Sunday, October 11, 2026
Longtime East Rockaway educator Don Poland was recognized for decades of teaching and community service when the East Rockaway Board of Education named him its first Hometown Hero of the 2026-27 school year.
Poland received the recognition during the board’s Sept. 29 meeting at East Rockaway High School.
He joined the East Rockaway School District in 1999 as a middle school social studies teacher, one year after his wife, Cheri, began teaching in the district. Throughout his career, Poland has incorporated lessons about citizenship and service into his classroom while involving students in projects that extend beyond the school community.
His students have collected supplies for communities affected by natural disasters and emergencies across the country, including tornadoes in Oklahoma, a chemical spill in West Virginia and flooding in South Carolina.
Locally, Poland has involved students in East Rockaway’s annual Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony and wreath toss and organized projects with the district’s elementary schools, including Valentines for Veterans.
Most recently, Poland marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with a pop-up museum at the East Rockaway Historical Society. The exhibit brought together student artwork, photographs, memorabilia and classroom projects from more than two decades of teaching students about Sept. 11 and its impact.
The Board of Education recognized Poland for the lasting role he has played in the district and for encouraging generations of students to become involved in their community through service.
