Teachers from Ogdensburg and Potsdam have been named New York State Master Teachers.

They are Joshua Brosell, who teaches at Potsdam High School, and Juliette Ross from the Ogdensburg City School District.

They are among 214 teachers selected for the distinction statewide.

Through their four-year participation in the master teachers program, they will each 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 to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers; and attend required regional cohort meetings, participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.

Master Teachers are "dedicated professionals" who teach science, technology, engineering, and math courses including advanced placement, honors, Regents and International Baccalaureate levels, Cuomo said. The selected Master Teachers have been in the teaching profession an average of 13 years. Over 65 percent have been in the classroom for ten or more years, and 10 percent have been teaching for more than 20 years. They represent 140 school districts and teach at the middle and high school levels. Many Master Teachers developed interdisciplinary STEM courses in their districts and use resources in their local communities to encourage more students to pursue STEM studies and careers.

"All Master Teachers are active beyond their classrooms, serving as curriculum department leaders or on district committees. They are also sponsors of STEM clubs, Science Olympiad competitions and robotics teams, and school community service organizations as well as coaches, school gardeners, and PTA members. The Master Teachers hold leadership roles in New York State STEM professional associations, and many have received awards and public recognition for their teaching from their peers and communities," according to Cuomo's office.