Shoreham-Wading River High School mathematics teacher Ellen Fraser has been named a New York State Master Teacher by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Fraser is among the 215 New York State teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to receive this distinction. The program encourages educators to mentor their peers and deepen their own scholarship and professional development.
“The Master Teacher Program creates a community of teacher experts dedicated to providing a first-rate learning experience for students across New York, and contributes to our efforts to attract and retain the best and the brightest in our STEM classrooms,” Gov. Cuomo said in a press release. “Investing in our teachers is investing in our students, and I am pleased to welcome and congratulate 215 additional outstanding teachers to this program, who have already proven to be some of the highest-performing professionals in their field.”
Fraser, who has been working in the Shoreham-Wading River School District since 1998, currently teaches honors pre-calculus and honors geometry. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree in mathematics teaching from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Fraser’s extensive resume, which reflects her commitment and dedication to her students, includes Mathletes adviser, district team member for STEM program exploration, tutor, contest administrator, volunteer and more.
“I am very excited to be recognized as a New York State Master Teacher,” said Fraser. “I am looking forward to the opportunities that will allow me to continue to develop my expertise in mathematics and teaching to best serve my students.”
Master Teachers will receive a $15,000 stipend per year over four years for participation in the program and will engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year. The cohort will also work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers, attend required regular meetings and participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year.