As a result of the departure of former Italian teacher, Ms. Caldarola, Bronx Science has hired a new Italian teacher and Sicily native, Salvatore Guercio. While it took Mr. Guercio some time to adjust to and get a feel for the school, he has taken the initiative as of late to successfully spearhead a brand-new Italian Club, which meets every Thursday in Room 319.

In addition to the usual customs of laughs, fun, and of course, pizza, Mr. Guercio hopes to incorporate more academic aspects to the club as well, including studies of Italian culture, the roots of the language, and the current state of Italy. “The Italian Club is an opportunity for the Italian language and culture to have a presence at Bronx Science. I would like to include authentic material such as videos and songs, as well as contemporary cultural elements of Italy,” said Mr. Guercio.

Mr. Guercio, having grown up in both Sicily and Brooklyn, has a naturally bilingual background (and a natural affinity for quality pizza). By helping students to recognize the cultural ties that interconnect us, Mr. Guercio hopes to foster a better understanding of the world around us. ”I hope that the students can get a better sense of modern Italian life and how teenagers live in Italy. I would like them to have an understanding of both how similar and different both cultures are. Ultimately, it would be great if students developed enough curiosity and passion to make them lifelong learners,” said Guercio.

”I hope that the students can get a better sense of modern Italian life and how teenagers live in Italy. I would like them to have an understanding of both how similar and different both cultures are. Ultimately, it would be great if students developed enough curiosity and passion to make them lifelong learners,” said Guercio.

Mr. Guercio was born in Italy, but moved to the quiet Brooklyn neighborhood of Bensonhurst when he was only fourteen years old. After a realization that his time in America was causing him to lose sight of his original culture, he was inspired to teach the Italian language. For him, this was the proverbial gift that keeps on giving. It served as a way to not only educate children, but to keep his cultural heritage alive in himself as well. Upon receiving his teaching license, Guercio worked for a few years at Bryant High School in Long Island City before returning to Sicily with his wife and daughter to become an English teacher in Sicily. When he got the call from Bronx Science, he had a big decision to make, but ultimately decided that coming back to America was the right call, not just for himself and his profession, but for his family as well.

Mr. Guercio views being a teacher in America as his dream job. For him, the ability to enlighten students on the cultures that he holds dear motivates him to get out of bed every morning. “I feel a sense of pride in giving the students an opportunity, however big or small, to explore other countries and cultures. I also hope that, through this process, I can open their minds and make them think differently about themselves,” Guercio said.