Education has to adapt as world changes, says retiring Niagara Catholic District School Board director
By Kris Dubé - Welland Tribune Reporter
John Crocco’s love for teaching started when he was a ski and swimming instructor in northern Ontario.
This was ahead of his first job as an educator in 1983 leading an elementary classroom in New Liskeard, Ont., before he moved to Niagara and took a teaching position at Saint Paul Catholic High School in Niagara Falls.
He moved up the ranks and was named director of education in 2008.
He announced his retirement last September, that he would not be returning as head administrator for the board when the 2020-21 academic year arrives.
But he still has his work cut out for him over the summer before he officially cleans out his office at the board’s headquarters in Welland by Aug. 31.
Schools have been empty since mid-March and what they will look like in September remains an unanswered question, which will be a primary focus from now until his last day.
“We’re wrapping up the school year, getting ready for reopening and a smooth transition for the next director,” said Crocco.
He was vice-principal of Notre Dame College School in Welland, Lakeshore Catholic High School in Port Colborne and Saint Paul Catholic High School, and principal of Saint Michael and Lakeshore Catholic.
