Randy Gunnell from Harrison
High School Selected as Master Teacher

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of 221 educators to the New York State Master Teacher Program, a professional network of public-school teachers with a passion for inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. These educators will join the network of Master Teachers, created in 2013, bringing the total number of selected NYS Master Teachers across New York State to over 1,600. Governor Hochul also announced the opening of the next round of applications for eligible K-12 STEM teachers and K-12 counselors in all regions. 

“Our teachers are the driving force behind New York’s leading education system, and continued investment in our world-class teachers is crucial in the development of our State’s future leaders,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to announce the expansion of the Master Teacher network and the open application for the next round of STEM teachers and counselors. New York is home to many talented teachers, and we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to educators across our state.”  

Randy Gunnell of Harrison Central School District was selected again as a Master Teacher. Gunnell teaches Physics and Science research at Harrison High School where he also serves as advisor to the district’s Gay Straight Alliance and Student Government organizations. In the evening, he teaches AP Physics at Westchester Hebrew High School. Gunnell works to support his under- represented students as a board member of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network {GLSEN} local chapter. He recently completed a certificate program in STEM Leadership at Columbia Teachers College and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

 The incoming group of Master Teachers includes 156 teachers with multiple teaching certifications, 38 certified in Special Education, and 18 teachers certified in Technology Education who are offering various courses in Engineering Design & Development, Computer Aided Design, and Automation & Robotics.  

All Master Teachers are teacher leaders, serving as curriculum and department leaders or members of district and State level committees, as well as mentor teachers for student and early career teachers. Many new members have been awarded grants for school STEM resources. They are advisors of student enrichment activities including Future Farmers of America, Science Olympiad, afterschool and summer STEM camps, school gardens, FIRST Robotics teams, and Coding Clubs. The Master Teachers hold leadership roles in New York State STEM professional associations and lead professional development workshops for regional and statewide educator conferences. Many of the 221Master Teachers have been recognized for outstanding service by their peers, local communities, or professional associations.