Ontario teacher to rep Blue Jays at All-Star Game

ANAHEIM -- Rolland Chidiac has been named the Blue Jays' representative in the "Target Presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers" campaign, which celebrates remarkable current and retired educators who make an impact on the lives of their students and communities.

One representative from each club will be included in the All-Star Week festivities and recognized during the pregame ceremony of Tuesday's Midsummer Classic in Minnesota.

Chidiac, of Kitchener, Ont., is a second-generation Canadian who grew up learning English as a second language. He has worked for anti-bullying efforts and has received best practice awards from his teachers association, a school staff recognition award and a teacher of excellence award.

Chidiac also is a team leader of the Ministry of Education's Teacher Learning and Leadership program, which provided funding to help him meet the needs of all his students with the use of technology.

You can find the full list of Chidiac's esteemed colleagues at AllStarTeachers.com.

The All-Star Teachers program has been just one part of an effort by Target, MLB and People to celebrate teachers and raise awareness about the importance of education this baseball season. MLB legends have attended 14 Target education-focused events in MLB communities throughout this season, and the list has included Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, Vinny Castilla, Ron Cey, Cliff Floyd, Luis Gonzalez, Tim Laudner, Gary Matthews, Tony Oliva, Harold Reynolds, Michael Young, Edgar Martinez, Tim Wakefield, Mickey Lolich, Willie Horton, Chad Tracy and John Smoltz. Refer to AllStarTeachers.com and ABullsEyeView.com/Baseball to see examples.