Meet the new teachers at Jordan-Elbridge

Jessica Killian - Middle School Spanish teacher

“I became a teacher because I truly love sharing my love of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. I think it’s incredibly fun and rewarding to speak in a different language and open your mind to a different world than the one you live in.”

So says new Jordan-Elbridge Middle School Spanish teacher Jessica Killian, who is entering her eighth year of teaching. The Clinton, N.Y. native earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from SUNY Geneseo and a master’s in curriculum development and instructional technology from SUNY Albany.

Killian hopes her experiences traveling to Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica will be fun to share with students. She wants students to feel like they have experienced something new this year, be it a new food, type of music or a new way to say something.

“Some topics are easy and fun, and others are a little more difficult, but I try to make it all feel exciting. In the end, you are learning to do an amazing thing by speaking and understanding a totally new language,” she said.

Katie Knowlton - High School chemistry teacher

Katie Knowlton became a teacher because she wants to make a difference in students’ lives. She feels like she can do just that at Jordan-Elbridge.

“I wanted to come to Jordan-Elbridge because I was excited for the opportunity to be a teacher in a community where there is such a commitment to students,” she said.

A native of Liverpool, Knowlton earned her bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College.  At JE, she says her ultimate goal is to help each student reach his/her fullest potential. She’ll primarily teach sophomores and juniors.

She says she likes to teach by engaging students in interactive, collaborative and creative ways of learning.

“As a new teacher, I feel I bring a fresh perspective to the classroom,” she said. “I want parents to know that I am interested in the success of their children, and that I will work hard to meet the needs of each student in my classroom.”

Jaime Glantz - Seventh-grade English teacher

Jaime Glantz’s intention is to provide every student with an inspired English education.

To her new position, Glantz says she brings enthusiasm, diverse experience in the education field and a love of learning.

A native of Rome, N.Y., she earned her bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Brockport, master’s degree in secondary English Language Arts from Medaille College and an advanced certificate in English literature from Oxford University. 

Before coming to JE, she’s worked as an academic counselor, university program coordinator and secondary English teacher.  Glantz says she is thrilled to be part of the “hard-working community” at JE.

“I value the kids. I hold high expectations for every student and welcome the opportunity to work closely with families to ensure that their children are engaged and well-supported,” she said.

Emily Siddall - High School special education teacher

Emily Siddall grew up listening to stories from her grandmother, who once taught at Jordan-Elbridge Middle School. Between that and drawing inspiration from her kindergarten teacher, she knew what she wanted to do.

Siddall earned her bachelor’s degree in English education from SUNY Brockport along with certification in grade 7-12 special education.

This year marks her first full-time teaching job after working as a teacher’s assistant at the high school last year. She said fell in love with the district last year.

“The students here are fantastic. I felt like the opportunity to stay home and teach was great,” she said.

“My teaching style is more about teaching students to advocate for themselves and learn on their own. Here, students are taught how to learn. I’m excited to teach them to develop their independence and curiosity and to work with their interests.”

Mary Maestri – Special education teacher for grades 4-5

New Jordan-Elbridge special education teacher Mary Maestri calls helping students succeed “fulfilling.”

“It fills me with emotions when they improve. I have a passion for it,” she said.

A native of Camillus, Maestri earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from St. Bonaventure University. At JE, she'll be working with students in the new Jordan-Elbridge Dynamic Intermediate School.

She calls her teaching style “student-led and dynamic,” and feels she brings a fresh mindset and a willingness to try new things to the position. Right now, she’s working to implement an “Eagle Café,” where the students make food and deliver it to different classrooms.

Maestri wanted to come to JE because she heard many good things about the district.

“I grew up right around the corner, and I love the community and the level of passion and care it has,” she said. “I really wanted to be a part of it.”