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Mark D. Kaercher (NH '01) Selected As Master Teacher By NY Governor

Milken Educator Mark D. Kaercher (NH '01) has been chosen as a New York State Master Teacher by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Kaercher is in his 13th year of teaching at Shaker High School in Latham, NY, where he teaches math, and his 22nd year teaching overall. 

“These awards are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our teaching staff,” said North Colonie Central School District Superintendent Joseph Corr. “We are fortunate to have an outstanding group of teachers in North Colonie who consistently focus on meeting the needs of students and improving and growing professionally throughout their careers. Mark Kaercher is a dedicated professional who is always seeking to improve his craft. He is creative, reflective and innovative, and represents the essence of excellent teaching.”

Kaercher won the Milken Educator in 2001 and remains a dedicated and passionate teacher.

“I always push myself to be better for my students and my colleagues. I never wanted to be this guy who just did the same thing every year and every day," he said. “Even though I’m an old dog, I like to learn new tricks. I feel like if I’m always learning, maybe that will inspire my students to always want to learn.” 

Kaercher joins a cohort of 624 Master Teachers in New York state. Along with the distinction, Master Teachers receive a $15,000 stipend per year over four years, participate in peer mentoring and professional development, as well as work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers.

Read more from North Colonie Central Schools.