Meet the Team

Learn about the STEM Team

STEM Director

Dierre Taylor

Dierre Taylor has been an educator in New York City since 2009. He began his teaching career as an AmeriCorps member with the educational nonprofit City Year serving in East New York, Brooklyn. Through this experience, Dierre naturally gravitated towards teaching, later becoming a science educator through the New York City Teaching Fellows program where he taught at a progressive, public, consortium school in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. As a dedicated science educator and leader, Dierre has worked for a the science fellowship, STEM Ed Innovators, since 2015 helping science teachers around NYC, Houston, and other parts of the country democratize their classrooms through elevating student voice, sharing authority to transform classroom spaces, and leveraging students power through STEM criticality. Dierre has been the Director of STEM Programs for District 75 since the Fall of 2022.

Instructional Technology Coach

Charles Gerber

Charles is a skilled educator bringing over 12 years of experience spearheading technology integration and STEM initiatives for New York City schools. He is poised to take on a new role as a District 75 Technology Coach, where he will be responsible for modeling effective use of instructional technology, coaching teachers, and supporting the comprehensive integration of technology to enhance learning across District 75.

He has continuously worked to break down barriers to technology adoption through outreach and PD. With deep expertise across educational hardware/software, pedagogy, and curriculum design, Charles will contribute to the development and implementation of a shared vision for leveraging technology to support all learners in his new district-wide capacity.

Instructional Technology Coach

Charles Bender

I am a staff developer with the department of education. I love what I do..

District Science Coach

Sarai Bakal

Once I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's degree in Art Education and a Master's degree in Special Education, my husband and I moved to NYC to settle down and begin a family. In 2000, I began my teaching career at 226M as an elementary school special education teacher and a science teacher. I have worked with students of all ages and abilities while engaging them with hands-on science learning. After 16 years in the classroom, I transitioned into a coaching position for District 75. I am currently a part of the STEM department and work as a science coach, helping teachers develop a science program that is engaging, meaningful, and accessible to all types of learners. I enjoy supporting our district's schools and communities by participating in special programs and events that bring science and art to the families. My objective is to make science meaningful and purposeful for our students, so that they can develop the necessary skills to become independent and resourceful individuals in their community.

District Science Coach

Joaquin Rodriguez Jr.

Joaquin Rodriguez, Jr. is a dedicated science educator with over 35 years of experience teaching in New York City public schools. He currently serves as a Science Instructional Coach for District 75, supporting STEM education across the district. Joaquin has facilitated professional development workshops for the NYC Department of Education, coached teachers, mentored new science teachers, and served on the NYC DOE Elementary Science Leadership Team. He is passionate about making science engaging and accessible for all students through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Joaquin holds a Master's in Elementary Education from Hunter College and has presented at National Science Teacher Conferences. He has also taught science graduate and undergraduate courses at Hunter College and City College. His love of learning and teaching inspire his work every day.

Coordinator of Applied Learning

Cara Coffina

An innovative and accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience developing and implementing cutting-edge programs for students in New York City Public Schools. As part of the District 75 STEM Team, she currently works as the Coordinator of Applied Learning, where she pioneered the nation's first online Debate program, a 3D virtual world program for autistic students, and a district-wide school garden initiative called D75 Plant Learn Grow. Cara is skilled at using technology to create engaging and relevant learning experiences for students. Her work has been featured in educational publications and she has presented nationally on using immersive environments in the classroom. In addition to her passion for leveraging technology, Cara is dedicated to social justice, sustainability, and helping students develop critical thinking skills to become active global citizens. Most recently, she has been dedicated to supporting schools in nature-based STEM instruction using indoor and outdoor edible gardens and facilitating long-term partnerships with local green spaces and community organizations

District Math Coach

Danielle Clermont

Currently serving as a Mathematics Coach for District 75. In this role, she provides educators with professional development and coaching to enhance math instruction for students with disabilities. Danielle brings over 13 years of experience supporting students with disabilities. Most recently, she was the Director of Education at a private school in Connecticut. In addition, she has held various leadership roles inside and outside of NYC Public Schools. Danielle has also taught math and reading in self-contained, integrated co-teaching, and general education settings for 10 years. Danielle is passionate about empowering students with disabilities and working to develop pedagogy that is equitable and accessible.

District Math Coach

Jack Catalano

An experienced teacher and leader with over 10 years of experience working with students with disabilities in 8:1:1, 6:1:1, and transition classes in New York City’s District 75. He currently serves as a district 75 mathematics instructional coach. Jack has extensive expertise developing differentiated instruction, implementing assistive technology, analyzing student data, and creating targeted interventions to support diverse learners. He has demonstrated strong leadership abilities through roles as a mentor teacher, teacher development facilitator, curriculum team member, and schoolwide Thinking Maps coach. Jack is certified in New York State as a School Building Leader and in Special Education. He holds a Master's in Educational Leadership and is passionate about empowering educators to meet the needs of all students.