We are delighted that you are interested in joining the New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) our professional network of outstanding, experienced educational professionals, K-12 classroom teachers and K-12 counselors, dedicated to professional growth and development and to providing the most innovative, engaging and supportive learning environment for their students.
Selected Master Teachers and Master Counselors engage in NYSMTP professional learning opportunities that are co-created by network members and their SUNY counterparts. The professional learning program is grounded in the local context and designed with local expertise to address challenges and provide new opportunities for students.
The NYS Master Teachers and Master Counselors are selected by a rigorous, multi-step application process. Please review the document What Does Being a NYS Master Teacher and Master Counselor Entail? prior to beginning your application. Selected applicants commit to engaging in a minimum number of NYSMTP-Professional Development activities in addition to their district and state requirements, agree to a four-year commitment, and are eligible for annual stipends of $15,000, totaling $60,000.
The application process includes a complete and eligible application submitted by the deadline. For the online application, the applicant is asked to provide information about their professional activities, a PDF of APPR/annual evaluation composite rating, unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, 3 required references, responses to writing prompts (available during application window), and a Praxis content exam accepted for application to the NYSMTP. Applicants are notified if they have been invited to participate in a finalist interview day.
Throughout the process, the applicants are instructed to provide specific evidence (examples) of their mastery of and goals for growth in each of the knowledge domains.
Please know that only complete applications submitted by the deadline are reviewed for admission. Past applicants have found recommendations require the most time; please plan accordingly so that all the required application materials are submitted by the application deadline.
The NYSMTP staff is committed to helping you navigate the application process. If after reviewing the information on this website, you have additional questions, email the staff at masterteacherprogram@suny.edu. Due to the great interest in the NYSMTP, please allow 24-48 hours for a response to your email.
You must apply to the region in which you work. No exceptions will be made.
Please see the document for download entitled "School Districts and BOCES by County and Region" in the Master Counselors and Master Teachers pages.
See the information in the Master Teacher Participation Requirements, What Does Being a Master Teacher or Master Counselor Entail?
… do I have to create a new application?
Yes. All applicants, including re-applicants, create a new application for each application cycle. In advance of each application cycle, we review and revise for the next application cycle, and only the current application parts are available for submission during the application window. The link to access the current application is available in the Apply section during an application window. Please note the specific dates for the application parts.
… do I have to write new prompt responses and get new references?
Yes. We regularly revise the application so that all components must be submitted new for each application cycle. We add that references do not upload a letter. The reference is a questionnaire sent to the individuals the applicant identifies in the relevant part of their online application.
… do I have to retake the Praxis each time I apply?
If an applicant has previously taken a Praxis content exam accepted for application as per the NYS Master Teacher Program Praxis Guides, and has access to a PDF copy of their official score report to upload to the relevant part of their online application, the applicant does not need to take an additional Praxis content exam.
… do I have to provide my transcripts again?
Yes. All applicants, including re-applicants, upload to their current application an unofficial copy of their undergraduate and of their graduate degrees. Each transcript must include the date and degree conferred.
… can I get feedback on a prior application?
We do provide an opportunity for feedback about your submitted application if you are considering submitting for the next round of admissions. We won't be able to discuss specific details of your application, but if you are interested, please email masterteacherprogram@suny.edu and a staff member will get in touch with you about the feedback process.
The application deadline is Friday, January 24, 2025, 5:00pm
The application also includes a section with writing prompts. Instructions and writing prompts will be available when the application opens.
The NYS Master Teacher Program application requires one of the Praxis® Subject Assessments that is listed on the current Praxis Exam Guide for Counselors and current Praxis Exam Guide for Teachers, available in the relevant Apply section. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they take an exam accepted for application for the counselor or for the teacher application by the deadline. Information on what is covered on specific exams can be found using the preparation materials section on the ETS website.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact the NYS Master Teacher Program office at masterteacherprogram@suny.edu.
