Episode 13: A Conversation With Perry Educator Todd Shuskey

In Episode 13 of SIT & Sip, Nick and Jessica sit down with Todd Shuskey, an inspiring and accomplished science educator with 26 years of teaching experience at Perry High School in Perry, NY. As the 7-12 Department Chair, former GV BOCES Science Regional Coordinator (2017-2019), and the 2024-2025 Rural Schools Association of New York State Teacher of the Year, Todd brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to the conversation.

Todd shares his journey to becoming a science educator, offering insights into the recent updates to the New York State Science Standards and discussing the challenges facing science education today—both locally and nationally. He also highlights his work with the Silver Lake Monitoring Project, a hands-on initiative connecting students to impactful environmental science in their community.

And, of course, we couldn’t let Todd go without diving into some rapid-fire fun! From the ever-evolving ranch vs. blue cheese debate and pumpkin spice opinions to choosing between Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Sir Isaac Newton, or Einstein and Oppenheimer, Todd answers with humor and thoughtfulness.