Music that Describes Melissa
Melissa Jordan was nominated by Dominica Famiglietti, the parent of a student.
"It is my honor to nominate Melissa Jordan for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. Over her more than 20-year career as a first-grade teacher, Mrs. Jordan has made an extraordinary and lasting impact on the lives of countless students. She possesses a rare gift for making every child feel seen, valued, supported, and loved. Her dedication extends far beyond academics. She is a fierce advocate for her students, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure they receive the support, encouragement, and opportunities they need to succeed.
One of the most powerful examples of Mrs. Jordan's influence can be seen during the annual Senior Walk. As graduating seniors return to their former schools and walk the halls while students, teachers, and staff cheer them on, something remarkable happens. Year after year, former students who had Mrs. Jordan in first grade seek her out. They stop to hug her, thank her, and reconnect with the teacher who helped shape their educational journey. These young adults, now preparing for their next chapter in life, have never forgotten the impact she had on them years earlier. There is perhaps no greater testament to a teacher's influence than the lasting love and admiration of her former students.
Mrs. Jordan's contributions extend well beyond her classroom. She is a driving force behind the positive atmosphere at South Street School. She brings joy, enthusiasm, and energy to every school event. Whether she is leading a conga line, dressing up in costume for a themed spirit day, or finding creative ways to make learning fun, she consistently goes above and beyond to create memorable experiences for students and staff alike. Her positivity is contagious, and her presence helps make South Street School a place where children are excited to learn and grow.
Mrs. Jordan is also a respected leader among her colleagues. She leads by example through her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right for children. She embodies the highest moral and ethical standards and approaches every decision with her students' best interests at heart. Her classroom is a nurturing environment where children feel safe, encouraged, and empowered to be themselves.
Simply put, South Street School would not be the same without Melissa Jordan. She is the heart of the school community. Her dedication, kindness, leadership, and genuine love for children have changed countless lives and continue to inspire everyone around her. Melissa Jordan is not only an exceptional educator but a truly exceptional human being. She exemplifies everything the LifeChanger of the Year Award represents, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition," said Famiglietti.
It is my pleasure to work side by side Mrs. Jordan every day! She exemplifies everything an outstanding educator should be. Every day, Mrs. Jordan brings incredible energy, enthusiasm, and positivity into the classroom, creating an environment where students are excited to learn and grow.
What truly sets her apart is the genuine care and love shown to every child. Each student is made to feel seen, valued, and special, regardless of their abilities or background. Mrs. Jordan takes the time to build meaningful relationships with students, encouraging their confidence and celebrating their unique strengths.
Beyond academic instruction, Mrs. Jordan inspires kindness, resilience, and a love of learning. The compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment shown each day have a lasting impact on students, families, and colleagues alike. She makes our school brighter every day and we are grateful she is a part of it!
Mrs. Jordan is more than an exceptional teacher- she is a role model, mentor, and advocate for every child. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor! We love you, Mrs. Jordan!
Amazing teacher, co-worker and friend who is organized and well prepared every day with a smile!
Melissa is a one-of-a-kind teacher in the very best way! She is not only an outstanding educator, she is also an amazing friend and coworker. I have been witness on different occasions of former students stopping Melissa to thank her for being their favorite teacher. When the mornings in her classroom starts with a disco ball and dance music, you know Mrs. Jordan is engaging the kids and getting them ready for a great year of learning!
I am deeply grateful for the imprint Mrs. Jordan has left and continues to leave on Cooper’s education and development. Her guidance and encouragement throughout Cooper’s educational journey have been invaluable. She is so deserving of this. ??
Melissa Jordan is the teacher, neighbor, sibling, citizen, mentor and friend we all wish we had. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have her in our lives, she is unquestionably a beacon of joy, optimism, hope and character. I have known Melissa and her family for almost 10 years now and I never fail to be amazed at her thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, and desire to make the world around her, better. The quality of her character can be seen in the students she teaches, the people she positively affects every day, and in the amazing family unit that she has cultivated alongside her husband Kevin. Melissa is a caring and invested Teacher, an enthusiastic and dedicated friend, and a selfless member of the community. Leading by example she develops her students and everyone in her orbit with positivity, kindness, and compassion while still holding them and herself to a higher standard of conduct, and citizenship. Melissa truly represents the grassroots heart of our nation.
