New York Adds 212 Master Teachers and Counselors

Families in participating districts can expect more experienced STEM teachers and school counselors as the four-year program takes hold.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Administration

New York Adds 212 Master Teachers and Counselors

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New York selected 212 master teachers and counselors for its master educator programs, including 188 STEM teachers and 24 school counselors. Each participant receives a $15,000 annual stipend during a four-year term, and the application round for the next cohort closes April 8, 2027.

Why it matters

For New York families, the program adds experienced educators to schools across the state, including 35 high-needs districts, and it signals that the state is investing in teacher retention and mentoring. Households with children in STEM classes or in districts with fewer experienced staff may see the effects over the coming years.

The new cohort includes 65 teachers holding multiple certifications and 26 certified to teach students with disabilities. Elementary teachers make up 31% of the selected teachers.

The players

SUNY Geneseo

A State University of New York campus that hosts the master educator program for the Finger Lakes region.

Binghamton University

A public research university that hosts the master educator program for the Southern Tier region.

SUNY Cortland

A State University of New York campus that hosts the master educator program for Central New York.

Math for America

A nonprofit organization that operates a master teacher program with New York City schools.

The details

Both the Master Teacher and Master Counselor programs pair professional development with mentoring and collaboration. Participants deepen their subject knowledge, attend regional meetings, and share practices with colleagues across the network. Regional hosts include SUNY Geneseo for the Finger Lakes, Binghamton University for the Southern Tier, and SUNY Cortland for Central New York, with a New York City program operating alongside Math for America.

November 4, 2026: New York announces the 212 newly selected master teachers and counselors.
April 8, 2027: Application window for the next cohort closes.

The Home Front

The statewide expansion places a named mentoring model from Math for America in New York City alongside regional university hosts across the state. Family budgets and school quality in many districts are shaped by how consistently these teacher-retention efforts reach smaller and high-needs communities.

If your child attends a New York public school, ask the principal or district office whether any of the newly selected master teachers or counselors are assigned to your school. Families considering a move can ask districts about their experienced staff when comparing school options.

The takeaway

Experienced teachers and counselors are central to a stable school year, so ask your district how it supports mentoring and retention. Keep the April 8, 2027 deadline in mind if you or a colleague are eligible to apply for the next cohort.