Michelle Layer

Michelle Layer earned her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education in 1988 from Buffalo State, and her M.S. in Special Education from Buffalo State in 1990. Michelle has taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades at Clarence Center Elementary since 1988. Since beginning her career, Michelle has been heavily involved in the science and technology fields. She was one of the first classrooms in her district to institute computers in 1989. Michelle received her first recognition incorporating science and technology in 1992 from WNED Public Television. In 2012 she was awarded the SAE Lloyd Reuss Award for Math and Science Education for her work with the Rochester Institute of Technology Engineers and 5th graders. 

In her classroom, Michelle believes that STEAM skills should be embedded daily. Her desire is that every student that she works with have a love and appreciation for learning through these skills. Michelle has presented a number of Professional Learning Experiences both in her district and across districts in Western New York. She strongly believes that we learn better when we learn together. Beyond academics, Michelle has a strong desire to help others and has worked hard to bring this to all her classes and school. Michelle began a connection with St. Luke’s Mission in which every 5th grade student has the opportunity to spend a day at the Mission, hopeful her students learn to give of themselves to others. Michelle is most proud that her love of science and technology has been carried on by her son who is an engineer and her daughter who is also an educator. She is grateful that her husband supports her love of learning and all that she does outside the classroom. Michelle is looking forward to all the Master Teacher Program has to offer, and continuing her own lifelong learning journey.