Malverne educator named Master Teacher

Malverne High School teacher Charles Vessalico has been chosen with 42 other teachers on Long Island as a New York State Master Teacher, a program that encourages educators to mentor their peers and deepen their own scholastic and professional development.

As part of an inaugural group of educators to receive the recognition, Vessalico was recognized in a ceremony on April 14.

Vessalico has worked as a teacher in the district for the past eight years. During his tenure, he organized a FIRST Robotics team, started an Engineering Applications class, and helped the district increase enrollment and test scores in Advanced Placement courses.

“I love this profession because it combines by passion for science with my love of teaching,” said Vessalico, who was named Malverne’s Teacher of the Year. “I am always looking for new ways to challenge and excite my students, and the students never let me down. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Vessalico holds a bachelors’ degree in biochemistry and a masters’ degree in teaching biology from Stony Brook University. In order to be considered for the honor, he had to provide transcripts, recommendation letters, a teaching demonstration, writing sample, personal statement and a group interview.