Congratulations Master Teachers

Three Orchard Park educators, Mr. Erlandson, Mr. Drake, and Ms. Richey, have been accepted into the New York State Master Teacher Program, one of the state’s most prestigious professional networks for outstanding educators. The program brings together more than 1,400 exceptional K–12 STEM, CTE, and counseling professionals from across New York State, selected for their excellence in teaching, leadership, and dedication to student success.

The Master Teacher Program emphasizes collaboration, high-quality professional learning, and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. Selection into this program is a significant honor and reflects both the individual excellence of these educators and the overall strength of Orchard Park’s instructional programs.

The newly selected Master Teachers shared their enthusiasm for the opportunities the program provides.

Emily Richey noted, “I am honored to join the New York State Master Teacher Program and eager to collaborate with educators from across Western New York to further strengthen my instructional practice. I believe this program will enhance my understanding of effective strategies for teaching complex science concepts and support ongoing reflection on my teaching. I am particularly excited to participate in Professional Learning Teams, where I can learn how schools in the region are engaging students through three-dimensional, hands-on learning experiences and incorporate these approaches into my own classroom at Orchard Park Middle School.”

Emil Erlandson shared his focus on interdisciplinary growth, stating, “I am excited to learn how to better infuse the ‘S’ and ‘M’ of STEM into my Technology and Engineering classes to better serve my students and provide them with a complex, well-rounded education.”

Dan Drake emphasized collaboration and mentorship, saying, “As a Master Teacher, I look forward to collaborating and networking with other Master Teachers within the STEM fields as well as mentoring pre-service teachers. My goal is to help develop new, engaging, and thought-provoking activities that align with the three dimensions of the New York State Science Learning Standards.”

The district is incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact these educators have on students, colleagues, and the school community. Congratulations to Mr. Erlandson, Mr. Drake, and Ms. Richey. With their acceptance, Orchard Park Central School District now has 18 Master Teachers, forming one of the largest cohorts in Western New York.