Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES’ Computer Systems and Network Administration instructor Matthew Champlin has been named a New York State Master Teacher, a rare achievement for a BOCES instructor. 

The New York State Master Teacher Program celebrates the work of the highest-performing K – 12 STEM and computer science teachers. Out of the 1,200 teachers who have gone through the program, there’s approximately 10 BOCES instructors.

To become a master teacher, Champlin had to go through a multi-step interview process. He had to take a component test, go through an interview, have students, parents and principals send in references and write a one-page paper on what he planned on doing with the program.

Once he made it to the final round, he then went to SUNY Cortland to interview with other master teachers. While going through the interview process, Champlin said he was able to meet instructors who share similar interests and looks forward to working with them again.

“It’s kind of nice to be able to go build curriculum with other people who are passionate about this type of field,” said Champlin.

Champlin said his students are what motivate him to continue to develop his teaching skills. He said he’s excited to learn what other Master Teachers do in their programs and how they engage their students.

“You got to meet them and figure out what works best for them, how they learn. And as a teacher you always have to be learning if you’re telling them to do that too,” said Champlin.