News Release
Dufferin-Peel teacher recipient of Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence
On April 16, the provincial government announced the recipients of the Premier’s Awards of Teaching Excellence. Manuel (Manny) Cordiero, a Social Science teacher at St. Edmund Campion Secondary School was selected for a New Teacher of the Year Award. Hired as a Long Term Occasional Teacher in the fall, Manuel started teaching at St. Edmund Campion in October 2008.
Canadian and World Studies Department Head, Oliver Ocampo, nominated Manuel for this award in recognition of his contribution to the school community, in and out of the classroom, and his dedication to the teaching profession. “It is in my capacity as Manuel’s Department Head and as a fellow teacher, that I have been able to experience first hand, this young man’s boundless energy and passion for teaching, and his commitment and dedication to the students in his charge,” said Ocampo.
In his first year of teaching, Manuel is already making a lasting impression on students and the school community. His Comic Book Club has engaged struggling students in reading and boosted their literacy skills. His reproduction of the allied war room during D-Day operations and diplomacy simulation games brought history to life. A gifted motivator and leader, he also organized a campaign with students to send holiday care packages to Canadian soldiers and support workers in Afghanistan.
”Manny joined our department with the eagerness and open-eyed optimism of any first year teacher and his impact was felt immediately,” said Ocampo. “He quickly became a permanent fixture in the department office and was able to breathe new life into the curriculum.”
Although a new teacher with Dufferin-Peel, Manuel has a long history with the board, as a graduate of Father Michael Goetz Secondary School.
“Manny’s award is reflective of his hard work and commitment to his students,” said Kevin McGuire, principal of St. Edmund Campion Secondary School. “This honour is not only a source of pride for Manny, but our school and board.”
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse school boards in Ontario. It serves approximately 88,000 students in 145 schools located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With over 10,000 employees, the board is also one of the largest employers in the region.
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For more information, contact:
Nancy Marshall, Communications Officer at 905-890-0708 ext. 24278 or 416-540-8126