Donley Rocker

Innovative Role Model

“Mr. Rocker is excited to motivate and work with his students every day. He works hard to be a role model that his students can emulate. He has become the father figure to many of his students,” says Monica Thompson, Principal at Jefferson-Douglass Academy.  Mr. Rocker teaches 5^th grade math and science. One of the innovations he has implemented is “Fun Friday.” Students play games that stimulate their minds and utilize their skills in order to earn prizes…but the prizes are not for them! Mr. Rocker’s prizes are for the winning student’s parents (a child’s first teacher) and consist of items like plants and bouquets of flowers.

What’s your best memory of your own school days?

A substitute teacher that taught me how to do long division without struggling.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m an avid Detroit Tigers fan.

What’s your professional superpower?

Helping students to have faith in themselves.

How do you empower your students to live their complete life?

I encourage them to be constantly evolving as a person.

What’s the one word your students would use to describe you?

Funny