Corinne Kelly

Corinne Kelly holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Conservation Biology from Green Mountain College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Biology and Adolescent Education from Houghton College. During her tenure as a science educator at Cassadaga Valley Middle/High School (CVCS), she has taught a diverse array of courses including STEM-GIS, Field Journaling, Life Science, Regents Biology, Environmental Science, and Animal Science to students in grades 7-12. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in a place-based, bioregional approach, challenging her students to learn by exploring the natural world around them. Currently, Ms. Kelly is coordinating the development of a research and demonstration forest on the school’s main campus in collaboration with Cornell University Cooperative Extension and the Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District. Beyond the classroom, she coaches her school’s growing Envirothon Team and serves on her district’s Teaching and Learning Committee; she is now extending science education to the broader community through a "Neighborhood Nature" program at her local library. Before joining CVCS, Ms. Kelly worked with the Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, an experience that continues to influence her deep commitment to connecting people with nature. She continues to pursue professional growth opportunities, including attending the HMH Model Schools Conference in 2023 and earning a NYSED CTE certification in Natural Resources & Ecology in 2024. She intends to earn her designation as a New York State Master Naturalist in 2025 and is in the process of laying the groundwork for a new CTE program at CVCS