Rocky Ieraci

Year: 2017 – Province: Ontario

Certificate of Achievement Recipient

Rocky Ieraci

Holy Names Catholic School
1400 Northwood Road
Windsor, Ontario  N9E 1A4

Principal: Patrick Hickson
School telephone: 519-966-2504
School website: www.wecdsb.on.ca/hnchs

Subjects and grades taught: Grade 11/12, Computer science

"A man for all seasons", Rocky Ieraci has paved the road for computer science in schools and inspired countless students to achieve their passions.

Teaching approach

Inspired by the thinking of Edward de Bono, Ieraci integrates activities that promote critical thinking and is constantly looking for opportunities to keep students engaged and current. His classes are infused with innovative curriculum units that bring computer simulations into business.

Outstanding achievements

  • Ieraci was instrumental in having his school achieve the status of one of the first Special High Skills Major Business schools in the province.
  • Ieraci's programs, partnerships and connections have students reaching top levels in business competitions, debates and presentations both locally and abroad.
  • When the Apple Corporation wanted to introduce the Swift App design in more schools, Ieraci jumped on the opportunity to have his classroom equipped with dual platform Macs in order to introduce the coding curriculum.
  • Having acquired a 3D printer for his classroom, Ieraci has led his students to partner with the e-Nableing the Future network. The program helps connect schools with 3D printers to underprivileged youth in need of a prosthesis.

Rave reviews

"The spirit and attitude of a school and its students is a reflection of value added by special individuals like Rocky. It's not only the generous and varied donation of his time, but it's also in the ways he has touched so many students."

Guidance counselor

"Rocky and I first met each other in 1989, my grade 12 year in high school, his second year and a high school teacher.(…) Today, twenty-eight years later working as a colleague of his, he continues to show the same ability to create stimulating and innovative learning environments and connect the relevance of a subject to society."

Former student and current colleague