Three teachers in the Middle County Central School District were recently awarded the Teacher Service Award by SCOPE at its 24th Annual School District Awards Dinner at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook on March 24.
“The Middle County Central School District proudly congratulates these distinguished teachers for their hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “Each of these teachers are a staple of the community and continue to leave an everlasting impact on their students and school.”
Selden Middle School Biology Teacher Ed Miller is an anchor within his school’s Science Department who strongly believes that all students can achieve success. He is constantly striving towards continuous refinement of his teaching practice. Often, Mr. Miller can be found on his own non-instructional time mentoring teachers across content areas and expanding across all 14 buildings in the school district. Teachers know that they can ask him questions on any topic. He fosters curiosity in students and worked with them over spring break so that they could present their Growing Beyond Earth research findings to NASA and mentors the Science Computing Club in partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Newfield High School Earth and Space Science Teacher James Nelson is an active faculty member within the Science Department and broader District community. He has taken on leadership roles through participation in curriculum writing and professional learning communities. Through his role as Newfield High School’s Research Teacher, he has developed collaborative partnerships with scientists at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. He has supported his students and helped train them to use the National Synchrotron Light Source II, where they conducted detailed analysis of invasive species found locally at Prosser Pines Nature Preserve. Mr. Nelson is known by students for bringing science to life with his interactive lessons and use of large-scale models in his classroom.
Centereach High School Math Teacher Laura Melfi has taught the subject for 20 years and distinguished herself as an exceptional educator who cares deeply about her students. Ms. Melfi was instrumental in growing and developing the District’s AP Calculus program, and her students consistently outscore the state and national averages. She also teaches Algebra 2 and participates in item writing twice a year in Albany. Ms. Melfi is seen as a leader who views challenges as opportunities to innovate and ensure all her students succeed. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Melfi is a field hockey coach and club advisor. She is also the CHS GO advisor, through which she oversees all advisors and students while planning events such as Homecoming Carnival, Trick or Treat Street, Deck the Halls and Class Competition.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
