Sachem East science teacher Richard Gearns was named by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo as one of 215 New York State Master Teachers.
“The Master Teacher Program creates a community of teacher experts dedicated to providing a first-rate learning experience for students across New York, and contributes to our efforts to attract and retain the best and the brightest in our STEM classrooms,” Gov. Cuomo said in a statement. “Investing in our teachers is investing in our students, and I am pleased to welcome and congratulate 215 additional outstanding teachers to this program, who have already proven to be some of the highest-performing professionals in their field.”
These 215 Master Teachers will become part of the inaugural cohort of the Master Teacher Program, which has engaged Master Teachers in the Central NY, Western NY, Mid-Hudson, and North Country regions in content-rich professional development activities since the fall of 2013. At SUNY campuses in every region, STEM and Education leadership and faculty work to lead the transformation of STEM teaching and learning in New York.
The newly named Master Teachers have over 2,700 years of combined full-time teaching experience. Subjects of expertise include calculus, algebra, physics, earth science, chemistry, engineering design and development, and genetics. The Master Teachers already fulfill various leadership roles within their school districts—such as department chairs, curriculum development leaders, and STEM club sponsors—and contribute to their communities as active members of professional associations, technology innovators, and athletics coaches.
On August 15, 2014, all Master Teachers are invited to attend the first annual Master Teacher Program professional development conference, “New York State Master Teachers: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders.” This dynamic event will allow for these outstanding educators to design, lead, and participate in enriching professional development workshops.
Master Teachers will:
- Receive a $15,000 stipend per year over four years for participation in the program (total compensation of $60,000 per teacher).
- 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.
- Attend required regular cohort meetings and participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year.