High school science teacher Ellen Spencer named NYS ‘master teacher’

Marcellus High School science teacher Ellen Spencer was among the 215 educators across the state named “master teachers” by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on April 14.

These newly named master teachers have more than 2,700 years of combined full-time teaching experience. Subjects of expertise include calculus, algebra, physics, earth science, chemistry, engineering design and development, and genetics. The master teachers already fulfill various leadership roles within their school districts—such as department chairs, curriculum development leaders, and STEM club sponsors—and contribute to their communities as active members of professional associations, technology innovators, and athletics coaches.

“Ellen is a self-starter who readily takes on additional responsibilities as a member of the Marcellus faculty, and her selection by Governor Cuomo as a master teacher is well-deserved,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Craig J. Tice.

Ellen Spencer

Ms. Spencer and the other 214 master teachers will become part of the inaugural cohort of the Master Teacher Program, which has engaged educators in the Central New York, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, and North Country regions in content-rich professional development activities since the fall of 2013. They now join the 104 master teachers announced in October 2013, bringing the total number in New York to 319.

"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 (science, technology, engineering and math) classrooms," Governor Cuomo said. "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."

Certified in chemistry, biology and general science, Ms. Spencer has worked at Marcellus Central Schools, both at the middle and high school levels, since 2005. She earned tenure in June 2008, and was recognized by the Marcellus Senior High School Character Education Committee as a Mustang Award recipient in 2011. She also has been a technology (professional development) workshop presenter and participated in the Outdoor Club, as well as numerous service learning projects.

Ms. Spencer also is a regular contributor to the school district's action research monograph, “Project S.H.A.R.E. (Studies Highlighting the Action Research of Educators).” And she joined the Cornell University Biomedical Engineering program as part of its GK-12 Fellowship in 2011. At Cornell, she participates in research to broaden her students' exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content and instruction.

Master teachers will:

• Receive a $15,000 stipend per year over four years for participation in the program (total compensation of $60,000 per teacher).
• Engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year.
• Work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers.
• Attend required regular cohort meetings and participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year.