Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the State University of New York is now accepting applications for the New York State Master Teacher Program. The program, built via SUNY infrastructure and designed to bolster STEM education in grades 6-12, was first announced by Governor Cuomo in May.
“Making sure we have the best and brightest teachers in our classroom is a fundamental part of creating a world-class education system in New York State,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Master Teacher Program will identify and reward teachers that go above and beyond for their students, as well as lay the foundation for a corps of leading teachers who will work with their peers to give our students the best education possible. I encourage parents, administrators, and school affiliated organizations to nominate their top math and science teachers to apply for this program.”
The NYS Master Teacher Program was formed with a partnership between SUNY and the Math for America Program. Recruiting and retaining quality educators in mathematics and science was among the recommendations made by the New NY Education Reform Commission in its Preliminary Action Plan presented to the Governor in January. The SUNY campuses hosting the first four groups of master teachers include SUNY Plattsburgh, Buffalo State, SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Cortland.
“Securing and supporting our teaching workforce is essential as New York rebuilds its economy and prepares today’s children for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “The Master Teacher program gives the best and brightest teachers added incentive to keep educating and to share their knowledge and expertise with their peers. We look forward to bringing the program to communities and schools statewide.”
The role of master teachers as professional mentors and content experts is key to developing the current cadre of outstanding educators as well as developing skilled future teachers.
Master Teacher Fellows will:
- Engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year.
- Work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers.
- Receive a $15,000 stipend per year over 4 years for participation in the program (total compensation of $60,000 per Fellow).
- Required to attend regular cohort meetings, participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year, and participate in the training of pre-service and early career educators as part of the Master Teacher program.
- Teachers will be chosen from every region of the state to participate in the program, with four regions launching this fall, in Mid-Hudson, North Country, Central NY, and Western NY. The remaining six regions will kick off in the spring.
Each regional program will be paired with a research institution to give participants additional content exposure. This access will keep Fellows engaged in the cutting-edge developments in their field, serve as an incentive to retaining them in the profession, and improve their content knowledge.
To apply or nominate a teacher, go to: www.SUNY.edu/MasterTeacher