James Damon

James Damon II earned an A.S. in General Studies from SUNY Erie Community College, and his B.S. in Earth Science and Science Education and M.S. in Great Lakes Ecosystem Science from SUNY Buffalo State College. As a pre-service teacher, Mr. Damon was awarded the Swartney-Harrison Award for Excellence in student teaching and the Angela Harrison “Passion for Teaching” Scholarship Award. Mr. Damon has 10 years of classroom teaching experience. He currently teaches Regents Earth Science at Emerson School of Hospitality in Buffalo Public Schools. Mr. Damon has served as a head varsity soccer coach and as an assistant coach for varsity basketball. Mr. Damon also serves as a partner teacher with the Young Environmental Leaders Program, a partnership between Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, Buffalo Schools, and SUNY ECC which allows students to gain college credit through experiential learning. Mr. Damon strives to increase opportunities for underserved student populations both in and out of the classroom and feels the best lessons are experienced instead of learned. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the natural world by camping, hiking, or paddling with his wife and dogs. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Damon is excited to collaborate with and learn from other passionate teachers while hoping to inspire and equip the next generation of STEM teachers and students.