Beloved educator Renee Diamond, a retired first grade teacher from New York City, passed away on May 11, 2020, from coronavirus.

Sadly, yet another educator has succumbed to the coronavirus. She is Renee Diamond, a retired first grade teacher from New York City. She was 73 years old.

Renee inaugurated her 25-year career as an educator in 1968 when she accepted a position as a first grade teacher at PS 25 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. After an eight-year hiatus when she stayed home to raise her family, Renee resumed her career at PS 134 in Hollis, Queens. She taught there until her retirement in 2003. During those years, Renee also tutored PS 134 students living in homeless shelters. In 2004-2005, the hardworking educator served as a technical grant facilitator for Districts 16 and 23 in Brooklyn and District 27 in Queens.

Former student Tamara Blocker (1984-1985) remembers her teacher fondly. “Every child loved being in her class,” Blocker recalled. “They loved her compassionate, loving smile and open arms, and knew she valued what they had to say.” Friend and colleague Judy Cohn agreed. She remembers Renee as a teacher who was beloved by her students and their families. “Renee always encouraged and supported her students,” Cohn said, “and often told them, ‘If nobody can listen to you read, then read to your mirror.'”

During her retirement, Renee was a judge for Long Island History Day and a Board Member for the Hollis Hills Civic Association.

The beloved educator passed away on May 11, 2020. To read more about Renee, follow this link to New York State United Teachers.