Old Quarry Special Education Aide a Finalist for 'Everyday Heroes' Award

Maureen "Reenie" Sperka might be assigned to help with special education at Old Quarry, but teachers say she "is so popular, general ed students clamor for her attention as well. So she shares."

Sperka is modest about their affection for her. 

"The kids in there just see me as a helper for everybody, not just a helper for the special ed kids," she said.

Sperka's impact on students makes her an ideal nominee for the American Federation of Teachers 'Everyday Heroes' award. She is currently one of five finalists in the paraprofessional division. Voting takes place online, and ends April 20. The semifinalist who gets the most votes in each division will be named his or her division’s 2014 Everyday Hero and will be honored at this year’s AFT convention.

"All the teachers want her in their classroom," said Michelle Nevin, vice president of Sperka's AFT Local 604, president of the local's Council for Certified and Support Staff at Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A and a teacher at Old Quarry. "She really takes all students in and is an advocate for them."

The award highlights teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education staff and faculty, public employees, healthcare professionals, early childhood educators and retirees who epitomize the spirit of public service, camaraderie and compassion. The nominees should inspire those around them to "reclaim the promise in our chosen fields and in our communities," according to the award's website. 

Sperka's efforts have moved her coworkers and improved students' learning experiences beyond measure, Nevin said, citing one student in particular in the nomination. 

Student Alyssa Wood has ataxia telangiectasia, a rare disease that affects the nervous, immune and other body systems. Sperka created Fun Fridays for cooking up seasonal treats with her, established their own Girls Night Out, and helped Alyssa make holiday gifts for her parents. Sperka still checks in with her, even post-graduation. 

"Reenie facilitated an environment at school where Alyssa not only learned, but also had fun doing it," Alyssa's mother told Nevin. "To me, she was her school mom. When I brought Alyssa to school each day, I always knew she was safe with Reenie."

Outside the classroom, Sperka started Two for Tuesday, a day when students pack an extra lunch of nonperishable items for the local food pantry. Children often include a note with the lunch, like this one: "I hope you like what I packed." The project has provided more than 1,000 lunches so far.

During the holidays, Sperka collects gently used or new items from staff and community members for a "shopping" bazaar: Students are invited to a decorated conference room, complete with holiday music, where they choose free gifts for their families. She and her family also play a variation of "ding dong ditch," ringing doorbells and leaving anonymous gifts on selected families' doorsteps on each of the 12 days of Christmas. The game is so popular other people have picked up on the tradition.

One of eight children raised by a single mother, Sperka knows intimately what a difference kindness can make.

She makes a habit of "random acts of kindness," often picking up the tab of the person in line behind her at the drive-thru, or helping to dig someone's car out of the snow. 

Sperka said she has "a wonderful family and a supportive husband, and feels truly blessed.

"I want to try and lighten the load for other people who have not been as fortunate."

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