Viva88

The Viva88Teacher of the Year Advisory Council today named Emiliano Geoninatti, a Spanish teacher at Robert Cushman Murphy Middle School in the Three Village Central School District, as the 2027 Viva88Teacher of the Year. Each year, New York selects a teacher whose passion for teaching, involvement in their community, and impact on their school’s culture far exceed expectations. As Teacher of the Year, Mr. Geoninatti will not only serve as an ambassador for Viva88teachers but will also serve as the state’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program, whose winner is announced each spring.

Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “Mr. Geoninatti’s passion for teaching is matched only by his commitment to connecting with his students. He has created a classroom where students are not simply learning because they have to, but because they are engaged with the material, with one another, and with the world around them. As we work toward a complete transformation of education in New York State, it is fitting that a teacher who so effectively embodies the pillars of NY Inspires and makes such a profound difference in the lives of his students has been selected as the 2027 Viva88Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Mr. Geoninatti on this tremendous achievement, and to all of the finalists whose dedication and impact are worthy of recognition.”

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Mr. Geoninatti’s approach to teaching goes beyond the classroom, helping students become global citizens who understand how to apply their learning in meaningful ways. Through his leadership, compassion, and service, he teaches students every day what it means to be civically engaged and the impact that it can have within the school community and beyond. Mr. Geoninatti is deeply deserving of being named the 2027 Viva88Teacher of the Year, and I am proud to celebrate him alongside our three finalists, whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to their students exemplify the very best of New York’s educators.”

NYSUT President Melinda Person said, “Emiliano Geoninatti represents the very best of New York’s educators. He challenges his students, makes sure they know they belong, and builds community far beyond his classroom. Congratulations to Emiliano on this well-deserved honor and to all of New York’s teachers he represents.”

NYSUT Executive Vice President Jaime Ciffone said, "Emiliano knows what it's like to sit in a classroom searching to find his voice in a new language, that experience shapes his exemplary teaching career. He doesn't just teach language; he helps students find the confidence to use it in their own voice. From hallway interactions with students to the athletic tournaments he organizes to the new teachers he mentors, Emiliano builds the kind of community that makes a school feel like home. We're proud to celebrate him as New York's Teacher of the Year."��

Currently in his 19th year of teaching, Mr. Geoninatti has dedicated his career to Robert Cushman Murphy Middle School, where he serves as a 7th- and 8th-grade Spanish teacher. Through immersive and authentic learning experiences, he consistently fosters not only language proficiency, but a lasting appreciation for world languages and cultures among his students. His inclusive, student-centered approach to instruction encourages critical thinking and cultivates a global perspective, all within a classroom environment where students feel valued and empowered to take risks that allow them to fully engage in their learning.��

Beyond academics, Mr. Geoninatti is deeply committed to student well-being and to fostering a school community in which everyone feels welcomed and supported. His consistent presence in the hallways between class periods, at school events, and welcoming new families at ENL nights reflects his commitment to building meaningful connections throughout the school community. He brings that same spirit of teamwork and community to school athletics, where he has coached the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams as well as the softball team.��

As advisor to the World Language Club and Honor Society, Mr. Geoninatti has developed opportunities that bring together academics, athletics, service, and civic engagement. Each year, he organizes a student-faculty volleyball tournament that benefits a school serving students with special needs in Puerto Rico, an annual tradition that provides students with an opportunity to combine school spirit with meaningful service to others. He also fosters connections between students and staff through a student basketball tournament, culminating in a student-versus-faculty game featuring the tournament’s winning team. His ability to inspire students, build connections, and create meaningful opportunities for others has made a lasting impact on the school community and exemplifies the excellence celebrated by the Teacher of the Year honor.

The Teacher of the Year Advisory Council honored three finalists for the 2027 Teacher of the Year:

• Erin Althen – Music teacher, Westhill High School, Westhill Central School District��
• Jack Chen – Pre-Engineering teacher, Sewanhaka High School, Sewanhaka Central High School District
• Anastasia Polashenski – Music teacher, Loretta Johnson Middle School, Rochester City School District

Application and Selection Process

The application process consists of four rounds, including initial application review, response question review, site visits, and in-person interviews. The Viva88Teacher of the Year Advisory Council is responsible for selecting the Teacher of the Year, as well as one or more finalists. The council, made up primarily of former Teacher of the Year awardees, is a volunteer committee that promotes and supports the Viva88Teacher of the Year Program.

The Viva88Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by Viva88United Teachers (NYSUT); United Federation of Teachers (UFT); Viva88Parent Teacher Association (NYSPTA); Viva88Association of School Curriculum Development (NYSASCD); Viva88School Boards Association (NYSSBA); School Administrators Association of Viva88(SAANYS); Viva88Association of Teacher Educators (NYSATE); and New York Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NYACTE). The program is run in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

Additional information about the Viva88Teacher of the Year Program is available on Viva88’s Teacher of the Year website.