Governor Kathy Hochul opens applications for the Master Teacher Program to honor outstanding educators across New York

Albany, New York – Across classrooms, guidance offices, and school hallways throughout New York, thousands of educators quietly shape the futures of young people every single day. Now, many of those educators have an opportunity to be recognized for their dedication and leadership. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that applications are officially open for the state’s Master Teacher and Master Counselor programs, initiatives designed to honor exceptional educators while strengthening mentorship and professional collaboration across schools.

The programs, which recognize more than 1,600 outstanding public school teachers and counselors statewide, are designed to highlight professionals who go beyond their basic duties in the classroom or counseling office. Participants often take on broader roles—guiding younger educators, mentoring students and sharing best practices with colleagues across the state.

Teachers interested in joining the program can submit applications through the website operated by the State University of New York, commonly known as SUNY. The application deadline has been set for May 21, 2026, giving educators across the state several weeks to prepare their submissions.

“I am grateful to our state’s exceptional teachers and counselors who dedicate their careers to inspiring and educating the next generation of New Yorkers,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “By promoting these outstanding individuals through the Master Teachers and Master Counselors Program, I hope more New Yorkers will celebrate the teachers from every corner of our state who have stepped up and excelled in their roles as educators and mentors.”
The Master Teacher Program itself operates across nine SUNY campuses. The structure allows participants to collaborate closely with university faculty members, as well as tap into the resources of SUNY’s teacher preparation programs. In addition to academic partnerships, the initiative also connects educators with industry professionals in science, technology and other specialized fields.

For the educators selected, the program offers far more than a title. It creates a network of experienced professionals who share ideas, develop innovative teaching methods and support one another in tackling the complex challenges facing modern classrooms.

John B. King Jr., the SUNY Chancellor, highlighted the university system’s commitment to strengthening the state’s education workforce.

“As the largest educator of teachers in the state, SUNY is proud to support Governor Hochul’s efforts to provide robust support for educators and counselors shaping the next generation in the classroom and beyond. Throughout its history, the program has recognized the most effective education leaders, and we look forward to welcoming a class of new esteemed members.”

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Members of the SUNY Board of Trustees echoed that message, emphasizing the importance of recognizing excellence in education and giving teachers the support they need to succeed.

“The Master Teacher and Master Counselor program honors the brightest minds in K-12 education, and we applaud Governor Hochul for shining a spotlight on these outstanding New Yorkers. We are proud to support this program and help educators receive the resources they need to support New York’s students at every phase – from kindergarten to high school graduation.”

At its core, the Master Teacher initiative focuses heavily on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Participants help support students across the entire K-12 system, offering expertise in subjects such as robotics, computer science, coding, engineering, integrated STEM learning and agricultural education.

Many of the teachers selected for the program have already earned recognition within their communities. Local school districts, parent organizations and education groups often highlight these educators for their commitment to student success and their willingness to go the extra mile.

But the program also includes another critical group within the school system: guidance counselors. Through the Master Counselor program, experienced school counselors join a statewide network focused on helping students prepare for college, careers and life beyond high school.

These counselors frequently take on leadership roles within professional associations and collaborate with local industries to help students understand future career pathways. By connecting schools with employers and workforce opportunities, they help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers.

Many counselors participating in the program bring additional qualifications to their roles. More than half hold advanced certifications or specialized training from New York State, including credentials related to disability services or recognition from national professional boards.

Counselors also play a major role in helping students navigate the college financial aid process. Across the state, they guide graduating seniors through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, widely known as FAFSA. So far, 55.4 percent of the estimated graduating class of 2026 in New York has completed the federal financial aid application.

Those selected as Master Teachers or Master Counselors participate in the program for four years. During that time, they receive an annual stipend of $15,000 as recognition for their work and leadership.

The program also offers a wide range of professional development opportunities. Participants engage in peer mentoring sessions, attend specialized training workshops and collaborate with fellow educators throughout the academic year.
Another key responsibility is supporting educators who are just beginning their careers. Master Teachers and Counselors work closely with early-career teachers, as well as with university students preparing to enter the education profession. Through mentorship and guidance, they help new educators develop confidence and practical skills in the classroom.

Regional meetings are also a major part of the program’s structure. During these gatherings, participants share new strategies, discuss challenges facing schools and lead professional development sessions designed to improve teaching practices across districts.

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The initiative forms one piece of a broader agenda championed by Governor Hochul to strengthen the state’s teaching workforce.

Earlier this year, the governor announced that SUNY would begin updating the expectations for educator preparation programs to align with what is known as the Science of Reading. This approach is based on research into how children learn to read and emphasizes structured, evidence-based literacy instruction.

As part of that effort, SUNY created a free microcredential certification program for current teachers through the Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz. The program allows educators to deepen their knowledge of effective literacy instruction and bring new teaching strategies into their classrooms.

The state has also made financial investments aimed at strengthening the pipeline of future teachers.

Last fall, the governor allocated $14.4 million in workforce development awards to support initiatives such as the Upskilling Paraprofessionals Program and the Alternative Teacher Certification Program. These programs are designed to help individuals already working in schools—or those seeking career changes—transition into teaching roles, particularly in high-need subject areas.

Behind all these efforts stands SUNY itself, a vast university system that plays a central role in educating New York’s teachers.

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive higher education system in the United States. More than 95 percent of New Yorkers live within 30 miles of one of its 64 colleges and universities.

The system includes four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school and the nation’s oldest maritime college. SUNY also operates the state’s only college of optometry, along with 12 Educational Opportunity Centers and more than 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs.

In total, SUNY serves roughly 1.7 million students through credit-bearing courses, continuing education programs and community outreach initiatives.

Research also plays a major role across the university system. Annual research expenditures reached nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, supported by the work of faculty, students and research partners.

SUNY’s impact stretches far beyond its campuses. With more than three million alumni around the world, the university system touches nearly every corner of New York’s workforce and professional landscape.

For the Master Teacher and Master Counselor programs, that network provides a powerful foundation.

By connecting experienced educators with university faculty, industry experts and fellow teachers across the state, the program creates a collaborative environment where ideas and innovations can spread.

For students sitting in classrooms today, those connections can translate into better instruction, stronger guidance and more opportunities to succeed.

And for the educators who dedicate their careers to teaching and mentoring young people, the program offers something equally important—recognition for the quiet, steady work they do every day to shape the next generation of New Yorkers.