Shortridge teacher receives national award

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A local teacher thought she was just attending another school assembly Monday.

Instead, she was surprised to learn the assembly was all about her.

Melody Coryell, an English teacher at Shortridge High School was presented the Miliken Educator Award. The prestigious honor recognizes outstanding teachers across the country.

It also comes with $25,000.

“Melody prepares her students to be global citizens through a high-quality, international curriculum,” said Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz.  “And as a teacher-leader, she supports and encourages her colleagues to ensure that students are receiving an education of the highest quality.”

Coryell said making education more widely available is a part of the job.

“I think that anytime we can bring good programs to kids who weren’t necessarily born with those programs right in front of them, we are making the change that educators should be trying to make,” said Coryell.

Coryell has been at Shortridge since 2014. She is one of only 40 teachers nationwide to win the award this year.