The practice of peer review is a staple of the engineering profession. I am convinced that the key to legitimizing teaching as a profession is in sharing instructional practice and mentoring. The peer review process is an important vehicle that can help establish a culture of high educational standards. Peer review speaks to the heart of a teacher – How can my instruction make the curriculum and assessments come to life? As a teacher, the peer review process has been the single most important access point for me to unpack the standards. I feel fortunate to be part of this revolution in educational practice. (close)
	Jane Ross - website creator/manager As part of the Daemen College Teacher Leader Quality Partnership (TLQP) collaboration with the Art and Education Departments, Jane has helped build and maintain the TLQP website and LE template to best serve the needs of those connected with the program. She is a Daemen College student, and is expecting to graduate in May 2009 with a BFA in Graphic Design. Working with TLQP has called upon her skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Photoshop, and Flash. She has 10 years of experience working with websites, and 4 years of experience teaching others how to create them. jross3@daemen.edu
	Connie Kudrna presently teaches in the Buffalo Public Schools. She serves as a consultant teacher for 2nd and 3rd students and Committee on Special Education designee. Prior to working as a consultant teacher, she taught in a 15:1 setting in grades kindergarden to 3rd grade. Before coming to Buffalo, she was employed at Aspire of Western New York with students with physical and mental handicaps. She is certified in Special Education K-12/Multiple Handicapped/Phyically Handicapped/Elementary Education N-6 and Social Studies 7-12. Education background includes attendence at Nazareth College (undergraduate) and Buffalo State College (graduate). Professional Development includes certication in GESA. Generating Expectations for Student Achievement focuses on equality in the classroom. By employing a series of observation techniques, a teacher can demonstrate equity for all students. She actively participates in the Teacher/Quality Leadership Panel at Daemen College. She has worked to create learning experiences for the teachers in the district as well in other areas. The LEs are lessons that provide a direct correlation to the NYS Standards as well as best teaching practices. As well as creating learning experiences, Ms. Kudrna has hosted Junior Participants and Student teachers from area colleges, attended professional development opportunities to enhance the students' abilities and assisted in the development of the Teaching to the Standards class at Daemen College. Connie's 2009 Goals 40KB 2007 Thank You Letter 31KB 2006 Thank You Letter 30KB
	Jennifer Molfese presently in and teaches for the Buffalo Public Schools. She serves as a special education consultant teacher for fourth grade. Previously, she taught second grade 8:1:1 and first grade 15:1. Mrs. Molfese is certified in Childhood Education (1-6), Childhood Education Students with Disabilities (1-6), Early Childhood Education (B-2), Early Childhood Education Students with Disabilities (B-2), and Literacy (B-6)   Her education background includes State University of New York College at Buffalo, where she completed her studies as a literacy specialist. Her undergraduate studies were completed at Daemen College where she studied elementary and special education.  Jennifer Molfese’s professional development includes participation in the Teacher/Quality Leadership Partnership at Daemen College. She is working to create learning experiences for educational purposes. The learning experiences are lessons that provide a direct correlation to the New York State Standards as well as best teaching practices. She also is a member of the International Reading Association, Council for Exceptional Children, and serves as chairperson for her School wide Student Support Team, coordinating activities that promote healthy relationships between students, teachers, and parents.  Jennifer Molfese lives in Buffalo with her husband, daughter, and two mischievous beagles Jennifer's 2009 Goals 41KB
	Carol Mullen MST 2008-2009 Program Goals 29KB Catherine Sedota MST 2009 Program Goals 41KB Marilyn Foote-Kragbé 2006 Thank You Letter 31KB Vivian Newman 2006 Thank You Letter 27KB