Middlesex native looks forward to having positive impact on schools

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Joseph Diskin believes his more than three decades of educational experience, and a positive demeanor, will both be assets in his new position as assistant superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools.

“I always come from an optimistic perspective, and I have seen a lot in my career, and anything I can do to help and improve I will do,” Diskin attested.

Diskin, a native of Middlesex, earned a bachelor of science degree at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and a master of arts degree at Kean University, Union.

He served as an elementary school health and physical education teacher in the Dunellen, then Rockaway Township, school systems while coaching track and field, football and basketball. He holds numerous New Jersey certifications as principal, supervisor and school business administrator, as well as for coaching and officiating in track and field.

After a term as an elementary school assistant principal in Sparta Township, Diskin was principal in the Saddle Brook public school system before assuming a role as principal of an intermediate school for the Bridgewater Raritan Regional School System for the past 23 years.

Diskin explained his transition from 35 years in public education to a more faith-based focus, saying, “Being a person of deep faith, beginning a ministry in Catholic education was something I was very interested in and believed my interpersonal and leadership skills would be a valuable asset to Catholic education.”

Not surprisingly, the former multisport coach sees much value in a robust and positive sports program in the schools, asserting it leads to a greater sense of pride and will positively enhance its climate and culture.

“It gives students opportunities to grow and succeed and learn life skills and lessons that can’t be learned in other areas,” Diskin continued. “Self-confi- dence, optimism, fairness, competition, resilience, goal setting, effort, hard work, and teamwork are many skills and concepts that will be used in life and originally learned from practice and competition. The memories and friendships will last a lifetime and will serve those well who choose to participate and compete to the best of their ability.”

Diskin and his wife, Kate, who is the assistant superintendent of schools in Millburn, have been married for 23 years and have two teenage sons. Residents of Mountainside, they are members of Holy Trinity Parish, Westfield.

One hears a hint of the former coach’s credo of skill development and teamwork as Diskin shared his goals for this new position.

“I want to be of service positively assisting our principals in helping them lead their schools successfully [and] support our schools in reaching their full potential,” he said. “I look forward to partnering with Mrs. [Barbara] Stevens and

[Felician] Sister Mary Louise [Shulas] so that our office will bring out the best in others and provide an excellent Catholic education for all of our students.”

Diskin noted that parents considering a Catholic education for their children “have an opportunity for their children to learn in an environment that allows students to grow in their faith while learning in schools and classrooms with high academic standards.”

During his visits to schools so far, he added, “I am impressed by the quality of teaching and learning, positive school climate and culture, dedication of the teachers and principals, and the respectful and happy children.

“Catholic schools are a wonderful place for students to grow and learn the Catholic faith. There are lessons and values learned from a Catholic school education that would not be experienced in other school setting, thus making for more caring and loving human beings.”