Institute Newsletter for April 8, 2026
Institute Updates
Facilities Reporting Questionnaire Due April 24th
We are excited to announce that we will be launching the 2026 Facilities Questionnaire from the SUNY Compass application this year. This new module of the Compass System will result in a more streamlined and simplified process for updating facilities for both schools and our staff.
We expect that this task will be sent out to schools next week, with a due date of April 24. Instructions will be provided, as well as a video demonstrating the new submission process. Please note: Education Corporations including a new site on the Facility Questionnaire will be required to submit all applicable new site documentation consistent with the facility type by May 15 through the Compass application.
Because this is a new process for schools, we know some users may have questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] if you need technical support. Dan Yetto and Dory Fitzpatrick will respond to any messages regarding Facilities Questionnaire submissions and are happy to assist users in navigating SUNY Compass.
- If the individual responsible for submitting your Facilities Questionnaire does not already have SUNY Compass credentials, please respond to this email with the name and email address of anyone who needs access.
Thank you for your ongoing patience as we roll out this new task, and again, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
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Applications Open for Master Teacher Program
Last week, Governor Hochul announced applications are open for the Master Teacher Program and Master Counselors, which recognizes more than 1,600 outstanding public school teachers and counselors throughout the state. Those selected for the program serve as mentors for students and early-career teachers and counselors. New York State’s teachers may apply at suny.edu/masterteacher and the deadline to apply is May 21, 2026.
The Master Teacher Program is hosted at nine State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to leverage the expertise of SUNY faculty and existing educator preparation programs. Additionally, SUNY faculty and staff regularly collaborate with local STEM career and industry experts.
Throughout their four-year participation in the program, Master Teachers and Master Counselors will receive a $15,000 stipend annually; 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.
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2026-27 Empire State Services Corps – Host Site Application Deadline April 17th
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the continuation of the Empire State Service Corps to promote paid civic and service opportunities for SUNY students. The initiative is spearheaded in partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY).
New York charter schools are eligible to apply to be host sites for the Empire State Service Corps member students for the 2026-27 academic year. (Service period is approximately September 2026 through May 2027.)
Corps members are expected to work 300 hours over the academic year (approximately 10 hours a week) and will be paid $16 an hour (or in alignment with their regional minimum wage, whichever is higher) through the program (not by the host site). Corps members are employed by their SUNY campus and will be assigned to the host site organization where they will perform service work/projects during the service period as directed by their host site supervisor(s).
There is no cost to the host site to participate/host a corps member. ESSC Campus Coordinators will support with the initial onboarding processes for all corps members, including fingerprinting and FBI criminal background check clearances through TrueScreen/Field Print.
All host sites will be expected to provide any essential job specific training required for their organization/corps member’s on-site work. A host site supervisor will be expected to be assigned to the corps member(s) at the host site location. The host site supervisor or designated host site staff member will be expected to approve corps member timesheets twice during each month in the service period (training on the time sheet system and more information will be provided by SUNY ESSC team prior to program launch). Host sites are expected to maintain regular communication with the ESSC Campus Coordinators and/or SUNY ESSC team and to proactively reach out with any questions or concerns during the program.
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NYSED Updates
Talent Pool Submissions Open
The New York State Education Department is requesting recommendations from teachers and/or principals in elementary through high school (K-12) for consideration of membership on advisory boards, task forces, and special recognition programs.
Your recommendations will identify educators who will be of great value to your community and New York State and who may also ultimately receive prestigious recognition for their contributions and achievements.
The nominee must be a principal or currently teaching at the K-12 level in a New York State public, private, parochial, or charter school, or Department of Defense, and be appropriately credentialed in New York State. Please find the fillable recommendation form for submission.
The deadline for submission is April 27, 2026. Completed submissions and any questions may be emailed to [email protected].