Coronavirus

Only in Print: Displaced Teachers Stay Hopeful

Deirdre Slakman, a former first-grade teacher at Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy, held Zoom sessions with her students over the summer to help them deal with the school closures. (Photo: Courtesy of Deirdre Slakman)

MANHATTAN — With the new school year slated to begin next month, Catholic educators are preparing to adapt to the new norm of teaching with social distancing and face coverings. However, others already affected by this year’s estimated 140 closures across the country are trying to remain hopeful about their professions.

“The Superintendent’s office, along with the Department of Human Resources, has provided information to teachers and staff affected by a school closing or merger, to help them find a role in a new Catholic academy or parish school,” said Brooklyn Diocese Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko. “There is a priority list to help faculty and staff find a new home and remain part of the Catholic education community.”

Local math teacher Jeremy Mezarina has dealt with two school mergers during his career — St. Francis Xavier-Queen of All Saints in 2018 and Holy Angels-St. Anselm this year. He became unemployed both times, as a result, and felt discouraged…


The rest of this article can be found exclusively in the August 22 printed version of The Tablet. You can buy it at church for $1, or you can receive future editions of the paper in  your mailbox at a discounted rate by subscribing here. Thank you for supporting Catholic journalism.