A Windsor secondary school teacher is receiving recognition on a national level for his contributions during a 30-year teaching career.
Rocky Ieraci, a teacher at Holy Names Catholic High School, has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for the 2016-17 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence. There were 26 certificates handed out across the country, and Ieraci is the only teacher in Windsor-Essex to receive the honour this year.
"It kind of forced me to look back at my 30 years of teaching and remember things that I have done that I've almost forgotten," says Ieraci. "It was quite satisfying, because I started looking back and saying, 'you know what, I have done a lot of stuff."
Ieraci has been instrumental in having his school become one of the first Special High Skills Major Business schools in the province. As well, his programs, partnerships and connections have students reaching top levels in business competitions, debates, and presentations both locally and abroad.
Ieraci also acquired a 3D printer for his classroom, which led his students to partner with the e-Nableing the Future network.
Ieraci began his career at F. J. Brennan High School, before transferring to Holy Names 20 years ago. He says this award culminates 30 years of teaching in a very positive way.
"You realize that the kids keep you young," he says. "When you see that one child or that student who really connects with something... you realize you're making a real connection and a positive connection with the world."
