One of Renée Barcia’s former students said the Herricks teacher excels at more than just teaching her science research curriculum.
Barcia also teaches students to “approach one’s life with open eyes, heart, and mind,” Setu Mehta, a former Herricks High School student who is expected to graduate from Harvard in 2021, said in a Harvard Club of Long Island release.
Mehta nominated Barcia to be named a Distinguished Teacher of 2018 by the Harvard Club of Long Island.
Barcia was also named with the honor in 2009. She is the second teacher to be selected twice.
“I was so humbled by the kind words that the students expressed and I’m grateful for just being able to be their teacher and being able to help them and be a part of their science research journey,” Barcia said. “They are all very special students.”
Barcia will be honored at the Harvard Club of Long Island’s annual University Relations Luncheon on April 15, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage Park, along with 11 other teachers from across Long Island.
Barcia teaches science research, an honors program at Herricks High School; she teaches about 130 students each year.
“Her energy is breathtaking, as she single handedly manages a large science research class on her own,” Mehta said. “She cares for every single one of her students, schedules weekly time with each, writes countless emails, makes countless phone calls, and holds meetings to ensure that they all receive the research placement that they deserve.”
Barcia has taught at Herricks for 12 years.
Before teaching, Barcia, who has a bachelor’s degree in in Medical Technology and a master’s in toxicology, had a 20 year career as a medical technologist/toxicologist at Winthrop University Hospital.
Eighteen years ago she started her teaching career, obtaining certifications in chemistry and and general science.
Though it was her second career, Barcia said teaching was always something she wanted to do.
As a science research teacher, Barcia said, she has the opportunity to follow her students and their research over multiple years.
“That’s a very special kind of teaching where you get to be able to see them through their journey and fulfill their goals,” Barcia said. “It’s just a wonderful way to teach.”
In addition to Barcia’s teaching, she also pursues and presents her own research as part of a doctorate program in science education at Curtin University.
Barcia has also been honored by both the Intel Science Talent Search and the Regeneron Science Talent Search as a Teacher of Merit. She also received an Exceptional Teaching Award from Stanford University.
Superintendent Fino Celano said Barcia is a “very talented professional” and is well deserving of the Harvard Club recognition.
“Ms. Barcia inspires, mentors and guides her students in their quest for knowledge and sophisticated research methodologies,” Celano said in the release. “Her students learn concepts and tools that prepare them for continued success in college and careers.”
Principal James Ruck said it’s not surprising that Barcia is a recipient of the nomination by one of her students.
“All of her colleagues, former students, and their parents truly appreciate what Renée brings to Herricks High School on a daily basis,” Ruck said.
Mehta said it’s “rare to find such a jewel of a who works hard behind the scenes, yet asks no recognition for herself.”
“I can never thank her enough for the lessons in kindness, empathy, courage, teamwork,” Mehta said. “I owe my confidence, and my success to the lessons she taught me.”
It’s that bond with students that Barcia said she values the most.
“The connection with the students and the ability to have to go through their journey together is just a very special experience,” Barcia said.
