Carmella Currao has been named the William Floyd Alumni Association Outstanding Educator for the Class of 2025. Her path to becoming a special education teacher was influenced early on by her cousin Mary, who had an intellectual disability. Time spent together as children sparked Carmella’s interest in teaching and set her on a lifelong career in education.
Currao graduated from William Floyd High School in 1989 and began her work in special education at Just Kids Learning Center during high school. She started as a teacher assistant, later moving into early childhood teaching before focusing on special education. She went on to earn a master’s degree in special education from Dowling College.
In 2002, Currao returned to teach at William Floyd School District, where she once attended as a student. She expressed pride in supporting special education students within her home community.
Her professional experience extends beyond classroom teaching. As a transition coordinator for a vocational rehabilitation agency, Currao worked with multiple Long Island school districts to help students with special needs move toward adulthood through placements, training programs, college opportunities, and employment support.
Currao also co-coordinated enrichment programs at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library alongside teen librarian Stephanie Kyle. These initiatives were designed to serve both middle and high school students as well as those who had already graduated, providing ongoing growth and connection opportunities for individuals with special needs.
She served as a board member for Colonial Youth and Family Services between 2018 and 2023, contributing to the development of support programs for at-risk youth.
Outside of her primary role at William Floyd, Currao works as a graduate professor, early intervention specialist, SEIT/SEIS teacher, evaluator, and parent trainer through Suffolk County. Through these positions she continues to assist learners across all stages of development.
“Teaching is not just my career,” said Currao. “It is my life’s calling, and every day I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students I serve. It is an honor to be recognized as an Outstanding Educator. Thank you to the Alumni Association. This award also goes to the incredible families and students I am privileged to work with every day.”