Women of Reading: Eileen Litterio

Eileen Litterio acquired many names during her 40 years of teaching.

She allowed her students to call her "Miss Shine" (her middle name) to lighten the mood when the weather turned gloomy. She also keeps a mental list of all the students she has ever taught.

"I do make it a point to keep the names of the students I have taught on the 'top of my brain and the tip of my tongue.' I have so many memory books and keepsakes from past classes over 44 years that I review lovingly. I look forward to meeting former students of all ages, from age 7 to 37, throughout Reading," Litterio said.

Education has always been a priority in Litterio's life. As early as eighth grade, while growing up in Manchester, N.H., she remembers teaching and tutoring her fellow students.

"Education was very important. There were no televisions in the home so we spent our time reading, playing music, creating artwork, and spending time outdoors," Litterio said.

Litterio taught at Barrows Elementary School for 36 years and in private schools in New Hampshire for eight years. She happily and often reminisces about her time spent with "the most dedicated and selfless educators."

Litterio has found that she often taught children of former students, extending her knowledge to two generations of some Reading families.

Today Litterio is retired but still hasn't stopped teaching. She tutors students of all ages, especially in writing. She studied different languages for many years, and likes to help students learn her "special interest."

"All I can say is this: It's a great life as I get to reminisce about teaching in such a caring community as Reading," Litterio said.