Melissa has been a supporter to our family since our daughters began swimming together at the age of four. Over the years, she has been an incredible supporter of my children, always offering encouragement, kindness, and a welcoming presence.
Even after we moved away, my children continued to look forward to spending summers at “Camp Jordan,” a testament to the lasting impact Melissa has had on their lives. She is a blessing not only to her own children but also to so many others in our community. Her generosity, compassion, and unwavering support extend far beyond her family.
I am not surprised in the least that she was nominated for this award—it is a well-deserved recognition of the positive difference she makes in the lives of those around her.
There aren’t enough words to describe how amazing Mrs. Jordan is. My son is not easy very busy boy and she has been amazing with him! He loves school so much and I know it’s because of her. She is so kind and compassionate and she really pushes the kids to be the best they can be! I am forever greatful for her!
Mrs. Jordan is a wonderful and caring teacher and person.
I have been married to this fantastic and caring woman for 25 years. She is a very devoted mother, wife and teacher. When we go out in our hometown or anywhere on Long Island, we will always run into a student Melissa presently has in class or from the past, and they always say she is or was their favorite teacher.
If you were to ask me to pick one teacher who had the greatest impact on me, it would be Mrs. Jordan. I had Mrs. Jordan as my fourth grade teacher in the 2004-2005 school year and she completely transformed who I was as a student. Prior to her class, I was able to skate by doing the bare minimum; but Mrs. Jordan believed that every single student was so much more capable than that and she worked so hard to make sure that they all achieved more than they ever knew they could. What I remember most of all is her dedication to each individual child. She was the first teacher to recognize a deficiency in my reading and she enrolled me in a program to correct it. If you got an answer wrong on homework or an assessment, she would go over it with you until you understood. Teachers’ days are so busy and it is so tremendously difficult to give each student the individual attention that she so often did, but she did it; and she made it look easy! It is so easy to see how much she loves being a teacher and how deeply she cares for each student’s success. I am thirty years old now and STILL frequently say things like “Mrs. Jordan taught us that!” Or “I learned that in the fourth grade!”. We were learning things that no other fourth grade class was covering. I vividly remember receiving a vocab list in high school and remarking that it was simpler than Mrs. Jordan’s! Being in her class truly gave me a leg-up for years to come. I am so grateful for all of the lessons, all of the memories, and for the work ethic and organizational skills I acquired from my time in her class. I have been through college, grad school, and even became a teacher myself!, and if you were to ask me to pick one teacher out of all my former teachers and colleagues who deserves this recognition the most, it would be Mrs. Jordan.
Melissa has a light inside that many people cannot carry. Having gone to school with her at the Kings Park School District, anyone who has known her, understands that she has the ability to transform lives. No better human to guide students along their journey. Happy to have known her, and hope she gets the recognition and praise she deserves.
Let’s go Mrs. Jordan!!! Congratulations on this nomination- so happy for you!!
Although I was never a student of Mrs. Jordan’s, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her personally. She is one of the most thoughtful, caring, and genuine people I’ve ever met. The kindness and support she shows to everyone around her make it easy to understand why she has had such a positive impact on so many students and families.
Melissa Jordan brought a brightness into our school that radiated throughout the students and staff alike. You had a great day simply by being in her presence even for a short while. Melissa, a great teacher, an extraordinary person. She is well respected and deserving of any honors bestowed upon her.
Mrs. Jordan is the epitome of what a teacher should be! It’s always about her students, their needs and making learning fun. She taught my son and his classmates about New York City; one of her favorite places! My son Justin could not stop talking about how great it is, so that summer we made it our vacation spot! We had the best time!!
Thanks for everything Mrs. Jordan! We love you!!
Awesome teacher and such a sweetheart
Mrs. Jordan is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.
