New York State Master Teacher Program, Western Region

Group pictures of the master teacher program

New York State Master Teacher Program

The NYS Master Teacher Program fosters a collaboration among the selected outstanding k-12 STEM educators, whereby they develop expertise in the areas of content, pedagogy, and students' families and communities. The Western New York region of the NYSMTP works with 250 teachers from over 50 school districts.

FEATURED

Welcome NYS Master Teacher Program Cohort 2026

On December 24th, Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated New York State’s teachers through the selection of 177 STEM teachers for the New York State Master Teacher Program. 21 of these teachers are a part of the Western New York Region. Master Teachers are leaders in their professions and serve as mentors for students and early-career teachers. “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.”

Master Teachers support students from kindergarten through high school (K-12) in the areas of science, technology, computer science, robotics, coding, engineering, math, integrated STEM and agricultural education. The 21 new members of the Western Region represent 14 school districts serving urban, suburban, and rural student populations. Congratulations to these exceptional teachers who are dedicated to continual growth through refining and sharing of best practices.

Engineering Tomorrow Electric Vehicles Design Challenge

On Wednesday, April 22, the New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) celebrated Earth Day by hosting 140 students to experience the Engineering Tomorrow EV Design Challenge. Students were introduced to the history, development, and design features of electric vehicles. The students used the material provided to design and build their own electric vehicle!

Physics Olympics

On Wednesday, March 25, 280 local high school students from 12 different schools came to Buffalo State University’s campus to compete in the annual Physics Olympics. This event was hosted by the WNY Region of the New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) and Western New York Physics Teachers Alliance (WNYPTA). Students competed in curriculum-based engineering challenges to enhance student learning, motivation, and problem-solving skills.

Click here to read more about the event!

Julia Robinson Math Festival

Cheektowaga Union East hosted the first Julia Robinson Math Festival (JRMF) in the Buffalo area in partnership with the NYS Master Teacher Program. It was wonderful to see students and their families having fun and doing math together. Thank you to everyone who helped make the Math Festival a huge success!

Buffalo Math Collaborative and Chautauqua Math Collaborative

Dr. Kara Imm led the second week of meetings with our Master Teachers and participating school districts. We are excited to continue this professional development throughout the school year.

AMTNYS Regional Award Winner, Erin McClure

Erin McClure was recognized at the 75th Annual AMTNYS Conference as the Region A Regional Award Winner. Awardees are recognized for their collaboration, service, and impact on the profession of mathematics teaching.

Anton Banko Excellence in Elementary Science Teacher of the Year Award Winner, Bridget Lyon

Bridget Lyon was awarded the Anton Banko Excellence in Elementary Science Teacher of the Year Award at the 2025 STANYS Conference. This award recognizes a New York State K-6 teacher for demonstrated excellence in the teaching of elementary science.

NYSMTP WESTERN REGION NEWS

Upcoming PD for Master Teachers

August 2026 - December 2026

See below for engaging PD opportunities! See full descriptions of each workshop and minicourse by clicking the link to view its flyer.

September Cohort Meeting

Date: Saturday, September 19th, 9am-12pm
Location: Akron Central School, 47 Bloomingdale Ave, Akron, NY 14001

September Cohort Meeting Registration

Ashokan: A day of Curiosity and Community
NYSMTP and MfA Joint Mini Conference

We're so excited to invite you to our second annual gathering of MƒA Dual Citizens, NYS Master Teachers, and Master Counselors. This year's conference celebrates place-based learning, connection, and the beauty of the Ashokan Watershed. We look forward to sharing the work of external facilitators with knowledge of Indigenous heritage and the rich and complex history of the region.

Please register below and (if you're interested) propose a session to share your expertise with your colleagues. We are looking for 50-minute sessions that explore our connections with nature, curiosity, and intersectionality (or any other related STEM topic).

Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 10am-4pm
Location: The Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge, NY 12461

Joint Mini Conference Registration

Joint Mini Conference Flyer

Upcoming PD for WNY Teachers and Master Teachers

August 2026 - December 2026

See below for engaging PD opportunities! See full descriptions of each workshop and minicourse by clicking the link to view its flyer.

Climate Education Summit

In Spring of 2026, the Board of Regents approved requirements for instruction in climate education for public school students in grades kindergarten (K) through 12. Join with fellow educators and climate experts to advance our climate knowledge and gain classroom ready resources and best practices for empowering students with knowledge and actionable skills.

Climate education starts with you. Small actions, big impact--let's learn abut climate change together.

