First Office of Schools Job Fair a win for schools, educators, students

The first annual diocesan Office of Schools Job Fair, held March 20, brought together prospective educators from across the Diocese to meet with principals and teachers from some of the more than 25 Catholic Schools within the Diocese’s four counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren.

School principals and teachers were on-site in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, to answer questions about their schools and discuss positions available for the 2024/2025 school year.

The event, widely marketed in church bulletins, diocesan websites, college and university career centers, eblasts to students, and social media, filled an entire conference room with tables resplendent with school banners, flyers, assorted handouts, and poster board displays, explaining each school for prospective applicants.

Some twenty-four schools were represented, including two high schools: Immaculata, Somerville, and St. Thomas Aquinas, Edison. Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Barbara Stevens, Assistant Superintendent Joseph Diskin, and Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas, director of curriculum, were all on hand to field any questions from prospective applicants.

Diskin, who transitioned to the Diocese last year after a 36-year career in public education, described the rich environment for potential new faculty: “You couldn’t find a more dedicated, caring, and faith-filled group of teachers. We also offer strong guidance and support. We hope to make this an annual affair around this time every year.”

Sister Mary Louise stressed that “religion is integrated into every content area because of our Catholic identity,” pointing out the mission statement on display at the registration table, which states: “The Office of Schools assists the Bishop in providing opportunities for the people of God to be formed, informed, and transformed into disciples of Christ through the ministry of Catholic Education.”

Harry Ziegler, principal of St. Thomas Aquinas, Edison, manned a display table with assistant principal Mark Fiore. “We are mission-driven educators to help instill the values of a Christian education.” He noted that they were especially seeking STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) instructors. Later in the day, he mentioned that he had received two very promising applicants.

According to Edward Webber, principal of Immaculata High School, he hopes to recruit candidates in the math and sciences areas. St. Matthias School, which is pre-K through eighth grade, is located in Somerset. Mary Lynch, the principal, is seeking an after-school director and to build her list of substitute teachers. St Thomas the Apostle School, Old Bridge, is also a pre-K to eighth grade school which, according to Principal Annette Pioppo, is especially seeking instructors for grades three through five.

A number of applicants commented on their experiences at the fair. Adam Lasek is from Woodbridge and a senior graduating from Caldwell University this spring. “I’m in the social sciences, and I think I found a few leads today,” he commented.

Divya Mohan, who specializes in pre-K and the early grades, said the event was helpful. Another prospect, Leonora, is currently a pre-K teacher. She said the event was very helpful, having obtained a number of leads. A high note for her was how accommodating school staff representatives were, even suggesting to her other schools where she might find openings.

Stacey Cicero, a pre-K to third grade teacher, will soon be leaving the public school system, and she is exploring other opportunities. “The event provided me with lots of good information.” Eric Koppi hoped to make connections to further his interest as an educational consultant in religious education, and he acquired a number of leads.“We were very happy to host the first Job Fair for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Metuchen,” commented Stevens. “It was a wonderful event for candidates to learn about our mission-driven schools and how we link faith-based values with academic excellence. Our schools offer exciting opportunities for teachers to collaborate with colleagues and grow professionally. We continue to encourage teachers interested in joining the diocesan team to visit the website to learn more about individual schools at www.diometuchen.org/schools.”