Substitute teachers are the unsung heroes of any school district. They are the talented men and women who are always ready to step up and provide coverage wherever they are needed - oftentimes at the last minute. Relied upon by school administrators, teachers and students alike, substitutes seamlessly adapt to any situation they encounter.
North Palos School District 117 recently held its annual Substitute Appreciation Lunch to thank its substitutes for the amazing jobs they do every day. The event was held after school at the Dr. Tom P. Kostes Transportation Facility.
Kevin Buscemi, the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning in NPD117, coordinated the event that included more than 20 substitute teachers and was attended by administrators from the district office and each of the five schools.
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The subs come from all walks of life. Some are moms whose kids are grown and others are moms whose kids are in the buildings they teach. And there are those who are retired from the private sector and still others like Hickory Hills’ resident Mary Morf who is a retired teacher from Burbank SD111.
Mrs. Morf spent 33 years as a sixth-grade teacher. “I just love being in the classroom and teaching children,” she said. She said she has subbed in multiple schools and has worked as a long-term sub. “I really like getting to know the kids and their personalities,” she said. “I really like it here in District 117.”
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Fatma Hegazy said she “absolutely loves working as a substitute teacher in North Palos School District 117.”
The Palos Hills’ woman has been subbing in the district the last two years and has become a fixture at both Sorrick and Oak Ridge schools.
Occasionally, Mrs. Hegazy can be found at Conrady. “I just love the kids and I love the diversity of our community,” she said. “I prefer teaching preschool through fifth grade. This community is so family-oriented and we feel so much a part of this community.”
Palos Hills’ resident Sara Elmasry said she started out working as a lunchroom and playground supervisor at Oak Ridge when her two kids were younger. She is now in her second year working five days a week as a substitute teacher.
"I just love the kids in my classes,” Elmasry said. “PreK and kindergarten are my favorite age groups. They’re so sweet and they give you hugs.” And at the end of the day I get to go home with my own kids.”
Corrine Kopchik (above right) of Bridgeview is a retired accountant for a chemical company.
She said she really enjoys subbing in NPD117. “I love the flexibility (subbing) provides,” she said. “I really enjoy teaching students in grades fifth and below. And I really love having the summers off.”
Susan Ruzich, of Tinley Park, (above left) has been working as a sub for 12 years in D117. “I love working in D117 and, specifically, Sorrick School. I really love being around these children. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It feels like family here.”
Surrounded by other administrators, Supt. Jeannie Stachowiak thanked the teachers and told them how much they are appreciated. “I can’t stress enough how important you are. We could not operate without you.”
Glen Oaks Principal Farah Daoud said: “Thank you for the short- and long-term positions you take and for answering those early morning calls to come in.”
Oak Ridge Principal Stephanie Johnson added: “We are so happy to have you in our buildings. You truly care about our kids and it shows. We have the best substitute teachers around.”
