Rebecca Yuhas, who teaches 9th grade biology at Newark High School recently learned she was one of 144 Science, Technology/Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) teachers to be selected to participate in the New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP).
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It’s a professional network of more than 1,700 public-school teachers with a passion for inspiring the next generation of educational leaders. Through professional growth and development, they are enabled to provide innovative, engaging and supportive learning environments for their students and share valuable resources with their colleagues that support student learning and engagement. Master Teachers contribute instructional materials aligned with New York State science and math standards and inventive strategies that promote academic growth.
The NYS Master Teachers are selected by a rigorous, multi-step application process. Selected teachers commit to engaging in a minimum number of NYSMTP-Professional Development activities, in addition to their district and state requirements; agree to a four-year commitment and are eligible for annual stipends of $15,000, totaling $60,000.
Yuhas who began the NYSMTP application process a year ago, was selected as a finalist in May requiring she be interviewed and do a presentation in her STEM content area at SUNY Geneseo. She learned in late October she had been selected.
With recent changes in the way Biology and Earth Science is being taught in New York State, Yuhas, who has been teaching Living Environment/Biology at NHS since 2016, Yuhas feels this is an opportune time to learn effective methods and strategies other Master Teachers are employing.
“I am very excited to get started and be able to engage in the professional learning to deepen my understanding and learn about what other teachers in the region are doing to bring the content alive,’’ she said.
“I am excited to celebrate Becca on this accomplishment,” said NHS Principal Kelly A. Zielke. “She has been working hard to implement the new curriculum for Biology and I am excited to see how her involvement with the Master Teacher program will enhance the work she is doing. Aside from all of her curriculum work, she works very hard on being an advocate for our students through a variety of extracurricular and student council events. We are lucky to have her and am proud that she was selected.”
Yuhas is the second Newark Central School District teacher to participate in the NYSMTP program.
Newark Middle School sixth grade science teacher Kim Saccardi was the first in the Newark Central School District to be selected to participate in this distinctive program. Saccardi, who has taught 8th grade science, 6th grade math and 6th grade STEM since she began at NMS in 2008 has been in the NYSMTP since January 2024.
She is the Science Department leader at NMS and sits on the Council for Curriculum and Instruction. She also teaches in an Extended School Day program class at NMS. Saccardi is also a mentor teacher for the T3 SMART Start Grant through the University of Rochester.
Prior to becoming a New York State master teacher, Saccardi was a University of Rochester Noyce Master Teacher STEM Fellow, a four-year program devoted to STEM education and building leadership.
“The New York State master teacher program has been extremely beneficial for me as well as for my students,” Saccardi said.
“As a Master Teacher, we work with scientists, sometimes in the field, to strengthen our content knowledge in a variety of disciplines as well as working with researchers on current and best classroom practices. I have been able to differentiate my teaching on a new level with a deeper understanding of the content. I'm also participating in a Picture-Perfect STEM series which brings both fiction and nonfiction books into the classroom with a specific focus on NGSS science content & ELA standards. This is an incredible program, and I look forward to the next three years as well as helping fellow Newark colleagues apply and become part of this amazing program.”
"Kim is an outstanding teacher and leader within the building that is constantly pushing herself and colleagues. This opportunity is well deserved, I am so proud to work with Kim," said NMS Principal John Ginter.
“The Master Teacher program is a great example of the importance of continuous learning and keeping the teaching profession strong. Rebecca's acceptance into this program is a great honor. Both Rebecca and Kim are wonderful educators working to help their students and their colleagues grow and learn,” said Krista Lewis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.
“It is an honor to have two NYS Master Teachers in our ranks. Both already have a passion for teaching and learning and a rigorous program like this allows them tap into a level of personal growth and experience that is unmatchable. In turn, our students profit as they reap the benefit of their experience each and every day, “ said Superintendent Susan Hasenauer.
NYS Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) Master Teachers are experienced educators with clear goals for further developing their breadth and depth in the three knowledge domains to provide the most engaging and most supportive learning experiences for students.
• Knowledge of STEM content _ The Master Teacher Program offers professional learning focused on advanced levels of STEM content allowing Master Teachers to enrich their own content learning and to build connections across disciplines.
• Knowledge of pedagogy _ Master Teachers have a deep understanding of professional knowledge for teaching and strive to incorporate successful practices in their work. They continually evaluate, refine, and adapt their practice to better meet the needs of their students.
• Knowledge of Students, their families and their communities _ Master Teachers possess a deep knowledge of their students, within and beyond the classroom. They use this knowledge - which includes understanding of students' neighborhoods, cultures, and values—to inform their curricular and pedagogical choices.
Throughout their four-year participation in the program, Master Teachers, engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year; work closely with pre-service and early career teachers and counselors to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers and counselors; and attend required regional meetings to participate in and lead professional development sessions each year.
The time commitment per program year for Master Teachers is a minimum of 50 hours in NYSMTP-created professional learning activities. This is in addition to any professional development requirements of their school district or New York State.
The specific type, focus, frequency, and timing of activities are developed each year by the NYSMTP members with their SUNY counterparts. NYSMTP professional development includes, but is not limited to, Saturday cohort conference days, single session workshops, multi-session mini-courses, teacher-led multi-session interest groups, visits with pre-services teachers, field excursions, and school visits. Activities take place outside of school time on evenings and/or weekends. Scheduling takes into consideration the fact that people will have to travel to meeting locations for programming activities. A very limited number of virtual, synchronous opportunities may be available.
To maintain eligibility as a Master Teacher and to receive the associated financial and professional benefits, they must meet the following requirements for each of the four years of participation:
· Be employed as a full-time teacher or counselor in a NYS public school and meet their respective teaching or counseling requirements as noted on the NYS Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) website.
· Maintain a rating of “Effective” or “Highly Effective,” or the equivalent, on their annual professional evaluation.
· Participate in a minimum of 50 hours of NYSMTP-created programming each program year. A percentage of the 50 hours must be spent assisting in the professional development of other in- or pre- service colleagues through mentorship or other activities.
· Remain in good standing in your school community and continue to demonstrate the qualities of a professional educator.
Yuhas earned her bachelor’s degree in biology education and her master’s degree in special education from Niagara University. She enjoys spending time in the 1000 Islands region of New York with her family and exploring NYS parks with her fiancé and dog, Winston.
Saccardi earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a science
concentration at Ohio University and her master’s degree in math science & technology at St. John Fisher University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, cooking, gardening, fossil hunting and visiting with family.