John Melandro ’17, third and fifth grade teacher at Tangier Smith Elementary School in Mastic Beach, received the Milken Educator Award, a prestigious national honor that recognizes exceptional educators for their dedication to excellence in education. The award includes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize that Melandro can use however he chooses.
Hailed as the “Oscar of Teaching,” the award was presented to Melandro by Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Jane Foley, Ph.D., and Eastern Suffolk BOCES District Superintendent Jasmin Varela, Ed.D.
Coming from a family of educators, Melandro is known at Tangier Smith Elementary School as the “Magic Man” for turning everyday subjects into exciting adventures by engaging students with innovative approaches. Melandro’s teaching methods center around building fundamental skills in critical thinking and problem-solving, and students trust Melandro as a supportive guide who offers constructive feedback while closely monitoring their progress for full understanding. Future-focused, Melandro partners with the district’s Career and Technical Education program to provide his students with real-life learning experiences from guest speakers working in the fields of barbering, cosmetology and the culinary arts. These methods have translated into consistently high student performance and growth. He also has helped implement a new Character Education program in the school as a committee member, and created online learning opportunities as a NYS assessment prep resource for his colleagues.
Melandro is a teacher mentor and active in PTO and BOE meetings, contributing to greater parental and community engagement in students’ educational journeys. His classroom is used by teachers throughout the district as a model for observation. Melandro graduated from SJNY in 2017 with a B.A. in Child Study.
“John’s commitment to education is evident in every aspect of his classroom,” said Dr. Foley. “John transforms his lessons into real adventures of learning, where students take charge of the subject matter, set goals, interact with peers, and build self-confidence and respect for others. He brings the same enthusiasm to his leadership at the school.”
The Milken Educator Awards, created by Lowell Milken in 1987, have rewarded and inspired excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country. This season, they will reach more than $75 million in individual cash prizes since inception and over $145 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network. Honorees receive powerful mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy.
Photo credit: the Milken Family Foundation.
