University’s School of Education Recognizes Region’s First Round of Master Teachers

School serves as Capital Region host for one of ten sites throughout state.

New York's Master Teachers spend at least 60 percent of their teaching time in the STEM subjects and have received a rating of “effective” or “highly effective” on their Annual Professional Performance Review.

ALBANY, NY (May 7, 2014) – On the heels of Governor Cuomo’s announcement regarding the Capital Region’s first cohort of New York State Master Teachers, the University at Albany’s School of Education has recognized the area’s 23 middle and high school teachers cited for their excellence as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educators.

“We saw many extraordinary teachers during the interview process. The screening was highly selective, and I applaud all our applicants,” UAlbany School of Education Dean Robert Bangert-Drowns said. “We’re very excited to celebrate our Master Teachers and look forward to working with them over the next four years.”

The School of Education, which serves as the Capital District’s program host and one of ten coordinating sites for Master Teachers across the state, proudly congratulates the following exemplary educators:

• Daniel Anderson, Queensbury School District
• Janice Balogh, Schodack School District
• Jeffrey Bower, Scotia-Glenville School District
• Kim Bruton, Troy School District
• Elizabeth Carroll, North Colonie Central School District 
• Stephanie Conklin, Saratoga Springs City School District 
• Tammy Darby, Lake George School District
• Kristin Darlington, Galway School District
• Marnie DeJohn, Queensbury School District
• Nicole Dixson, Greenwich School District
• Jason Finn, Fort Edward School District
• Nichole Huskie, Fort Ann School District
• Deborah Mabey, Hoosick Falls School District
• Charlotte Naples, Saratoga Springs City School District
• Crystal Perno, Saratoga Springs City School District
• Jason Reinhard, Cairo-Durham Central School District
• George Reluzco, Rotterdam-Mohonasen School District
• Michelle Riley, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District
• Kelly Ryan, North Colonie Central School District
• Dolores Storey, New Lebanon School District
• Jody Suprenant, Fort Edward School District
• Melissa Thomas, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District
• Barry Witte, South Colonie Central School District

A total of 215 teachers across the state were chosen in this round, bringing the total number of NYS Master Teachers to 319.

Instructors who participate in the Master Teacher Program will 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 receive a $15,000 stipend per year over four years for participation in the program (total compensation of $60,000 per Fellow).

Another round of applications for the Master Teacher program will take place later this year. In order to qualify for the program, Master Teachers must:

• Hold NYS teacher certification and be employed as a secondary teacher in a public school;
• Have at least 4 years of full-time teaching experience;
• Teach at least 60% of time in the STEM subjects; and
• Receive a rating of “effective” or “highly effective” on their Annual Professional Performance Review.

Additional information about the program is available at www.suny.edu/masterteacher.

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