NYS Master Teacher Program adds 188 teachers, 24 counselors to statewide network

ALBANY | Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the selection of 188 STEM teachers for the New York State Master Teacher Program, a professional network of more than 1,900 public-school teachers with a passion for inspiring the next generation of educational leaders. Twenty-four counselors were also selected as part of the Master Counselor cohort to serve as mentors for students and early-career educators. The new members represent 138 school districts with a Master Teacher or Master Counselor among their faculty, with 50 program members from high-needs districts including Buffalo, Binghamton, Rochester, Schenectady, Syracuse, Utica, and, for counselors, New York City School Districts. "New York State is proud to recognize the impact that our extraordinary educators have on students every day," Gov. Hochul said. "Teachers and counselors are integral to preparing students to be future leaders and paving the way for them to achieve their dreams. We are incredibly grateful to the Master Teachers and Master Counselors for their unwavering dedication to educating communities across the state." Throughout their four-year participation in the program, Master Teachers and Master Counselors will receive a $15,000 stipend annually; engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year; work closely with pre-service and early career teachers and counselors to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers and counselors; and attend required regional meetings to participate in and lead professional development sessions each year. This builds on Gov. Hochul's Back to Basics efforts to ensure students are receiving high quality math instruction. The application process for the next cohort is open now through April 8, 2027. Interested applicants can review the eligibility requirements and attend an information session with program staff at suny.edu/masterteacher/applications. Master Teachers support students in grades K-12 in the areas of science, technology, computer science, robotics, coding, engineering, math, integrated STEM, and agricultural education. More than 60 percent of the new members have been in the classroom for more than ten years, and one third have been teaching for 18 or more years. The incoming group of Master Teachers comprises 31 percent elementary level teachers, 65 teachers with multiple teaching certifications, 26 teachers certified in Students with Disabilities, seven teachers who hold a TESOL or Bilingual Education Extension and eight are teachers in the Career and Technical Education content areas of Agriculture, Computer Science and Technology Education. The Master Counselors are active members of their professional associations serving in leadership roles and support students through the multiple transitions in their lives: from elementary to middle to high school and from secondary school to career paths. More than half of the 2026 Master Counselors have been in a counseling role for longer than twelve years, with seven serving elementary grade students. Two members of the 2026 cohort hold a Work-Based Learning certification. Master Teachers and Master Counselors serve in various district-level and state-level roles, joining the program as experienced leaders dedicated to developing and sharing best practices. They are often identified as mentors for students and early-career teachers and counselors. Many new members have been recognized by district and community organizations for their work with students, and 40 new members have been awarded grants for materials to enhance learning experiences for their students. SUNY PLATTSBURGH With 162 Master Teachers and 12 Master Counselors partnering with them, SUNY Plattsburgh is one of just nine SUNY campuses statewide hosting the Master Teacher Program, which leverages the expertise of the University's faculty and existing educator preparation programs. SUNY counterparts collaborate regularly with local STEM career and industry experts.

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NYS Master Teacher Program adds 188 teachers, 24 counselors to statewide network

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