New York’s Master Teacher Program seeks to identify, reward, and support outstanding public school teachers throughout New York State. It is inspired by and modeled after Math for America, which is a supplementary education program for teachers that has flourished in New York City and since expanded nationwide. Master Teachers are chosen because they have proven content expertise, effective pedagogical skill and a deep understanding of their students and their communities. Once selected, Master Teachers will engage in activities to even further develop their talents in those three areas.
This fall, Governor Cuomo announced the first cohort of over 100 Master Teachers from the Central New York, Western New York, North Country and Mid-Hudson regions. The group has just completed their first regional cohort meetings and is poised to mentor peer and pre-service teachers, further develop their own expertise, and enhance the overall learning experience of our students for years to come.
“We want the best possible teachers in every New York classroom educating our children. As part of the state’s work to transform our education system and put students first, we are committed to investing in great teachers to educate our students and create a highly trained workforce to drive our future economy. This program will reward those teachers who work harder to make the difference and whose students perform better as a result,” Governor Cuomo said.
Chancellor Zimpher believes this program can change the way students access knowledge and positively further students’ education to prepare them for life after high school.
“The Master Teacher Program allows for our best classroom leaders to share their expertise with their peers, furthering student success and helping to build the foundation for college readiness and the skilled workforce that will keep New York competitive in the 21st century global innovation economy,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “This program compliments SUNY’s new and more robust standards for our teaching programs and shows how the University’s continued partnership with Governor Cuomo is delivering real reforms across the education pipeline,” she added.
A shortage of STEM teachers in the current K-12 system is an opportunity for the New York Master Teacher program to make a profound impact. This program will help ensure that even more of New York’s students are ready for college and careers.
Teachers in STEM disciplines teaching grades 6 through 12 are selected from every region of New York State through an application process, including: Mid-Hudson, North Country, Central New York, Western New York, Long Island, Southern Tier, the Capital Region, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and New York City (in partnership with Math for America).
Each Master Teacher receives a $15,000 stipend per year over a 4 year span, reinforcing the New York’s belief that excellent instructors should be rewarded for their excellence in order to keep them in the classroom – where we need them most.
Applications for the next round are now open until January 3rd, with final selections being made in the Spring of 2014.
