Orleans/Niagara BOCES

CSIPD Website

Michael Fisher is a Professional Development Specialist at Orleans Niagara BOCES, specializing in contemporary curriculum design. He collaborates with schools both locally and nationwide, helping to align curricula with new standards, emerging technologies, and more recently, with Portrait of a Graduate competencies to ensure students receive high-quality learning experiences. Michael has worked with educational institutions across multiple states, facilitating the integration of these competencies into curricula, and has presented on the emerging Portrait of a Graduate transformation at both local and statewide events in New York.

Michael has written several books published by leading education organizations, including ASCD, Solution Tree, and Times 10 Publications. His most recent book is Hacking Instructional Design: 33 Extraordinary Ways to Create a Contemporary Curriculum. His forthcoming project, Contemporary Curriculum Leadership, is slated for publication in 2025.

To learn more, visit www.digigogy.com.

Jennifer Talarico is a former mathematics teacher and instructional coach, and has been a Professional Development Specialist at Orleans/Niagara BOCES since 2017, specializing in the delivery of professional development and instructional support services in mathematics. She supports our districts in mathematics standards, curriculum, and assessments, instructional and data-driven practices, and NYSED initiatives. Jen is the department's WNYRIC Data Warehouse liaison for regional data meetings and assessment updates and is also the district-approved instructor for the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Discrimination in Schools, and Mandated Reporter Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment trainings.

Jen has represented Orleans/Niagara BOCES as a presenter at the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) National Making Schools Work Summer Conferences and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS (AMTNYS) Conferences and as an attendee at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Conferences. She is also on the planning committee of the new Buffalo Area Association of Math Teachers.

Jen enjoys spending time with her husband John, daughter Julianna, and rescue pug Marty, cycling, camping, and participating in events around the WNY area that are close to her heart, including the Alison Rose Foundation Annual Blood Drive and Fundraiser, IceCycle cycling event, and the Ride for Roswell.

Carol Bush is a dedicated Professional Development Specialist at Orleans Niagara BOCES, bringing extensive experience in educational leadership, literacy, and curriculum development. Before assuming her current role, she served as a building principal and curriculum director, providing her with deep insight into instructional best practices.

With a specialization in ELA and literacy development, Carol collaborates with local school districts to deliver high-quality professional learning opportunities. Her current focus is supporting schools in implementing the science of reading, ensuring evidence-based literacy instruction reaches all students.

In addition to her work at BOCES, Carol is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of literacy educators. As an adjunct professor in the Department of Literacy and TESOL at Niagara University, she mentors and instructs both undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to earn their reading degrees. Through her teaching, she bridges research and practice, equipping future educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster literacy success in diverse classroom settings.

When Carol is not providing professional learning opportunities to others, she is fully engaged in expanding her own knowledge and expertise. A lifelong learner at heart, Carol is continually seeking new ways to enhance her instructional leadership and deepen her understanding of effective educational practices. To that end, she is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University at Buffalo, where her research focuses on advancing literacy instruction and supporting systemic change in schools. Through her doctoral studies, she explores innovative strategies to bridge the gap between research and classroom practice, ensuring that educators have the tools they need to drive meaningful student outcomes.