About the Master Teacher Program

Master Teachers are exemplary K-12 educators who demonstrate strength and articulate clear goals for further developing their breadth and depth in three knowledge domains: knowledge of STEM content, knowledge of pedagogy , and knowledge of their students, their families , and their communities. These three domains are described in detail on the NYS Master Teacher Program website.

Master Teachers are committed to their own continued learning in three domains and to contributing to the development of K -12 STEM colleagues within and beyond the program. The goal of the NYSMTP is to establish a vibrant network of outstanding teachers who contribute to excellence and equity in STEM education for students throughout New York State. The specific types, focus, frequency and schedule of activities are developed at each region’s SUNY host campus in response to Master Teachers’ interests and goals for growth. Activities take place evenings and/or weekends, and scheduling takes into consideration the fact that people may have to travel a distance to their SUNY campus and to other meeting locations within their region for programming activities. Master Teachers have a rich and diverse range of professional development opportunities and choices. The minimum time commitment per program year (PY) for Master Teachers is 50 hours in NYS MTP-created professional development activities*, although most Master Teachers participate at significantly higher levels. The PY runs from September 1 through August 31 of the following year. The NYSMTP hours are in addition to any professional development required by schools, districts or NYS.