Author: Janelle Davis

What is your educational background and where are you currently teaching? I went to Le Moyne College for a bachelor’s in English and creative writing. I received my master’s in library science from Syracuse University. I am the youth services coordinator at the North Syracuse library. The North Syracuse library was my childhood library, so it’s really cool working at a place I loved as a child. Can you describe your role as the youth services coordinator? I order materials as well as plan programs for children ages birth to 18. I love ordering materials, but my favorite items to order…

1. What is your educational background, and how did you come to teach sixth grade at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School? I graduated from Le Moyne College with my undergraduate master’s degree in education in 2009. I continued my education by receiving a second master’s degree in education leadership from Syracuse University in 2017 and a Certificate of Advanced Study in instructional design from Syracuse University in 2023. In 2011, I started working as a long-term substitute for fourth grade at Jamesville-Dewitt and became a full-time teacher the following year, teaching fifth grade at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School (JDMS). I currently teach sixth grade…

1. What is your educational background, and how did you come to be a second grade teacher and the lower school literacy coordinator at Manlius Pebble Hill School?I grew up in Cooperstown and attended the University of Notre Dame, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. I earned my Master of Science in Education from Northwestern University. While living in Chicago, I taught in Flossmoor, Illinois. When our family moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for my husband’s job, I started teaching online at the college level. This allowed me to continue teaching while staying home with my two young…

1. What is your educational background, and what interested you in becoming a teacher of the deaf? I grew up in Rochester. Rochester has the second-largest deaf population in the country. I experienced it a lot growing up. I also come from a family of teachers. Those two aspects just kind of fell together. I went to Vanderbilt University in Tennessee to get my undergraduate degree in teacher of the deaf. I did my student teaching at Metro Nashville Public Schools. The program at Vanderbilt was interesting to me because it was small and more personalized. I really hit it…

1. How were you hired to direct the advanced studies summer show at Redhouse?I’ve had a relationship with the Redhouse Arts Center for almost 15 years as an actor. Recently, I started working there as a director. I’ve known their education director (Marguerite Mitchell) during all that time and just recently began working with their advanced studies summer camp. They have a wonderful education and outreach team at the Redhouse – very dedicated educators and teaching artists. Their goals are to place students in a rehearsal environment with working theater professionals to help build their confidence and experience. Last year, we…

1. What is your background, and how did you become the Animal Keeper and Education Program Manager at the Sciencenter?I grew up in Ithaca and have fond memories of visiting the Sciencenter with my family and for school field trips. I developed a passion for community engagement and environmental education while attending Lehman Alternative Community School. I further explored these fields at Oberlin College and while working at an environmental education center serving public school students in Tucson, Arizona. In 2017, I was thrilled to return to my hometown and join the Sciencenter’s education team. I’ve since held many roles…

1. What is your educational background and what are you teaching? I attended The Ohio State University for both my undergrad and graduate degrees. I have my master’s in special education. I recently earned National Board Certification in Exceptional Needs Specialist-Early Childhood through Young Adulthood-Mild/Moderate Disabilities (ages 5-21+). I have taught in the West Genesee Central School District for the last 25 years. I am a sixth grade special education teacher at West Genesee Intermediate School. I push into English, math, science, and social studies. I also teach small groups of students in a resource setting. 2. How do you…

1. How did you get into education and what are you currently teaching?I started as an art major at Nazareth College in Rochester. I was 17 when I graduated, so there was pressure for me to decide what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was good at art, so I thought that would be the right direction. It was a great school and really did prepare me and make me well-rounded. After I graduated from Nazareth, I got a job at a local credit union in their marketing department. I just knew that this wasn’t going…

Named in honor of Marquis de Lafayette, the village of Fayetteville was incorporated in 1844. These days, it has various parks and activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Parks and Nature Centers Green Lakes State Park This state park offers many activities, whether you want to stay for the day or rent a cabin for a weekend. Visitors can take advantage of trails, picnic tables and pavilions, campsites, a golf course, a beach, a concession stand, and a new $3 million playground, all spread around the two lakes and the forest. Where: 7900 Green Lakes Road. More information:…

1. You do so much with writing and education. Let’s start with your role at Liverpool High School. At Liverpool High School, I work with ninth and 10th grade special needs students as a “program manager.” This means I attend classes with them and act as a sort of tutor for the group when they are not in those classes. I also work one-on-one with more severely autistic children to keep them safe and help them reach their educational goals. 2. Can you tell us about The Writer’s Life class that you teach? What can students expect and who is…