Scarsdale Educator Named NY Master Teacher

SCARSDALE, NY — On Wednesday, 214 educators from across the state join the New York State Master Teachers. The incoming group of Master Teachers includes 26 teachers with certification in two STEM content disciplines and 14 teachers certified in Technology Education offering various courses in Computer Science and Technology.

These educators will join the network of Master Teachers created in 2013, bringing the total number of Master Teachers across New York State to 908. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

"I congratulate all 214 educators who have joined the program during this latest round, and look forward to their success as they continue to shape and inspire the next generation of Empire State leaders," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in the announcement. "The Master Teacher Program has already recognized and supported the growth of more than 900 teachers across the state, and with the opening of the next round of applications, we look forward to honoring these outstanding STEM teachers."

The 214 Master Teachers teach science, technology, engineering and math courses including advanced placement, honors, Regents and International Baccalaureate levels.

"The New York State Master Teacher Program continues to show New York's commitment to developing a strong relationship with educators who are dedicated to their craft, act as leaders for colleagues and other industry professionals, and incite passion for STEM learning for their students," said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. "I am excited about the opportunity for the Master Teachers and the partnerships we will create with education faculty at SUNY campuses across New York State."

The selected Master Teachers have been in the teaching profession an average of 13 years. Over 65 percent have been in the classroom for 10 or more years, and 10 percent have been teaching for more than 20 years. They represent 140 school districts and teach at the middle and high school levels. Many Master Teachers developed interdisciplinary STEM courses in their districts and use resources in their local communities to encourage more students to pursue STEM studies and careers.

All Master Teachers are active beyond their classrooms, serving as curriculum department leaders or on district committees. They are also sponsors of STEM clubs, Science Olympiad competitions and robotics teams, and school community service organizations as well as coaches, school gardeners, and PTA members. The Master Teachers hold leadership roles in New York State STEM professional associations, and many have received awards and public recognition for their teaching from their peers and communities.

The Master Teacher Program is hosted at a SUNY campus to leverage the expertise of the University's faculty and existing educator preparation programs. The number of teachers from the Hudson Valley, connected to SUNY New Paltz, are:

• Colette Alonge-Watz, Millbrook Central School District
• Jennifer Belfiore, Greenburgh Central School District
• Erica Castellano, Scarsdale Union Free School District
• David Czechowski, Hyde Park Central School District
• Carolyn Dorritie, Port Jervis City School District
• Patricia Glancey, Wappingers Central School District
• Steven Hertzog, Arlington Central School District
• Li Li, Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District
• Kathleen Murphy, North Salem Central School District
• Kathryn Whittaker, Red Hook Central School District
• Alan Zollner, Hendrick Hudson Central School District

A full list of all Master Teachers is available here.

Cuomo also announced the opening of the next round of applications for Master Teachers in all regions, which expands to include a cohort dedicated to computer science teachers. This round of applications welcomes outstanding K-12 STEM teachers to apply at www.suny.edu/masterteacher. Eligible Computer Science teachers - in all grades - are especially encouraged to apply. Throughout their four-year participation in the Program, Master Teachers:

• Receive a $15,000 stipend annually;
• Engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year;
• Work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers; and
• Attend required regional cohort meetings, participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 24, 2018.

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