More Than 1,600 Outstanding STEM Teacher-Leaders Earning Master Teacher Recognition Across New York State
New Application Round for K-12 STEM Teachers and K-12 Counselors Now Open Until February 25, 2023
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of 221 educators to the New York State Master Teacher Program, a professional network of public school teachers with a passion for inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. These educators will join the network of Master Teachers, created in 2013, bringing the total number of selected NYS Master Teachers across New York State to over 1,600. Governor Hochul also announced the opening of the next round of applications for eligible K-12 STEM teachers and K-12 counselors in all regions. Interested applicants can review the eligibility requirements here.
“Our teachers are the driving force behind New York’s leading education system, and continued investment in our world-class teachers is crucial in the development of our State’s future leaders,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to announce the expansion of the Master Teacher network and the open application for the next round of STEM teachers and counselors. New York is home to many talented teachers and we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to educators across our state.”
The 221 Master Teachers are dedicated professionals who teach science, technology, computer science, robotics, coding, engineering, math, and integrated STEM courses across grades K-12 including Advanced Placement, Honors, and Regents levels.The new members add 26 new school districts with a Master Teacher among their faculty. The program welcomes 52 elementary teachers and 37 teachers from high-needs districts including Albany City, Syracuse, Rochester, Utica City, Binghamton City, and Buffalo City School Districts.
SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley said, “Great teachers can change lives and guide students towards success. For nearly a decade, New York’s Master Teacher program has done just that and has recognized the critical contribution of New York State educators in setting students on that path toward rewarding careers in STEM. Millions of STEM jobs require some form of higher education. Teachers play a critical role in preparing those students for college and a career beyond the classroom in an ever-changing and ever-growing field. We are honored to recognize these dedicated educators for their contributions and to be able to provide them with the tools they need to ensure student success.”
State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “When I started my career in education, I was fortunate to have an outstanding mentor to help guide me. Now, STEM teachers across the state will benefit from the guidance and expertise of these extraordinary Master Teacher mentors. I welcome the new class of professionals and thank them for their dedication to educating New York’s young people.”
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “The Board of Regents and I congratulate these exceptional teachers and counselors who will serve as mentors to their colleagues in the STEM fields. Providing support to new teachers can have an incredible impact on retaining individuals in the profession and in our districts most in need.”
The incoming group of Master Teachers includes 156 teachers with multiple teaching certifications, 38 certified in Special Education, and 18 teachers certified in Technology Education who are offering various courses in Engineering Design & Development, Computer Aided Design, and Automation & Robotics. The selected Master Teachers have been teaching for an average of 14 years. More than 68 percent have been in the classroom for more than ten years, and 24 percent have been teaching for more than 20 years. The 221 Master Teachers represent 143 school districts. A full list of Master Teachers and their school districts is available here.
All Master Teachers are teacher leaders, serving as curriculum and department leaders or members of district and State level committees, as well as mentor teachers for student and early career teachers. Many new members have been awarded grants for school STEM resources. They are advisors of student enrichment activities including Future Farmers of America, Science Olympiad, afterschool and summer STEM camps, school gardens, FIRST Robotics teams, and Coding Clubs. The Master Teachers hold leadership roles in New York State STEM professional associations and lead professional development workshops for regional and statewide educator conferences. Many of the 221Master Teachers have been recognized for outstanding service by their peers, local communities, or professional associations.
In nine regions across the State, the Master Teacher Program is hosted at a SUNY campus to leverage the expertise of the University’s faculty and existing educator preparation programs. The number of selected teachers from each regional cohort and the respective partner SUNY campus are:
Throughout their four-year participation in the Program, Master Teachers:
In January of 2022, Governor Hochul announced the expansion of the NYS Master Teacher Program to create a cohort of counselors and to encourage more teachers with CTE certificates related to STEM careers that are projected to be in high demand to apply.
About The State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.3 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2021, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.
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