She taught two of my daughters, and the impact she has had on their lives is immeasurable. From the moment they entered her classroom, she made them feel seen, valued, and capable. She has an incredible ability to recognize when a child needs extra support and makes sure no student ever falls through the cracks. What sets her apart is that she provides that support in a way that builds confidence and self-esteem, allowing children to feel successful and proud of themselves.
Mrs. Jordan genuinely cares about each of her students and their families. Her dedication extends far beyond academics. She takes the time to understand her students as individuals, celebrate their strengths, and help them overcome challenges. She creates a classroom environment where children feel safe, encouraged, and loved.
One of the greatest gifts she gave my daughters was a love of reading. Because of her passion, encouragement, and creativity, reading transformed from a school subject into something they truly enjoy. That love of learning is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Mrs. Jordan also has a remarkable balance of kindness and accountability. She knows when a student needs discipline or redirection, but she always approaches those moments with compassion and respect. Even when correcting behavior, she makes children feel supported rather than discouraged. Her students know she believes in them, and that makes all the difference.
Teachers have the power to shape lives, and Mrs. Jordan does exactly that every day. She inspires confidence, fosters a love of learning, and makes every child feel important. There is simply no teacher like Mrs. Jordan. My family will always be grateful for the difference she has made in our daughters' lives, and I cannot imagine a more deserving recipient of this award.
Mrs. Jordan is a wonderful teacher. She cares about all the students! Always smiling, kind and bringing a positive energy to South Street!
Mrs. Jordan taught both of my girls. She was the most positive, caring, and inspirational teacher they ever had! We love her so much.
Both of my daughters were fortunate enough to have Mrs. Jordan as their first grade teacher. Mrs. Jordan has an amazing ability to make meaningful connections with all of her students. She makes learning fun, her students feel loved and valued, and make 1st grade a place everyone wants to be. Mrs. Jordan embodies what teachers should be. We love Mrs. Jordan!
Melissa Jordan is someone who is so special to me. Not only has she been a positive mentor for me in my teaching career, but she became a close friend. Having her by my side as I navigate through my teaching career has been a blessing. She has already taught me so much and I can’t wait to continue to learn from her. Thank you for being someone I can trust, count on, and confide in. You are simply the best!
Mrs. Jordan is the perfect balance of a firm and loving teacher. Her energy is infectious. She teaches up but leaves nobody behind. Having two children that were lucky enough to have her three years apart they both would agree she has left a lasting impression.
You are a life changing educator. I was so happy that you had Tyler in your class at Eastport elementary. He loved you so much. Thank you for making a difference in so many children's lives.
Although I was never fortunate enough to be one of Melissa Jordan’s students, I have seen firsthand the impact she has had through her daughter, who has been my best friend and roommate throughout college. The values, kindness, work ethic, and compassion Melissa instilled are evident in every aspect of her daughter’s character. Great educators do not just influence the students in their classrooms—they shape families, communities, and future generations. Melissa’s positive impact extends far beyond the walls of a school, and she is truly deserving of recognition as LifeChanger of the Year.
Not only is she the best teacher ever, she’s the best mom. So proud of you for being nominated for LifeChanger of the Year- no one deserves it more. The love, patience, and heart you pour into your students every single day doesn’t go unnoticed. You truly change lives, starting with mine.
Mrs. Jordan has taught both of my grandchildren and is the best teacher. She deserves accolades for her dedication and excellent teaching thru the years. Wonderful person & amazing teacher!
As a mom and PTA board member I am beyond thankful for Mrs. Jordan. She is a baord member of our PTA. She helps us share PTA Info with the staff in her school. She gives us valuable input on how we can help and give back to our students. She really cares and she shows up. If you have ever been to a PTA meeting you know how few staff attend. She helped get over 50 staff members to volunteer for an evening event we hosted last month. It was amazing and only happened with her contribution. If that doesn't describe a life changer I don't know what else could. Thank you Mrs. Jordan for everything.
