November 8-14, 2020 is “Discover Catholic Schools Week” around the country! Parents, teachers, students and other community members play a vital role in Catholic education. Not only do they work and volunteer at the Academy, they instill values and expectations for academic excellence in their children at home. In a new limited series, we asked some of our Warrior Nation community members “Why Catholic Schools, and Why OLMC?” This week we check out the answers from our faculty members and stay tuned for more in a series of posts as we celebrate the best in Catholic education!
Why Catholic Schools?
We asked Warrior Nation about the OLMC difference!
An education in the fullness of humanity should be the defining feature of Catholic schools.
- Pope Francis
Read What Some of Our Teachers Have to Say!
"I instantly noticed the difference..."
Dana Falcicchio, Teacher"I instantly noticed the difference..."
When looking for a full time teaching position back in the summer of 2005, OLMC was one of the schools to which I sent my resume. I did not know too much about the school, I only knew of it from my time working at the movie theatre across the street as a teenager. I was called to come in for an interview for the 8th grade Math and Science position. I was told during the interview that it was not a definite position since the current teacher wasn't certain if she was moving or not. She did not move, and I was informed that the position was not available. Two weeks later, I was called back by the principal of OLMC and told there was a 5th grade opening and if I wanted it, it was mine! I accepted immediately, and have been teaching 5th grade at OLMC ever since. I had never attended Catholic School as a child, only CCD, but I instantly noticed the difference in Catholic Education. We are like one family. I later went on to get married at OLMC and all three of my children were baptized here, as well.
"I feel the love!"
Stephanie Gerlach, Teacher"I feel the love!"
I chose to teach in a Catholic School in part because I was raised as a Catholic and went to a Catholic high school. Those experiences have deeply shaped who I am today. I can't imagine educating students without referencing God's love for us and His call to love others. Every child at some point will wonder: Why am I here? What's it all about? God provides that answer. God is why we need to keep striving to be our very best, even when life gets tough. I am so grateful for being able to teach in a school where I am free to convey that essential truth.
Why I chose OLMC: I'll be honest! I was looking for a new job, and I was fortunate enough to get an offer! I've only experienced respect, kindness, and compassion from everyone here since I joined the staff. I feel the love!
"It was fate..."
Barbara Izzard, Teacher"It was fate..."
It was fate that brought me to OLMC. I began my teaching career in the NY Public School System. When I married and moved to Tenafly, I became a Parishioner at OLMC Church. The Principal of the school was looking for a teacher and offered me a job. I never looked back. The beauty of teaching in a Catholic School is that I can practice my faith and teach my students at the same time.
"...I believe in the mission..."
Ashley Colona, Teacher/Alumna"...I believe in the mission..."
Catholic schools provide the foundation of faith, incorporate morality into the curriculum and community, and are distinguished by academic rigor, all reasons why the majority of my time in the classroom has been in Catholic schools.
I chose to teach at the Academy because I believe in the mission of Mount Carmel. As an alumna, I have had first-hand experience being a part of this community, one that is strongly committed to educating the whole person and finding God in all things.
"...I can make a difference."
Toni Essman, Teacher"...I can make a difference."
I teach at a Catholic school because I believe the values that are taught foster children to grow and develop to become adults that care about our world. I have been at OLMC for 21 years because I feel that I am part of a family and I can make a difference. The people I work with help each other and are truly caring people that I choose to associate with in my life.