FALL RIVER, MA – Challenges with recruiting teachers and other staff members continue to affect school districts across Massachusetts, and certainly Catholic schools are not immune to this trend.  Despite these challenges, many veteran teachers and principals retire from public education and find great pleasure in serving out their final 10 years or so in a Catholic school.  There is also a trend of “career-changers” leaving their roles in industry to teach in a Catholic school.  As a result, the Catholic Schools Office for the Diocese of Fall River has re-launched the Rediscover Catholic Schools campaign intentionally focusing on the recruitment of educators and support staff in all 18 Catholic schools across the Diocese.

This comprehensive campaign covers all aspects of communications, from social media postings to eblasts to print media.  The highlight of this campaign are the interviews of four committed Catholic school teachers available on the CSO website at www.catholicschoolsalliance.org/join-us.  Each teacher explains in detail why they said YES to their Catholic school calling as well as what makes Catholic education such a unique place to teach and work.

Bob Deschenes, Vice Principal at Holy Name School, explained, “As happy as I was in public education, something was missing and I really could not put my finger on what it was.  And it just happened that the notice for this position fell into my lap quite literally and I felt that it was God calling me to where I needed to be.  What makes Catholic education so special is the community.  Not only do you get to know the kids but you get to know the families and you feel as though you are a part of something that is indescribable and you have to be a part of Catholic education to experience it – you don’t get this anywhere else.”

“Catholic education is so special because I get to be who I am,” said Kellie-Jo Duarte, middle school religion teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton.  “Being able to make Jesus come alive to children today is the reason why I wanted to be a part of Catholic education.  If you are considering a career in Catholic education, I say ‘do it’!  It is amazing – I get to teach the kids about Jesus and that is the best job ever!”

All 60 parishes in the Diocese of Fall River have received an updated ad to include in the weekly bulletins for the next three months with the intent of identifying potential candidates from church parishioners.  Moreover, each school leader will be provided the opportunity to have their job openings highlighted in the CSO social media and eblast communications. 

“From a recruitment standpoint, our Catholic schools have many wonderful opportunities for people to give of their time and talent,” said Dan Roy, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Fall River.  “The beauty of working at our Catholic schools is that there is such a diverse background of professionals who bring different skills, experiences, and knowledge to our school communities.  What we continually see is the way in which our teachers find a sense of community and faith-based purpose in educating students spiritually, academically, and emotionally that were not apparent in previous work experiences.  This is what Catholic schools are so well-known for and what we continually strive to improve.”

All job listings are available at www.catholicschoolsalliance.org/job-opportunities . 

About the Catholic Schools Alliance
The Catholic Schools Alliance comprises administrators, teachers, staff, parents and clergy joined in partnership to educate the children of the Diocese of Fall River in Catholic faith and values. Our schools have a demanding educational culture that helps students from across the academic spectrum reach their God-given potential. With an emphasis on service and respect for the dignity of every person, we prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s diverse world and become meaningful contributors to society.  For more information about the Catholic Schools Alliance, please go to www.catholicschoolsalliance.org.

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
Office of Communications