SUNY New Paltz picked as site for Governor Cuomo’s NYS Master Teacher Program

NEW PALTZ -The State University of New York at New Paltz has been selected as one of the first four campuses to host Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NYS Master Teacher Program, a new statewide initiative proposed in the 2013 State of the State Address, that will encourage the state’s best teachers to share their expertise with peers, reward the state’s highest performing teachers, and ensure the best and brightest to stay in education.

New Paltz President Donald Christian stated, “In establishing the New York State Math and Science For All (MFSA) initiative, Governor Cuomo has clearly recognized the need to better engage young people in secondary science and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. We are excited that SUNY New Paltz has been selected to play a leadership role in this initiative to increase the state’s capacity in science and engineering and to elevate the scientific and technological literacy of our citizens.”

This program, modeled after the successful Math for America program in New York City, builds a network of support and professional development opportunities for master teachers. By supporting our best and brightest teachers—giving them access to high-quality professional development both pedagogical and in their subject area, as well as a network of fellow master teachers—we encourage their growth, recognize their service, and connect them with the next generation of teachers.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher said, “Incentivizing our best teachers in the STEM fields to stay and teach in New York and lend their expertise to others will build a strong foundation of student success and ensure that our education system remains globally competitive. The New York State Master Teacher program is yet another example of the Governor taking bold action to improve New York schools and benefit students for years to come.”

“We are honored to have been selected as a regional host campus for the NYS MFSA professional development program,” said Michael Rosenberg, dean of the SUNY New Paltz School of Education. “Recognizing that teacher development is a College-wide activity, SUNY New Paltz has an established team of education faculty, interdisciplinary content experts, enthusiastic school district partners, and supportive administrators. We believe we are well-positioned to contribute to this program’s goals of cutting edge professional development and collaborative support, ultimately enhancing the quality of math and science instruction in all of our state’s schools.”

Under the NYS Master Teacher program, high-performing secondary science and mathematics (STEM) teachers who make a commitment to mentor other teachers will receive $15,000 annually over four years and they will then become mentors and teachers for other teachers. This program will be administered through SUNY System Administration and be fully funded through the Governor’s Office.

For more information about the NYS Master Teacher Program visit the website at www.suny.edu/MasterTeacher.