Three Village Educator Named New York State's Teacher Of The Year

THREE VILLAGE, NY — Murphy Middle School World Language teacher, Emiliano Geoninatti, was named 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year by the New York State Teacher of the Year Advisory Council in collaboration with the New York State Education Department, Three Village School District officials said.

Geoninatti was selected for the "prestigious honor" in recognition of his "exceptional professional and personal impact on students, and colleagues as the award celebrates the powerful difference an outstanding teacher can make within a school and community," according to officials.

Superintendent of Schools Kevin Scanlon said that for the district to have a teacher of the year at the state level is "an enormous accomplishment and a gold star for the district."

"Emiliano will inspire teachers throughout the state, not just in our community, from now on based on the work he has accomplished," he added.

Geoninatti will also serve as state’s nominee for 2027 National Teacher of the Year, an honor administered by the Council of Chief State School Officers. He will also have the opportunity to represent state's teachers at recognition and speaking events throughout the state, participate in professional learning activities, and share his experiences and expertise with educators across New York.

During his speech in Albany, Geoninatti said, “As meaningful as this award is to me personally, I know this honor is much bigger than one individual teacher."

"This award represents our profession," he said. "It represents every teacher who walks into a classroom each morning ready to give their students everything they have. It represents the teachers who arrive early, stay late, spend their evenings planning, and continue thinking about the student who needs just a little more support."

"You never really know what a child may be carrying with them when they walk through your classroom door," he said. "That understanding has shaped the way I teach. I try to see the whole child, to recognize the challenges that may not be visible, and to create a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, supported, and capable of succeeding.”

The state's Education Department congratulated Geoninatti, his family, and school community on the prestigious and well-deserved honor, "expressing gratitude for his service to the students of New York," officials said.