Biography

Now principal of J. William Leary Junior High School, Amanda Zullo was previously in the classroom for 11 years teaching middle school science and Chemistry. Leading colleagues in place-based inquiry centered learning, professional learning, and grant writing, Amanda incubated and became Coordinator of the Adirondack Farm to School initiative at Saranac Lake Central School. As an supporter of practical, hands-on, student-centered learning, Amanda remains involved in the Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning activity development/professional learning workshops. From her experience as an Associate at the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and on the NGSS Implementation team, she now actively supports policy and implementation efforts (scope/sequence, pedagogical shifts, and curriculum development) related to New York State's P-12 Science Learning Standards and Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards. Amanda earned her B.A. in organizational communication and B.S. in pre-medical studies from the SUNY Geneseo; M.A.T. in secondary physical science chemistry education from Union Graduate College (now Clarkson University); and is a Systems Center Fellow and Ph.D. candidate in education policy and leadership at the University at Albany. She earned National Board Certification (NBCT) for teaching adolescent and young adult level science and now leads cohort groups in rural New York to support educators in the NBCT process and serves on the National Board New York Board of Directors. Amanda has been honored with numerous grants along with the 2020 Clarkson Woodstock Award, the 2018 Mayfield Wall of Dedication, the 2016 Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 2016 ASCD Emerging Leader recognition. She now serves on ASCD New York's Board of Directors.