Submitted photo Pictured are Pine Valley teacher Matthew VanKoughnett, and Principal Kourntey Almeida during the Master Teacher Program induction ceremony.

SOUTH DAYTON — It takes a lot of work for a teacher to be selected for induction into the highly competitive New York State Master Teacher Program, and this year Pine Valley Central School district is seeing one of their own joining the ranks.

The New York State Master Teacher Program recognizes exceptional STEM educators across the state, with only 21 teachers being selected from Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Niagara and Erie counties this year. The New York State Master Teacher Program is a distinguished four-year professional fellowship designed to support outstanding STEM teachers while strengthening instructional leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Master Teachers commit to remaining “highly effective” in the classroom while participating in cohort meetings, teacher-led professional learning groups, and extensive professional development beyond district requirements.

Pine Valley’s Technology and Engineering Education teacher, Matthew VanKoughnett, is among the group of teachers selected for induction this year. VanKoughnett began his career at Pine Valley on Sept. 2, 2020, earning his tenure through his hard work and dedication in the fall of 2024. But, teaching was not always something VanKoughnett wanted to do.

“I went the non-traditional route,” VanKoughnett said. “I was in manufacturing for seven years before this, and the thing I enjoyed most about manufacturing was being able to pass on my knowledge to coworkers, so I decided to go into the realm of teaching.”

Within his realm of teaching STEM classes, VanKoughnett said teaching in this specific area is something that is important for students as it is the future of the world. It is also something he said is not going to go away anytime soon.

“STEM education takes place in tangible settings,” VanKoughnett said. “It’s not going to be replaced by AI. If anything it will be enhanced by AI, but we need to know how to critically think, how to use our resources and be able to come up with our conclusions based off of the information that we get.”

Outside of the classroom and the school VanKoughnett is also a member of the Eden Fire Department and enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, and working on their house. At school, he coaches modified basketball, assists in the musical program with set designs as needed and is the founder and leader of the Powersports Club. In the Powersports Club members have rebuilt a 4-Wheeler and a jet ski, with a motorcycle and another jet ski on tap to be restored. VanKoughnett is also a part of the school’s Shared Decision Making Team, and recently was asked to help the school prepare for the Portrait of a Graduate.

The selection process for the Master Teacher Program is rigorous, involving an extensive written application followed by a two-part interview. VanKoughnett first learned about the program through his active involvement in professional organizations dedicated to Technology and Engineering Education. These include the Western New York Technology Educators Association, which meets several times throughout the year, and the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association, where he currently serves as President. He has also participated in professional conferences hosted by SUNY Oswego, which emphasize collaboration, leadership, and innovation in STEM education.

For VanKoughnett, one of the most exciting aspects of being inducted into the Master Teacher program is the opportunity he will have to collaborate with educators from across the region in all STEM disciplines. Most cohort meetings are held at Buffalo State College, and this year marks the first time a Professional Learning Team will meet at Fredonia State College. He is especially enthusiastic to be part of the PLT titled “The Crosscutting Connection: The Tools for Sense Making,” which focuses on helping students develop a deeper understanding through meaningful connections and authentic learning experiences.

“The Master Teacher Program is such an excellent program where we’re going to be able to collaborate and get together with many like-minded and gung-ho teachers in the STEM field,” VanKoughnett said. “We get to work together to come up with solutions and classroom ideas. I think the Master Teacher Program is something that if you are a STEM teacher you should try to get involved with. I’m new to it but I think it’s going to be one of the best experiences that I’ve had in the education world.”

Looking ahead, VanKoughnett is excited to share the strengths and experiences of Pine Valley Central School District with fellow Master Teachers while learning from educators representing diverse disciplines and educational backgrounds. VanKoughnett not only spearheaded but also utilizes the robust Woz-Ed STEM curriculum to ensure students get hands-on experiences that challenge their thinking. With the Woz-Ed curriculum in mind, VanKoughnett’s ultimate goal is to bring new ideas, instructional strategies, and professional connections back to the district to enhance the teaching and learning for all students.

Pine Valley administrators said VanKoughnett’s selection reflects his dedication to students, commitment to professional growth, and leadership within the field of Technology and Engineering Education. The induction ceremony for the Master Teacher Program was held on Jan. 21, and VanKoughnett was joined at the ceremony by Principal Kourtney Almeida. Superintendent Shanda DuClon also commended VanKoughnett’s induction.

“Mr. VanKoughnett exemplifies the very best of Pine Valley Central School District–a dedicated educator who combines innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to student learning,” DuClon said. “His selection as a New York State Master Teacher is a testament not only to his excellence in the classroom, but also to the culture of collaboration and high expectations we strive to foster across our district. We are incredibly proud of Mr. VanKoughnett and excited for the impact his work will continue to have on our students, staff, and school community.”

Overall, while VanKoughnett said he is not used to the spotlight and this experience is and will be very new for him, he remains dedicated to his work and his students.

“I’m just a teacher trying to make my students’ lives better,” VanKoughnett said.