Emiliano Geoninatti, of R.C. Murphy Middle School, named NYS Teacher of the Year

Emiliano Geoninatti’s philosophy as an educator is more than just academics and athletics — it’s about making sure his students are seen.

When passing his classroom at R.C. Murphy Middle School in Stony Brook, Principal Michael Jantzen said teens can often be found singing, laughing or even gathering before and after a Spanish class.

"His classroom is almost like a pseudo-front porch of the building, where the kids would hang out. They’re drawn to him," Jantzen said.

Geoninatti, who is in his 19th year as a world language educator in the Three Village Central School District, was honored for his passion in the classroom and impact on his students Tuesday, when he was named the 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year.

"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," state officials said in a release announcing the award. "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."

Geoninatti, 43, of Miller Place, also serves as an adviser to the school's World Language Club and Honor Society. 

The last time a Long Island educator won the award was in 2021.

The statewide winner is selected by a volunteer council, made up primarily of former awardees. The four-round application process includes an initial application review, response question review, site visits and in-person interviews.

Another Long Island educator, Sewanhaka High School pre-engineering teacher Jack Chen, was among the finalists for this year's award.

Three Village school leaders lauded Geoninatti's recognition.

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

Giving students a voice

Among his accomplishments, Geoninatti’s colleagues recognized his work with the growing Hispanic community in the district. Hispanic or Latino students made up 12% of the district enrollment last school year, an increase of 8 percentage points from the 2014-15 school year, according to state data. They said his warm translations and welcoming demeanor often help families feel more comfortable.

"He can put it in his own way, in a calming, methodical way, that all of a sudden you’ll start to see a smile," Jantzen said.

For Geoninatti, the help he provides these families is a way for him to repay the love and care he said he and his family received when they arrived in the United States about 35 years ago after leaving their native Argentina.

"Seeing other people pour into us, into my family and myself, and show so much love and support — that sparked something in me as a little kid," he said.

As a student in the Brentwood school district, Geoninatti said, English didn’t come easily to him, at times making him feel like he did not have a voice.

"I felt like I was just a number or a face, but I didn’t have a voice," he said. "That’s why I want kids to know that everyone has a voice regardless of backgrounds and anything. I want the person to be seen."

Geoninatti now gets to pour that care into about 100 to 120 students daily across five different classes in the middle school, he said.

His seventh and eighth graders are often out of their seats and moving around. He said when kids are engaged and having a good time, that’s when lessons stick. He called his classroom "una gran fiesta" — a great party.

"I’m not a textbook-style teacher," Geoninatti said. "Let’s immerse you in the language by singing, by acting out, playing different roles, skits."

He said students sing about the days of the week and verb conjugations, among other lessons.

"There's a song about anything," he said. "I’m a terrible singer ... and I think that makes it human."

As he reflected on his recognition, he said it wouldn’t have been possible without the sacrifice his parents made when he was a kid. 

"It’s hard for me to truly comprehend this achievement," he said. "I’m just humbled, grateful and honored to be recognized as New York State Teacher of Year."