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.
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 re-do my entire application?
All applicants are required to create a new application ID and file. If you are re-applying you must also create a new ID. There are questions on the application for you to indicate if you have already sent official transcripts and your Praxis score.
…do I have to write a new personal statement and get new recommendations?
We regularly revise the writing prompts so these components must be submitted new for each application cycle. Recommenders do not upload a letter. The recommendation is a short questionnaire to be completed that will be sent to the individuals you identify in the recommendations section of your online application.
…can I get feedback on a past application?
We do provide an opportunity for feedback about your 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 2024-2025 Praxis Exam Guide for Counselors and 2024-2025 Praxis Exam Guide for Teachers below. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they take an exam accepted for application for the counselor or for the teacher application. 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.