Caldwell Teacher Honored with National Education Award, Headed to Washington, D.C.

Dr. Melyssa Ferro, a science teacher at Syringa Middle School, celebrated 2025 as the recipient of a big honor and could receive an even larger award in the New Year.

Ferro is one of five public school educators from across the country The NEA Foundation has recognized with one of the highest honors in public education, the Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Ferro will receive her award, which includes a $10,000 prize, at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on February 13 in Washington, D.C. The event will also include the premiere screening of a documentary film about Ferro’s teaching practices and the impact she has on her students.

During the Gala, Ferro will learn if she’s the recipient of the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence, one of public education's most prestigious honors, which recognizes one exceptional educator with a $25,000 prize.

Coming from a family of educators, she knew the importance of education from an early age. However, Ferro was unsure she wanted to be a teacher, but for the past 26 years, she has made it her mission to share her love of science with her students. Ferro says “I want my students to smell science, roll around in science, lick science and step outside the classroom walls.” She finds joy in showing science to others and could not see herself doing anything else.

“The educators we are honoring are powerful catalysts for change in their classrooms and communities,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of The NEA Foundation. “By cultivating inclusive learning environments where every student can be seen, supported, and inspired, they are changing lives for countless youth and families. We couldn’t be more excited to uplift their stories, practices, and impact at the 2026 Salute to Excellence in Education.”

“The educators receiving the Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence are redefining what it means to serve students,” said Marita Zuraitis, president of the Horace Mann Educators Foundation Board of Directors. “The Horace Mann Educators Foundation is proud to honor their unwavering dedication to nurturing student potential and strengthening school communities.”

The NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala and the Awards for Teaching Excellence are presented with support from FNBO, Horace Mann Educators Foundation, NEA Member Benefits, Travelers Insurance, American Fidelity, and Bank of America. To learn more about the 2026 awardees or the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, visit www.neafoundation.org.