A graduate of Stuyvesant High School, Dr. Ferrera earned a Bachelor of Arts from
Manhattan College, a Master of Science and a Master of Administration from New
York University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Fordham University.
Dr. Ferrera began his teaching career in 1971 as a science and mathematics teacher
at St. Rose of Lima Elementary School. In 1973, he joined the New York City Board
of Education, teaching at Benjamin Cordozo JHS, Virgil Grissom JHS Edward B.
Shallow JHS, and P.S. 204 where he served as Vice-Principal and Principal.
In 1993, the Board of Trustees of Xaverian H.S. appointed Dr. Ferrera as the school’s
first president and first lay leader. During his tenure, Xaverian has undergone many
changes in personnel, facility and advancements which have resulted in increased
enrollment for the school. The Technology Center, the envy of secondary schools
and colleges, was opened and integrated computers into the school curriculum. Most
laudable has been the introduction of the prestigious International Baccalaureate
Diploma Program (one of only four such designated schools in NYC), the Science
and Humanities Honors programs for accelerated students and the REACH
Program providing college-bound education for students with learning disabilities.
The Brooklyn Diocesan GENESIS Program for gifted middle-tier students also
relocated to Xaverian.
Other significant changes effected during Dr. Ferrera’s tenure include the introduction
of a full music program, including a concert band, jazz band, men’s choir, and a
piper & drum corps. The Clipper sports program expanded to include a full 4-year
football program.
Dr. Ferrera significantly expanded the school’s involvement in the community
through collaboration with the NYC Dept. of Parks, the Y.M.C.A., the Bay Ridge
Community Council, the Uniformed Services and the U.S. Armed Forces Base at
Fort Hamilton and a long series of community youth advocacy groups.
His personal energy has vastly increased the school’s visibility within the alumni
population with the establishment of the President’s Gala honoring Distinguished
Alumni and Faculty in 1993 and the Concordia Award Dinner in 1997, and the
Joe DiMaggio Award Dinner in 1999. Honorees include such luminaries as Joe
DiMaggio, Dr. Henry Kissinger, Luciano Pavarotti, Mort Zuckerman, Tommy LaSorda,
Dave DeBusschere, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Regis Philbin, Paul Simon, and most
recently, James Gandolfini, bringing the school’s fund raising efforts to a new level by
attracting the interest of corporate America in Xaverian programs.
Dr. Ferrera’s contributions to education, the Church and New York City have been recognized with many citations and awards, such as:
April 1988 The McKinley Youth and Adult Center Leadership Award
April 1992 St. John’s University Outstanding Service Award
November 1994 Phi Delta Kappa, Fordham University Chapter Distinguished Leader in Education
Award
November 1995 Catholic Teachers’ Association, Diocese of Brooklyn, Distinguished Leadership Award
December 1998 The Board of Education Columbia Association Educator of the Year Award
November 1999 The GENESIS Excellence in Education Award
April 2000 St. Michael’s Alumni Association Appreciation Award
May 2002 Republican Party Educator of the Year Award
December 2002 CIAO (Congress of Italian American Organizations) “Educator of the Year” Award
February 2003 Brooklyn Italianâ “Educator of the Year”
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