Even if he didn’t realize it at first, John Melandro MA ’22 always had a feeling he was going to be a teacher. Both of his parents were educators, and he even followed in their footsteps to get his master’s degree in liberal arts at Stony Brook University — where they both studied for their undergraduate and master’s degrees.
What Melandro, a fifth-grade teacher at Tangier Smith Elementary School in Mastic Beach, New York, didn’t expect was to receive the prestigious Milken Educator Award — also known as the Oscar of teaching — just six years into his teaching career. In fact, it didn’t even register right away when they announced his name.
“It was just absolute disbelief,” he said. The award recognizes exceptional educators for their dedication to excellence in education. He was one of 45 teachers who received the award this year — the only recipient from New York and the first from the William Floyd School District. Along with the recognition, Melandro received a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize.
For Melandro, though, teaching isn’t just a job; it’s his passion. “I love being in a classroom,” said Melandro. “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do every day — which is connect with my students and make an impact on their lives.”
Read a Q&A with Melandro at SB Matters.
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