Date: Saturday, September 26th, 9am-3:15pm
Location: Buffalo State University

Climate Summit Education Registration

Climate Summit Education Flyer

From Sunlight to ATP: Modeling Energy Flow
HHMI BioInteractive

Where does the energy in a sugar molecule come from, and where does it go when a cell uses it? In this full-day workshop, we will dig into photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and you will leave with a coherent, standards-aligned way to teach them. Along the way, we will tackle the stubborn "energy is made" misconception and weave in literacy strategies that help students read, talk, and write about energy transformations using scientific language. Participants will use free HHMI BioInteractive resources to build models, work with data, and leave with a plan to bring one or more activities into their own classrooms.

This workshop is for teachers who teach any level of high school biology and environmental science, including introductory and advanced (AP/IB/Dual Credit) courses. All HHMI BioInteractive resources are free to students, teachers, and districts.

Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 9am-3pm
Location: SUNY Fredonia

HHMI BioInteractive Registration

HHMI BioInteractive Flyer

State-Level High School Science Item Writing Workshop

New York State Education Department, Office of State Assessment Science Team

Buffalo State University and the Western New York Master Teacher Program in collaboration with the New York State Education Department, Office of State Assessment Science Team, invites you to register for a unique, three-day, professional development opportunity focused on the process of state-level item writing. This is not a product-based workshop; its core purpose is to engage participants in the authentic experience of developing assessment items using the same documents and protocol that are used at NYSED. Due to the nature of the work and to ensure a focused working environment, participants must be fully immersed in 3D instruction, using NYSSLS to guide both practice and assessment. All work produced, including any item clusters, may be considered for inclusion on future state examinations and is considered property of NYSED. Your contribution is a direct investment in the quality of New York State’s science assessments. You will build connections with the Office of State Assessment, enabling you to explore ways to support fellow educators in your BOCES or district. Lunch is provided for all participants.

Dates: Monday, October 19th - Wednesday, October 21st, 8am-4pm each day
Location: Jacqueline Vito LoRusso Alumni & Visitor Center, Buffalo State University

State-Level HS Science Registration

State-Level HS Science Flyer

New York State Master Teacher Program Statistical Data 2022

The Image Above Gives Data About the NYS Master Teacher Program

124,000+ students across New York State have a NYS Master Teacher
There are 921 current Master Teachers
More than 549 Master Teacher Emeritus
Giving us a total of 1,470 Master Teachers statewide
61% Teach High School
15% Teach Middle School
15 % Teach Elementary School
9% Teach Across Grade Levels
100% of the Master Teachers state that their collaboration with other NYS Master Teachers have provided them with professional renewal and inspiration for their work as STEM educators
99% of MTs agree that their status as a NYS Master Teachers has increased their opportunities to develop their leadership skills.
97% of MTs agree that their experiences in the NYSMTP have increased their opportunities to share their work with teachers in their school or district.
The percent of High Needs Districts with NYS Master Teachers:
- 100% Large City
- 58% New York City
- 57% Urban/Suburban/ High Needs
- 51% Rural High Needs

The NYSMTP invites applications from eligible K-12 STEM Teachers & Counselors! In 2022, Governor Hochul announced the expansion of the New York State Master Teacher Program to create a cohort of counselors and to encourage more teachers with CTE certificates related to STEM careers projected to be in high demand to apply. The program creates a statewide network of the highest performing educators dedicated to sharing the expertise with peers and attracting the brightest minds to careers in the STEM fields and education. Through participation in the NYSMTP, selected educators engage in professional learning and receive $15,000 stipends annually over four years. Visit suny.edu/masterteacher for detailed information about eligibility and the application process. "New York is home to many talented teachers, and we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to educators across our state." -Governor Hochul

The NYS Master Teacher Program invites outstanding, experienced K012 STEM teachers and K-12 counselors who are committed to: reflection, continuous professional growth, collaboration, creating and sustaining a supportive and engaging learning environment, excellence in STEM education for all students, and making a difference within and beyond schools to apply for a four-year Master Teacher fellowship. Governor Hochul said, "I'm proud to announce the expansion of the Master Teacher network and the open application for the next round of STEM teachers and counselors.". A NYS Master Teacher said, "The experiences I had [with the Program] inspired me to bring back to my classroom the plethora of ideas and examples that fellow educators shared, that supported me in many ways to become a better more effective educator. THAT is what the Master Teacher Program does best.

"Since 2013, New York's Master Teacher program has recognized our state's most talented and dedicated educators for their persistence in engaging students in STEM fields. These teachers are instrumental in the development of our future leaders, and it is a privilege to recognize them every year."

Deborah F. Stanley | SUNY Interim Chancellor