Earlier today I found out my fellow blogger and friend Eric Chasinoff passed away at the age of 69 due to COVID. Today is a sad day not only for myself, but fellow bloggers and the scores of teachers over the years that Chaz selflessly helped, supported, and sometimes (when needed) just lent an ear.
For me Chaz was always the go to guy for almost any questions I had concerning my rights as a teacher. And when someone reached out to me, when I was stumped I sent them to Chaz. In fact for years, I wouldn't give Chaz's number without checking with him first, but eventually I asked Chaz if I could give his number without asking. He didn't blink an eye and said yes.
I would say it was around 2008 when I became of Chaz and his blog. That's about the time I started mine and I enjoyed Eric's straight to the point style of writing. Chaz didn't suffer fools gladly and was always quick to call bullshit.
It was also during this time that Chaz had been exiled to the Rubber Room for a quite innocuous comment he made to a student. His high school lost a great Earth Science teacher (Read more here), the kids and the community suffered, all for something that should've been just a letter to the file.
But I am sad not just for losing a friend, but for someone who kept me from losing my mind.
Chaz (And this is not taking away from others who were there for me), kept me sane when I was in the Rubber Room for two years and going through my 3020a. I can't count the number of times I would call Chaz in a panic and he would explain things to me and calm me down. Even though he wouldn't sugar coat anything, he know how to deal with me. For three years Chaz stuck by me, didn't give up on me, and kept me focused.
I met Chaz once or twice. The first time was at a diner in Queens right off the Clearview. I bought my accordion style folder with me for my 3020a and he looked over the papers. Better yet, he go my mind away from everything, and we enjoyed a good breakfast.
My heart goes out to his family. Thank you for sharing him with all the teachers of the NYCDOE that needed Chaz. Thank you for sharing him with me. My thoughts are with the Chasinoff family tonight.
I am grateful Chaz had played a part in my life.
4 comments:
I worked with him at Francis Lewis HS. He was a wonderful teacher and a great guy. I am so sorry this happened to him.
Thank you for sharing. He sounds like a great guy. I see several writings by other sad teachers. May he Rest In Peace.
I met you and Chaz in November 2013! I was always remember how Chaz wrote some very tongue-in-cheek articles about my old principal which got her so furious she sent her mob lawyer after him. Chaz told me that he knew he was an excellent journalist because he never had a principal go after him before.
Great post Peter. Rest in peace Eric.
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