As a third grader at Whitman Elementary School in the late ‘90’s, Janet Acosta struggled with math, English and other subjects. With the guidance and patience of teacher Clara Riley, Acosta was able to progress with the other classmates. “Ms. Riley took the time to listen. She spent her free periods with me to intervene and get me on track,” said Acosta. “She was the reason I wanted to become a teacher. I wanted to help others who were struggling like I did.”
After graduating Wheeling High School, Acosta earned an associate’s degree from Harper College and then a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, with the intention of working as a teacher, which she did for 16 years at KinderCare in Wheeling, first as a pre-K teacher and then as the assistant director. “It was a great career, but my dream was to have a more regular schedule after my children were born,” she said. “Ideally, I wanted to work in the same school district that they attended. I found District 21 to be very family-oriented and only applied to this district,” she added. Acosta landed a job as the Frost Elementary School secretary and has been with the school for almost three years.
As the secretary, she handles all the usual tasks, including answering phones and emails. She assists substitutes and other staff members with assignments. She also helps students with their needs as best she can. But much of her time is spent assisting parents who come in with technology questions, including how to login to their students’ accounts. “Some parents have limited internet at home and do not have much experience with technology. I sit with them and help them resolve their issues. I like helping others and this is the perfect job to do that for students, staff and parents,” she said.
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