This virtual session supports educators in responding to New York State’s new climate education mandate through practical, standards-aligned integration across all K-12 subject areas. Grounded in an interdisciplinary, place-based approach, participants will explore how climate education can be embedded into existing curriculum through meaningful connections to science, social studies, ELA, math, and beyond. Educators will gain insight into project-based learning, civic action frameworks, and student showcase models that translate learning into real-world impact. The session will highlight resources, adaptable lesson structures, and planning tools that support teachers in designing engaging, standards-aligned climate learning experiences. Participants will also have time to explore these resources and begin applying them to their own classrooms. This workshop is open to all NYS educators.
Take a tour of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center to see the unique opportunities that exist at Cornell! We will tour the pathology lab, molecular biology lab, parasitology lab and many others! We will learn about these various laboratories and how many different places around the world the lab services! We will also tour the large animal vet hospital. This event is open to all NYSMTP Master Teachers, Master Counselors, emeriti, all K-12 teachers and counselors (not limited to NYSMTP.)
Skaneateles High School Hydroponics serves as a fresh, innovative "living laboratory" where abstract lessons come to life. We invite you to tour our lab and see firsthand how students engineer custom growing systems from scratch, applying Science and Math to optimize plant health and fastest growing methods. By mastering nutrient management and using data to track real-time progress, our students take full ownership of the production process. Whether you teach Math, Engineering, or the Sciences, come see how this program has boosted enrollment and student engagement by transforming a traditional classroom into a high-tech farm.
In this workshop, teachers will explore teacher-vetted, high-impact instructional practices designed to bridge the gap between education research and classroom realities. Participants will engage with the Framework for Innovative Professional Learning, developed through a Gates Foundation–funded project by NYS Master Teacher Alumni, which combines evidence-based K–12 mathematics research with insights from educators across New York State. Teachers will identify strategies that best fit their needs and consider how these resources can support future collaboration and professional learning with colleagues.
This workshop is open to all K-12 school counselors and crisis team members. We will discuss current research and best practice regarding the development and implementation of an effective school-based crisis team. We will also explore developmental aspects of grief and the school's role in memorialization of deceased students and/or staff members. As a result of participation in this group, participants will be able to develop a school specific document of roles and responsibilities of crisis team members and a guide to memorialization based on their district's policy. Participants will also be able to structure and support student and staff care stations when a crisis response is initiated.
Session 1 (March 14th): In session one, participants will learn about a framework to categorize and conceptualize the underlying factors that contribute to chronic absenteeism. In addition, participants will be introduced to resources for identifying root causes of chronic absenteeism.
Session 2 (March 28th): In session two, participants will learn about effective strategies and interventions to improve attendance and address underlying causes of chronic absenteeism within a multi-tiered system of support.
Register for Session 1: March 14th, 2026
Register for Session 2: March 28th, 2026This intensive 6-hour workshop reframes professional development from a passive experience to a teacher-led design process grounded in the Agentic Synthesis framework. Drawing on Knowledge Building, the Science of Learning and Development, and the recontextualization of professional knowledge, participants learn to fuse research, professional expertise, and local context to design meaningful solutions to real Problems of Practice. The day begins with a deep dive into the model and analysis of real-world examples, then transitions into guided, collaborative design where small groups create a mini-PD session tailored to a current challenge. Through structured peer feedback and reflection, participants leave with a refined design and a clear, actionable plan to apply this agentic approach in their own professional learning contexts.
This workshop explores how to strengthen geometric thinking across grade levels through hands-on, engaging activities using tools such as polydrons, geoboards, and tangrams. Participants will examine key concepts identified by the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences—including visualization, spatial reasoning, and foundational geometric relationships—while considering the role of theories like Van Hiele in supporting student learning. Educators will leave with practical strategies to help students better understand and communicate geometric ideas.
This workshop will provide K-6 teachers the science background they need to understand the basics of climate change so they can confidently teach about it. It will also provide an opportunity to try hands-on learning activities for elementary school-aged students. These activities focus primarily on weather and climate change solutions.
In this course you will explore the science ideas of electricity and energy using a storyline that is aligned with the NYSSLS Standards. You will learn about electric circuits and how energy is transformed. You will participate in investigations that parallel the activities in the NYSED Light it Up required investigation. We will make observations that provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents. The science practices of investigations and arguing from evidence will be foremost as you defend your ideas about electric current based on evidence.
The New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) is once again supporting UAlbany's NANOvember annual celebration, a series of events designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Master Teachers have previously played a key role in creating hands-on learning stations that engage young learners in exploring nanotechnology concepts through interactive, inquiry-based activities. Their leadership and creativity continue to help make complex STEM ideas accessible and exciting for students of all ages.
One participating Master Teacher shared, "The SUNY Albany Nano for Kids program is an exceptional resource for educators, offering a unique opportunity to bridge complex scientific concepts with engaging, hands-on learning for students. As a teacher, participating in this program has been invaluable in enhancing both my knowledge and teaching strategies." Another added, "The NANOvember event is a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore STEM concepts. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their excitement as they participated in the activities."
SUNY Workforce Development and Upward Mobility:
Hear from Chris White, SUNY Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility, about the future of work, including trends shaping our economy and how students, educators, and school leaders alike can be prepared. This presentation will highlight future-proof skills and the wide range of career pathways available to students, along with how SUNY is working in partnership with teachers and counselors across New York State to meet students where they are and elevate their career trajectory.
Sessions: Identical live sessions via Zoom
October 29, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
October 30, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Who Should Attend:
NYSMTP Master Teachers and Master Counselors, emeriti, all K–12 educators and counselors, and higher education faculty.
Professional Learning Forum
The State University of New York (SUNY) and NYS Master Teachers and Master Counselors are dedicated to helping create innovative STEM learning experiences for all students in all grades and we welcome all educators to attend.
These sessions are free and are hosted in person and over Zoom. Workshops are designed for synchronous participation and are not recorded. Pre-registration is required. CTLE may be available; please review the individual descriptions.
