The big news: Dr. Melyssa Ferro, a science teacher and educational technology instructor at Syringa Middle School in Caldwell, was honored as one of the top five educators in the country during the National Education Association Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on Feb. 13 in Washington, D.C.
- Ferro was one of five national finalists for the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence. As a finalist, she was in the running for the NEA Member Benefits Award, the union’s top honor.
- The winner was Janet Damon of the Colorado Education Association.
High praise: During a mini-documentary about Ferro produced for the event, the CEA member was lauded as passionate educator and inspiring mentor. “I can only dream of becoming a teacher like her and being a woman in stem like her. She is truly the definition of that,” said Jeannie Acuna, a former student of Ferro’s who is now an aspiring educator and student teacher. “Everything that she does, she does it with love, and she does it with passion, and I really look up to her for that.”
Why does union work matter?
Listen to Ferro’s IEA Reporter interview
A history of public activism for education: Ferro is widely recognized as one of the most engaging and effective public educators in Idaho. Her long list of accolades includes:
- 2025 Idaho Education Technology Association Technology Educator of the Year
- 2015 Idaho State Teacher of the Year
- 2013 national finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
- 2026 Travelers Awards for Teaching Excellence (her second time earning the honor).
What IEA is saying: Idaho Education Association President Layne McInelly, who joined Ferro at the gala on Friday, said that Ferro showcases the best in Idaho education. “Nothing stops Dr. Ferro from doing the very best she can for her community’s students,” McInelly said. “She writes grants to find money for field trips and class supplies, she serves on boards and councils to improve curriculum and standards, and she teaches her fellow teachers. Generations of Idaho students love science because her own love for the subject, and for teaching, is so strong.”
Watch Dr. Ferro's recognition at Friday's Gala.
