Mr. Jerry Spatara

Principal

(708) 562-2258

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It is both my pleasure and privilege to serve again as the principal of Divine Providence Catholic School.  I begin this year with much excitement and enthusiasm.  Our new school year brings with it many program changes and significant improvements that will allow us to better meet the needs of every learner in our school.

I joined the faculty and parish community at Divine Providence school/parish four years ago. Today, it is hard to imagine that I began my career in a different profession with no knowledge that I would ultimately find my calling in the field of education.  Upon graduation from Westminster College in Pennsylvania, where I received a degree in Political Science/History, I accepted the opportunity to do mission work with the Native population at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska.  I eventually was hired to work as an employee at the college and I remained there for three years, until I was accepted at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, where I earned a Masters Degree. I eventually took a position in Pittsburgh where I did local community economic development for a non-profit organization.  It was during this time, while collaborating with a local university on business start-up programs, that I returned to school and began course work in the field of education.  I ultimately graduated from St. Vincent College where I earned my certification in secondary education. My first teaching position was at the Northeast Regional Catholic School in Minneapolis, MN.  Over the years I have taught in four Catholic elementary school including Minnesota (twice), Ohio, and Illinois.  In addition, I have been the principal in three Catholic schools during the last 12 years.  Most recently, I have completed my coursework at Lewis University and hope to finish my dissertation in the next few years to earn a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

I believe that being a professional in a Catholic school is one of the most rewarding and possibly most challenging opportunities in education.  As educators in our faith-based school, we are called to teach our children about reading, writing, and math just like our colleagues in public schools but our responsibilities do not stop there.  Rather, we are called to nurture and to educate the whole child.  I believe it is imperative that we provide our children with 21st Century skills, present and teach them critical knowledge, and nurture in them the necessary morals and values that will allow them to become effective future leaders, good neighbors in our communities and quality parents and family members.

I look forward to working with my exceptional faculty and our parents to ensure that we provide the best possible education for our students.