Students in welding instructor Jake Maneri’s class at the Career & Technical Institute (CTI) find that his passion for the trade and his dedication to them creates an engaging learning environment for all. His afternoon student, Greg Reed, thought all these qualities made him a perfect candidate for radio station Q92’s Teacher of the Month award.Maneri received a copy of Reed’s submission, a certificate, $100 from TEG Federal Credit Union and a $50 gift card to Hurricane Grill & Wings from radio personalities Chris Marino and Felicia Kirschner Meyer.
The award caught Maneri off guard and he thought he was in trouble, especially when Principal Nick Millas and other CTI staff came to his classroom to meet him along with Marino and Kirschner Meyer.
“You don’t expect stuff like that, but when it happens it’s really nice,” said Maneri, who has taught at BOCES for a year.
He noted that his favorite parts of teaching are passing on his trade to the students and watching them grow.
“I can’t wait to see how they grow and where they end up in the world,” Maneri said.Reed loves Maneri’s joyous approach to teaching and wanted to show some appreciation for his “tad,” an affectionate nickname Reed gave Maneri because he is his teacher, SkillsUSA adviser and a father figure.
“Biologically he’s not my father, but does all the things a father would do,” Reed said. “It’s cool to think I have another year with him.”
Millas is proud of Maneri’s growth as a teacher and the strong bond he has built with students.
“That’s a critical part for a new teacher and he’s done a nice job,” Millas said.
