Physical Education teacher Michael Dellicurti says he “really loves his job.” And, it shows. Dellicurti, a resident of Massapequa, was chosen as the recipient of the 2014 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award from the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD). The award recognizes his “extraordinary contributions to his students, school district and community.”
Dellicurti will accept the award on June 16 at the 2014 Professional Recognition Awards Ceremony at Adelphi University’s Alumni House, 154 Cambridge Ave. in Garden City.
A physical education teacher for 12 years, Dellicurti was hired by the Massapequa School District in 2002 and has worked in the district’s Unqua Elementary School for the past eight years.
During his time in the district, he said he is most proud of the steps taken to “make the physical education department one of the best around by being ahead of the curve in every aspect of the field.”
“Each and every day when I come to work I am a happy person,” he said. “I love motivating the students and encouraging each and every one of them to learn how to be a better person while teaching them to live a healthy lifestyle. We focus on nutrition, fitness, being well-rounded individuals and always being kind to others no matter what.”
In addition to these lessons, Dellicurti stresses to his students the importance of giving back to others. Unqua’s “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraising campaign for the American Heart Association, led by Dellicurti and his physical education colleagues, has ranked among the highest in the nation, raising about $34,000 this year.
“The way we have these students and their families come together and raise money for people who are in need of help is amazing,” he said. “I’ve seen students grow from their elementary years all the way through high school, and become wonderful young adults.”
Dellicurti is a member of NYSAHPERD. He is a 1997 graduate of Massapequa High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in K-12 physical education from Long Island University and a master’s degree in sports management from Adelphi University. He resides in Massapequa with his wife, Marisa, and his three children: Ava, 5, Ariella, 2, and Michael Jr., 4 months.
