Huntington Highlights: Dedicated Educator Esmeralda Tello

For nearly two decades, Esmeralda Tello has been a dedicated educator, trusted colleague, and tireless advocate for students in the Huntington Union Free School District. A Social Studies teacher at Huntington High School, Ms. Tello has distinguished herself through her deep knowledge of history and economics, her commitment to engaging instruction, and her willingness to support students and colleagues wherever she is needed.

Ms. Tello began her Huntington career in November 2007 as a part-time Social Studies teacher before being appointed as a full-time probationary teacher in September 2008. Over the years, she has taught an impressive range of courses and grade levels, demonstrating remarkable versatility as an educator. Her teaching assignments have included seventh-grade American History, Economics, AP Human Geography, Asian Studies, and Global History and Geography: The Ancient World.

Throughout her career, Ms. Tello has been especially committed to supporting Huntington’s English Language Learner population. Her ability to connect with students, families, and colleagues has made her an invaluable resource to the district. She has also assisted Huntington with written translation services, extending her impact well beyond the walls of her classroom.

At Huntington High School, Ms. Tello continues to take on important leadership roles. She serves as the school’s National Honor Society advisor and plays an integral role in the district’s Seal of Civic Readiness program, helping students demonstrate their understanding of civic knowledge, skills, experiences, and engagement. She has also provided leadership among ninth-grade Social Studies teachers in the development of common benchmarks and has worked collaboratively with colleagues to strengthen instruction across the department.

Her classroom instruction reflects the same level of dedication. Whether introducing students to ancient civilizations, exploring contemporary economic concepts with seniors, or challenging students through Advanced Placement coursework, Ms. Tello brings depth, creativity, and purpose to her lessons. Her Economics students have benefited from detailed instruction and motivating projects that help connect classroom concepts to the world around them.

Ms. Tello's work has also earned recognition beyond Huntington. In 2011, while teaching seventh-grade American History at J. Taylor Finley Middle School, she was one of just 20 educators selected for national recognition by the Zinn Education Project for exemplary teaching. As part of the recognition, she received 25 copies of A People’s History of the United States for use with students.

“Ms. Tello has her students as her highest priority and utilizes her various and unique strengths, including a depth of knowledge about world history and economics, to produce refined lessons that are student-centered and highly engaging,” said Joseph Leavy, Chairperson of Social Studies.

Ms. Tello is herself an accomplished student of history. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, cum laude, and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. Her strong academic background, combined with years of classroom experience, has allowed her to bring an exceptional breadth of knowledge to generations of Huntington students.

What perhaps stands out most about Ms. Tello is the consistency of her commitment. For nearly 20 years, she has continually adapted to new courses, new initiatives, and the changing needs of students while remaining focused on what matters most: providing young people with meaningful, challenging, and engaging educational experiences.

Through her work in the classroom, her leadership of the National Honor Society, her involvement with the Seal of Civic Readiness, her support of English Language Learners, and her service to colleagues and families throughout the district, Esmeralda Tello exemplifies the dedication and professionalism that Huntington Highlights is proud to celebrate.