The invention is directed to a method of synthesizing a molecular sieve. In particular, the invention is directed to a method for synthesizing a molecular sieve, especially a silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve, in the presence of a templating agent and a polymeric base. The invention is also directed to formulating the molecular sieve into a catalyst useful in a process for producing olefin(s), preferably ethylene and/or propylene, from a feedstock, preferably an oxygenate containing feedstock.