Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the selection of 177 STEM teachers for the New York State Master Teacher Program and 27 counselors for the first cohort of the Master Counselor Program. These educators are recognized as leaders in their fields and will serve as mentors to students and early-career professionals.
“Educators play a vital role in preparing the next generation for a successful future by not only teaching them, but also by caring for them at every stage of their education,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to celebrate the exceptional teachers and counselors who are making an impact on New York State’s students every day. We are grateful to our educators for their dedication to New York’s children.”
The state has launched initiatives to encourage more residents to enter teaching, including SUNY Reconnect, which targets high-demand areas with teacher shortages. The Master Teacher Program operates at nine State University of New York (SUNY) campuses, utilizing university faculty expertise and educator preparation programs. SUNY staff collaborate with local STEM industry experts.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated, “Educators and counselors are an essential part of guiding students through their academic journey, and SUNY is proud to be New York State’s largest preparer for the next generation of educators. Thank you to Governor Hochul for recognizing the excellence of New York’s Master Teachers and for launching the Master Counselors recognition. This effort helps highlight the importance of all teachers and counselors in the state for helping students achieve their college and career goals.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees added, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued support of New York’s teachers and counselors. SUNY prides itself in its programs and internships to set aspiring teachers on a path towards student success. New York State’s teachers are among the best, and we are dedicated to ensuring more New Yorkers join their ranks.”
The new group includes representatives from 151 school districts across the state, with 48 coming from high-needs districts such as Buffalo, Binghamton, Mount Vernon, Rochester, Schenectady, Syracuse, Utica, Yonkers, and New York City.
Master Teachers provide instruction from kindergarten through high school in science, technology, computer science, robotics, coding, engineering, math, integrated STEM fields, and agricultural education. Many have been honored locally for their work with students.
Over 60 percent of new members have taught for more than ten years; half have at least fifteen years’ experience. The group includes elementary-level teachers (25 percent), those with multiple certifications (50), special education-certified teachers (28), TESOL or bilingual-certified teachers (4), and two with agricultural education certification.
Master Counselors often hold leadership roles within professional associations and work closely with local industries to help guide students toward career paths. More than half have worked as counselors for over ten years; over 50 percent hold additional certificates or state training.
Counselors serve at both district- and state-level positions as experienced leaders committed to sharing best practices.
Regional participation is broad: each region is represented by selected Master Teachers or Counselors working alongside partner SUNY campuses:
– Capital Region: 236 Master Teachers/five Counselors (SUNY Albany)
– Central NY: 225/five (SUNY Cortland)
– Finger Lakes: 256/six (SUNY Geneseo)
– Long Island: 234/eight (SUNY Stony Brook)
– Mid-Hudson: 227/eleven (SUNY New Paltz)
– Mohawk Valley: 157/seven (SUNY Oneonta)
– North Country: 133/nine (SUNY Plattsburgh)
– Southern Tier: 271/nine (SUNY Binghamton)
– Western NY: 265/nine (Buffalo State University)
– NYC: 160/nine Counselors
Participants receive a $15,000 annual stipend during four years in the program while engaging in peer mentoring activities and professional development sessions throughout each academic year.
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said,“New York needs our teachers and counselors now more than ever, and this program recognizes just how much they carry every single day. They are educators, mentors, leaders,and problem-solvers,supporting students in the classroom while helping young people navigate college,careers,and life.I thank Governor Hochuland SUNYfor strengtheningthe professionand ensuringthe next generationofNew Yorkershasthesupportthey deserve.”
Assemblymember Alicia L.Hyndman said,“NewYork’seducation systemis an ecosystem,andthe connectionbetweenour SUNYcampusesandour K–12classroomsisthe heartbeatofthat system.As Chair ofthe Committeeon Higher Education,I applaudGovernorHochulandChancellorKingfor investinginthe ‘MasterTeacher’model.By empoweringtheseexperiencededucatorsto mentor thenextgeneration,we arenotjust retainingtalent;weareensuring thatevery student—from Buffaloto SoutheastQueens—hasaccess totheworld-classSTEMinstructiontheyneedtocompeteinthefutureeconomy.”
The State University of New York serves about 1.4 million students across its network of colleges statewide through credit-bearing courses as well as community outreach programs.The system accounts fornearlya quarterofacademic researchinNewYorkstate,andoneinthreeNew YorkerswithacollegedegreeisaSUNYalum.More informationaboutopportunitiesatSUN Ycanbefoundat www.suny.edu .