Jenkintown Resident Named Manor College Educator of the Year

Michael Alvaro, M.S., is the Division Chair of Sciences and Director of Pre-Nursing and Pre-Radiology programs at Manor College.

Michael Alvaro, M.S., has been named the 2026 Educator of the Year at Manor College’s annual Founders Day Ceremony on Thursday, January 29. Alvaro is currently the Division Chair of Sciences and Director of Pre-Nursing and Pre-Radiology programs at Manor College.

“It feels incredibly meaningful,” Alvaro said. “Manor is full of educators I admire, people who care deeply and show up for students in ways most people never see. So finding out I’d been chosen made me feel genuinely honored, and it reminded me how lucky I am to be part of this community.”

Alvaro is a Philadelphia native currently living in Jenkintown. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Susquehanna University and holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Drexel University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Drexel.

Alvaro said his work is “rooted in a deep commitment to student-centered education, especially for those navigating non-traditional or complex academic paths.”

“My students motivate me,” Alvaro said. “They come in carrying real responsibilities and real hopes for their futures. Watching them push through doubt, ask hard questions, and keep going when life gets complicated is what keeps me committed.”

His goal as an educator is to be the type of educator he wished he had – one that doesn’t just aim to meet students where they are, but to be the change needed in a system where sometimes teaching styles create obstacles rather than opportunities.

“I want my classroom to be a place where students are centered, not treated as roadblocks to a predetermined way of teaching,” Alvaro said. “Seeing people succeed, make connections and manifest their dreams, shaping both their present and future, is what motivates me.”

Students who nominated Alvaro for the award believe he succeeded in that goal.

“Professor Alvaro goes above and beyond with his dedication to his students,” said Maura McCabe, a sophomore Pre-Nursing student at Manor College. “He checks in on their well-being, being a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear when needed. Mike is the best teacher I have ever had. I’m extremely grateful to have him as a mentor.”

Victoria Huynh, a freshman studying Allied Health, added, “Beyond his deep knowledge of the subject, he is genuinely compassionate and dedicated to his students’ growth. He creates an environment where, as long as you put in the effort, he will support you every step of the way.”

Alvaro thanked his students, attributing his success as an educator to theirs as learners.

“Their persistence, growth, and willingness to keep trying make me a better educator,” Alvaro said. “There are plenty of days when I feel like they’ve taught me as much as I’ve taught them. Without their trust and their resilience, I wouldn’t be receiving this award at all.”