Mrs. Jordan was my first grade teacher her very first few years of teaching. I absolutely loved her and being in her class! So deserving of this award!
The best teacher I ever had during my time at ESM
Both of my children were lucky enough to have Mrs. Jordan! She is a wonderful educator and whenever I ask them how they know a good ‘80’s song, they say, Mrs. Jordan’s class!
Mrs. Jordan is truly an exceptional teacher and so deserving of this recognition. She has a remarkable gift for making every child feel seen, heard, valued, and loved. My son was fortunate enough to have her as his first-grade teacher, and the impact she had on him extends far beyond academics.
She helped build his confidence, nurtured his love of learning, and created a classroom where he felt safe and supported every day. When it was time for him to leave South Street School, one of the things that upset him most was knowing he wouldn’t get to see Mrs. Jordan in the hallway anymore. That speaks volumes about the kind of teacher she is and the lasting connections she creates with her students.
Mrs. Jordan’s influence reaches far beyond the children in her classroom. She positively impacts entire families through her kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support. We will always be grateful for the difference she made in our son’s life, and we know countless other families feel the same way.
There is no one as deserving of this recognition than Mrs. Jordan.
There are not enough words to explain the deep impact Melissa Jordan has had on so many children in our district, but especially the impact she had on my daughter. My daughter is now graduating next week and still looks back on her 1st grade year as the most pivotal and inspirational year because of Mrs. Jordan. The love, passion, commitment, and fun she brings to her classroom, as well as the school as a whole is unmatched. Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts Mrs Jordan for being a part of Alexia’s journey and the reason she has such a deep love of reading now. The Finley family loves you ??
Mrs. Jordan is a one-of-a-kind educator who taught all three of our sons in first grade. She is kind, compassionate, and truly dedicated to her students. Mrs. Jordan creates a classroom environment where children feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. Her patience, warmth, and commitment to each child’s success have made a lasting impact on our family. Without question, she is one of the very best teachers our sons have ever had, and we are incredibly grateful for the role she has played in their lives. Years later, with now our oldest in 7th grade, she is still a huge part of their lives!
We are so grateful for the incredible impact Mrs. Jordan has had on our children through the years. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering support have helped them grow not only academically, but also in their confidence and character.
Mrs. Jordan always has an encouraging attitude that creates such a positive classroom environment where every student feels valued and capable.
The smile she brings each day and the enthusiasm she has for teaching makes learning fun and exciting for all her students. It is clear how much Mrs. Jordan cares about all her students, and it shines through in everything she does.
Thank you Mrs. Jordan for inspiring a love of learning, celebrating every success, and always believing in your students. We feel so fortunate that our children had such a wonderful second -grade teacher.
Mrs. Jordan has been an exceptional teacher and a true blessing to our family. She has taught three of my children, and each one has flourished under her guidance. Even during the challenging years of COVID, when so much was uncertain, she remained determined, dedicated, and unwavering in her commitment to her students. She went above and beyond to ensure every child continued to learn, grow, and succeed despite the obstacles.
Her goal was never just to help her students get through first grade—it was to make sure they were confident, capable, and more than prepared for second grade. Her patience, encouragement, and passion for teaching created a positive learning environment where children felt supported and motivated to do their best.
The impact she has had on my children extends far beyond academics. She helped build their confidence, foster a love of learning, and set a strong foundation for their future success. We will always be grateful for the care, dedication, and heart she brings to her classroom every single day. She is truly one of those special teachers who leaves a lasting impression on the lives of her students and their families.
Mrs. Jordan was my teacher over 20 years ago. I still remember her!!! There is nobody more deserving of this award- and I had a lot of teachers at ESM. She pushed me to be the best I could be and I still remember the vocabulary words she taught me!! I will always be amiable because of her. She believed in every one of us and didn't hold any of us to a different standard. We all had to read the chapters because we COULD, we weren't allowed to choose not to. She always told us stories and was just silly. You could tell she loved teaching then and it makes me happy to see her finally getting recognized.I just remember her loving us and telling us that every day. I HOPE SHE WINS
