Kim Linkinhoker - New York State Master Teacher, Central New York Region

North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD)

I completed my BS in Natural Resources Management from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Afterwards, I recognized the need to promote STEM education to help youth understand key environmental issues, along with ways to protect natural resources and live more sustainable lifestyles. I decided to go into science teaching and earned my MAT in Secondary Science from SUNY Cortland and have spent the last 31 years teaching biology and environmental science at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. I've participated in many wonderful professional development opportunities over the years including studying biodiversity and conservation in Belize with fellow NYS Master Teachers, and collaborating with Belizean educators on best practices. I've been a member of the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers, Hobart William Smith Colleges Crossing Boundaries Program, New York Sea Grant Lake Ontario Shipboard Experience, Sea Education Association SEAmester for Teachers in Woods Hole, Mass. along with many others. I've been a mentor to new teachers in the NSCSD, and have worked as a cooperating supervising teacher for many student teachers. I've helped teachers develop their leadership and advocacy skills as a local facilitator for the national American Federation of Teachers - Teacher Leaders Program. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy gardening, hiking, cross-country skiing, and spending as much time as I can exploring the waterways of Lake Ontario aboard our Bristol sloop.