Albany, NY - October 8, 2013 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the selection of 105 educators from four regions as the first group of New York State Master Teachers. All ten regions will accept applications between November 1st and January 3rd with final selections being made in the spring.
Applications can be submitted online at www.suny.edu/MasterTeacher.
“I am pleased to welcome New York’s inaugural group of Master Teachers which brings together 105 of the most qualified math and science educators from four regions of the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “As part of our efforts to build a world-class education system in New York, the Master Teachers program will allow this first group of talented teachers to assist their peers in the classroom, further develop their own expertise, and enhance the overall learning experience of our students for years to come. I congratulate them and encourage educators from the remaining six regions to apply next month.”
“The Master Teachers 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 SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. 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.”
The first group of Master Teachers has nearly 1,500 years of combined full-time teaching experience and is comprised of 78 high school teachers, 21 middle school teachers, and 6 with dual responsibilities. Subjects of expertise include calculus, algebra, physics, earth science, chemistry, engineering design and development, and mechanics.
The New York State Master Teacher Program was established by Governor Cuomo to identify, reward, and support master math and science teachers throughout New York State. 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.
Each regional program is paired with a SUNY campus to give participants additional content exposure. The number of teachers from each region in this first selection and the respective partner SUNY campus are:
- Central New York: 36 (SUNY Cortland)
- Mid-Hudson: 19 (SUNY New Paltz)
- North Country: 21 (SUNY Plattsburgh)
- Western New York: 29 (SUNY Buffalo State)
Additionally, the SUNY pairing for the remaining regions are:
- Long Island: Stony Brook University
- Southern Tier: Binghamton University
- Capital Region: University at Albany
- Finger Lakes: SUNY Geneseo
- Mohawk Valley: SUNY Oneonta
- New York City: in partnership with Math for America
Master Teacher Fellows will:
- Receive a $15,000 stipend per year over 4 years for participation in the program (total compensation of $60,000 per Fellow).
- 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.
- Attend required 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.
A full list of Master Teachers and their school districts is available here.