Leading With Purpose: How One Educator Transformed A Boston School

Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Massachusetts is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.

From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schools. To recognize their many contributions — big and small — Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to salute the unsung heroes of back-to-school.

This submission comes from Diane Cho, who nominated Maura Spignesi of Fontbonne, The Early College of Boston.

What is the school hero’s name?

Maura Spignesi

Where does this school hero work?

Fontbonne, The Early College of Boston

Please describe why this individual is a hero at your school.

At Fontbonne, under Maura’s leadership and guidance, the school raised nearly $2.1 million this year with a portion of those funds directed to financial assistance for students to provide a more equitable environment that is accessible to all including those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. The school fosters an inclusive environment with 49% of students identified as BIPOC. Maura has been the driving force behind adding 7th and 8th grades to the school in 2021, an initiative that began with just seven 7th graders and has since grown to 60, contributing to overall enrollment and growth under her leadership. Beyond that, Maura created the Patricia Cerasuolo Girls’ Leadership Institute, which was launched in 2024 and named after a beloved educator who passionately believed in empowering every girl to strive for greatness. It is abundantly clear to anyone who has ever met Maura how passionate she is about the school and its success beyond her time there, along with the importance of having an all-girls school that builds confidence and encourages young women to grow into future leaders who can one day change the world.

How do you know the school hero you’re nominating?

I know Maura through a working relationship with her.

What should your community know about this person?

During her more than 20-year career at Fontbonne, Maura has not only taught students the values and mission of the school, which emphasizes serving the “dear neighbor without distinction,” but has also embraced this as her personal life mission, modeling it for her students every day. Her commitment to service and community extends beyond Fontbonne, but Maura is not the type of person who boasts about her accomplishments or even mentions her community involvement unless specifically asked about them. Several years ago,after suffering the loss of her beloved son, Maura founded a nonprofit to help families in Massachusetts find resources after losing a child during pregnancy or early infant death. The organization holds an annual candlelight ceremony to bring families together and to honor those children with Fontbonne students creating hand-painted candle votives with a handwritten to each family. This event started with 20 votives and has since grown internationally through the help of social media. Maura also spends her time outside of school as a volunteer at A Simple Gesture and serves as a coach of a youth girls' basketball team. Additionally, Maura honors a young boy in her community in Marshfield who passed away from brain cancer in 2021. She helps organize annual service projects for his class, such as backpack and food drives – fostering a powerful contribution to a legacy of love and service.

What three words best describe the school hero?

resilient, selfless, dedicated

If you know a school hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

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