Being selected and named as a New York State Master Teacher is among the highest professional honors awarded to our state’s Science, Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics educators. We heartily welcome and applaud the accomplishments of the 228 educators recently recognized as NYS Master Teachers by Governor Andrew Cuomo and SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson.
One third of the new Master Teachers announced are elementary teachers, expanding the network of outstanding teacher-leaders to include K-12 STEM educators, and 27 percent are teachers in high needs school districts, including the Yonkers, Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, Binghamton and Buffalo City School Districts.
NYS Master Teachers are recognized for their excellence and commitment to growth in our Three Domains:
the depth of their content knowledge, the effectiveness of their teaching practices, and the efforts and value they place on connecting with their students’ families and communities.
The pride that students, faculty, administrators, and communities feel is visceral when their teachers have been recognized for their outstanding work. "Those that have chosen to complete the rigorous Master Teacher program really are some of the best teachers I’ve ever worked with. They are self-motivated, still learning, and incredibly smart." - Michael DeCapiro, Assistant Superintendent for Education and Accountability, Hudson Falls Central School District.
“We are so excited to have five of our teachers be selected for the Master Teacher Program, representing our elementary, middle and high schools. We look forward to the many new ideas and programs they will bring back to share with our students and faculty.” - Patrick Harrigan, Half Hollow Hills Superintendent of Schools
Newly announced NYS Master Teachers are absorbing the news of the honor they have received; yet, they do not rest on their laurels for a moment! Many have already begun to attend and contribute to our program’s professional development events—and all are continuing to support excellence among their students and colleagues.
While Master Teachers have reached a pinnacle in their careers, they are also representative of an excellent statewide teaching force that strives each day to provide every child in New York state with a strong foundation and the skills they will need to thrive in the 21st century.
Ms. Hernandez said "Receiving this recognition feels incredible, as this is something that I have been working toward for years." and Ms. Swiss added, "I am most excited to engage in professional development and increase my content and pedagogical skills, and share this information with my William Floyd colleagues."
Learn more about the inspiring work of new, current, and emeritus NYS Master Teachers by visiting the Portrait of a Master Teacher section of our News and Updates page, and by exploring the Meet the Master Teachers pages of our website.