Eight educators from Penfield Central School District are members of the New York State Master Teacher Program, which recognizes outstanding K-12 public school STEM teachers.

Daniel Baker, Edward Levine, Daniel List, Jill Paris (Master Teacher Emeritus), Kimberly Roundy (Master Teacher Emeritus and PLT Facilitator), Elizabeth Spry (Master Teacher Emeritus), Adam Sweeney (Master Teacher Emeritus), and Jennifer Vibber (Master Teacher Emeritus) are all members of the statewide professional network of educators dedicated to professional growth and development.

Established in 2013, the Master Teacher Program brings together colleagues for professional learning and collaboration at nine SUNY host campuses across the state. Each SUNY site serves as homebase for the region and partners with other educational institutions and organizations to provide a robust program tailored to meet their Master Teachers’ unique professional growth and development goals.

Vibber, who teaches Geometry, AP Calculus, and Multivariable Calculus at Penfield, said being a Master Teacher has connected her to a broader network of educators who are dedicated to developing their skills in the classroom.

“I applied because it created intentional time spent honing my math skills, teaching skills, and gave me an opportunity to learn with and from passionate experts. Those experts could be industry leaders, college professors, or fellow dedicated public school teachers,” she explained.

Involvement in the program has encouraged her to explore new teaching techniques and create more connections between the coursework and life after high school for her students.

“It taught me many more practical applications of the ‘What's next?’ for kids—both in college and in their careers,” she explained. “When a student asks, ‘Why are we learning this?’

I have more answers than they care to hear.”

Now a veteran teacher herself, Vibber has taken to sharing her knowledge and skills with others, presenting at a dozen different district, regional, and statewide conferences on a variety of topics.

List said it is inspiring to be among STEM teachers throughout New York who are passionate about their subjects and continually work together to improve their craft.

“It has also encouraged me to lean into my passion for mathematics which has led to modeling lifelong learning to my students, he said. “By discussing new mathematical concepts I've explored at Master Teacher, or current events related to mathematics, I am sharing the joy and enthusiasm I feel for math in the hopes that it inspires them to find their own joy in learning.”

Baker agreed, adding that the collaborations have helped him be able to best serve his students and the larger school community through growth and reflection.

“The program has given me the opportunity to learn and practice so many student-centered strategies, from building thinking classrooms, inquiry-driven science investigations, and student-centered project-based learning,” he explained. “The best part is, I come away from each session reenergized and excited to get back to my classroom and try new ideas!”

As a physics teacher, Sweeney said he has brought various pedagogical techniques from the program back to his department, including revising the way they present and assess labs.

Levine, who teaches high school engineering and computer science, had a similar experience.

“The program has allowed me to compare notes with other technology teachers from nearby schools and learn about how they are also creating a robust and modern program to help students prepare for success after high school,” he said.

Meet Penfield’s Master Teachers

Daniel Baker (pictured) earned bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and engineering physics from Miami University and a master’s degree in adolescence education from the University of Rochester. He joined Penfield High School in 2016, and currently teaches AP Chemistry and Physics with Optics. He has advised the Chemistry Club, Strategy Games Club, and served on the District’s K-12 Science Steering Committee, the Restorative Practices Team, and the high school’s Shared Decision-Making Team. Baker also teaches physics and chemistry at Nazareth College.

Edward Levine (pictured) earned his bachelor's (Summa Cum Laude) and master's degrees in technology education at SUNY Oswego.  He has been teaching math, physics, drone technology, engineering, and computer science since 2012.  He currently is one of the advisors of Penfield High School's FIRST robotics team and Makers' Club.  In 2025, he was recognized as one of fifteen STEM educators in the world as an Inspire the Future:  FIRST Recognition Program Honoree.  An avid hiker and traveler, he has so far explored 17 countries and hiked the Adirondack 46 high peaks, Mt. Fuji, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Daniel List (pictured) earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and his master’s from St. John Fisher University. He worked as an engineer specializing in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging satellites prior to becoming a teacher at Bay Trail Middle School in 2005. In 2008, he transferred to Penfield High School where he currently teaches Regents Geometry and dual-credit Calculus. He is an advisor/coach for Penfield’s Math League and serves as an assistant coach for the Monroe County team for the New York State Math League. List serves on the Commissioner’s Advisory Council for NYS Teachers and attends the AP Calculus Reading in Kansas City each year.

Jill Paris earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and master’s degree in secondary science education from Syracuse University. While at Syracuse, she became a member of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry fraternity. Paris started teaching at Penfield High School in 2007 and currently teaches Regents and Honors Chemistry there, but also developed and taught the course, Insights into Physics and Chemistry. While at Penfield, Paris has mentored student teachers from local colleges and encourages students to participate in the annual Monroe County Envirothon.

Kimberly Roundy (pictured) earned her bachelor’s degree in biology secondary education from SUNY Cortland with a minor in chemistry and master’s in secondary education biology from Binghamton University. She joined Penfield in 2002, and has taught Living Environment, Chemistry, and Forensics. She has served as the advisor for three startup clubs: Random Acts of Kindness, Habitat for Humanity, and the Fishing Club. She was an original member of the District Technology Committee and is a current member of the K‐12 Science Steering committee. Roundy also serves on the Career Day, STEM, and Wellness committees. In 2014, she took on a leadership role as chair for the Science Department. Outside of school, she is a member of both National Science Teachers Association and Science Teachers Association of New York State.

Elizabeth Spry (pictured) received her bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from the Rochester Institute of Technology and her master’s in inclusive adolescent education from Nazareth College. Spry began teaching in 2012 and currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology and Forensic Science at Penfield High School. Mrs. Spry is passionate about making connections across the STEM disciplines and bringing those connections into her elective science courses. Mrs. Spry is an advisor for the PHS fishing club.

Adam Sweeney earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University at Buffalo and M.A.T. from SUNY Empire State College. He spent ten years working in engineering before discovering his passion for teaching. Mr. Sweeney has taught for seven years, the past five at Penfield High School, where he currently teaches AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physic C: Electricity & Magnetism, and Honors Physics with Optics. He serves as the assistant coach Science Olympiad Team, advises the Strategy Games Club, member of the K-12 Science Steering Committee, and organizer and coordinator for elementary activities such as STEM club and Science Night.

Jennifer Vibber (pictured) earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Boston University and her master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from University of Rochester. She teaches AP Calculus BC, Multivariable Calculus, and Geometry at Penfield High School. In addition to her course load, Vibber is a Math League advisor for PHS, president of the Monroe County Math League, and head coach of the Upstate New York Math Team that attends the national American Regions Mathematics League contest each year. Furthermore, she organizes all the American Mathematics Contest exams for Penfield. Each June, Vibber attends the annual AP Calculus Reading in Kansas City.