What to Know
- A Bronx music teacher has been named a finalist for the World's Best Teacher title
- Melissa Salguero is a music teacher at P.S. 48, and is one of 10 teachers worldwide to be nominated from 10,000 entries worldwide
- She'll head to Dubai for a March 24 ceremony and award presentation to vie for the $1 million prize
A Bronx public school music teacher is in the running for title of the World's Best Teacher.
Melissa Salguero, who teaches at P.S. 48, learned she was among the top 10 finalists for the award when actor Hugh Jackman revealed the official nominees in an announcement broadcast to the school auditorium Monday. When he read Salguero's name, the auditorium burst out in cheers.
"To be the only music teacher ever to make the top 10 finalist position, I'm just so honored," said Salguero.
"It's just such a validation of the power of music education, and I'm happy to represent the United States of America," she said.
Salguero is one of 10 teachers worldwide, and the only American selected, from more than 10,000 entries in 39 countries.
The winner takes home a $1 million reward, and the prize has created a buzz inside New York City schools. But it's the love and respect from her students that motivates Melissa Salguero to carry on each day, teaching them about her passion: music.
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"She's my inspiration," said student Ashley Falcon. "She treats us like one of her own."
Salguero will travel to Dubai for the March 24 ceremony and award presentation, looking to represent the U.S. and be recognized as the world's best educator.
"I'm educating these kids for their future, and I want them to leave my classroom with so much pride in their heart and the mindset that nothing is impossible," she said.
