Instructional Coaches Staff

Leigh Buettler

Leigh has been an educator since joining Teach for America in New York City as part of the 2009 corps. After teaching in Queens at a large middle school, and then for Uncommon Charter Schools in Troy, NY, she moved to Dryden in 2013 and has been teaching at Cortland since. Leigh is passionate about the science of reading, literacy knowledge, and researching best practices for emerging readers. She is currently a LETRS trainer (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) for both the
district and nationally. 



 

Karen Matteson

Karen initially joined Cortland Schools in 1990 as a math teacher at the Junior High School.  Her Cortland experience also includes many years teaching 4th, 5th, & 6th grades, as well as that of a Math Specialist for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade.  Karen is passionate about the implementation of a growing body of research on teaching and learning mathematics.  Another passion of hers is helping teams use evidence of student learning to inform and improve their individual and collective professional practice.  Helping adults engage in job-embedded learning as part of their routine work practices is what Karen loves to spend time doing.  She is currently also a lecturer at SUNY Cortland for the elementary math methods courses.  

 

Stephanie Oyer

Steph started her journey at Cortland Schools in 2008, beginning as a substitute then as a 6th grade classroom teacher for the last 10 years.  The majority of Steph’s experience in teaching 6th grade was in a co-taught classroom. Steph is passionate about building solid relationships with both students and adults, believes it is essential to have high expectations and consistency for all, and is a strong advocate in making decisions that positively impact student academic and social and emotional learning. Throughout her experience as a 6th grade teacher, Steph has taught ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies, and in that time, constantly researched active learning strategies and best practices to engage middle school students. While she has taught all subjects in 6th grade, she is especially passionate about ELA at the middle school level.  Steph loves being part of a team and believes that collaboration is necessary for teacher growth and student learning. 

Mary Kate Ticknor

Mary Kate began her teaching career in 2004 as Special Educator at the Racker Center.  She joined the Cortland team in 2008, where she co-taught primarily in grades K-2.  Mary Kate is passionate about early intervention and the science of reading.  As a special educator, she is passionate about differentiation, co-teaching practices, and equity for all learners.  Having empathy, kindness, and compassion for all learners is at the heart of Mary Kate’s teaching philosophy.