Marathoner, Teacher Talks About Achieving Through Perseverence

You have to wonder how many more hours are in Lucy Spoerk's days than your own. The mom, marathoner, teacher and consummate volunteer seems to have the ability to make time for everything and do it well to boot.

In receiving the 2012 Compass Award from Muskego-Norway School District, Superintendent Dr. Joe Schroeder said thefirst grade teacher's many commitments explain why she needs the physical endurance a marathon requires.

Calling her "a tireless advocate for the interests of each student," Schroeder outlined her involvement:

• As a teacher, Spoerk has participated in the Differentiation Committee, Tess Corners Eye on the Goal Team, PTO/Teacher Liaison, Gifted/Talented (GT) Committee Building Rep, and OM Building Coordinator.
• As a parent, she is GT Committee parent rep, PTO participant and officer, an Odyssey of the Mind coach, MHS Swim Team Booster Club Chair, MHS Music Friends Website Director,  director of the Sunshine Committee, etc.

If that’s not enough, she also started a school in Kabey Fo, Niger, Africa 11 years ago. Her sister Virginia Emmons (Spoerk said she comes from a family of strong women) had been in the Peace Corps and had brought the school to her attention, and it's an initiative she is still supporting through teacher mentoring and donations. Spoerk said the school is graduating its first students this year and has gone from a grass hut to a building with stone walls, employing four full time teachers.

However, she is quick to point out that "even though the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, you need to have support. I can have a great idea by myself, but without the support of friends and coworkers, it dies."

"There is no one person to credit in this award - we are truly a team here, and Tess Corners is such a wonderful example of community. I'm humbled by this because it's peer-driven, but we're all working hard here."

A perfect example unfolded during a math exercise in her first grade classroom, where one student was so frustrated she came to tears when she couldn't arrive at the right answer. "Just take a deep breath, and let's see how we can help you get to the right answer," Spoerk said.

She did, and the class helped the girl to leave with a smile.

Spoerk said she has always wanted to be a teacher, and often was able to employ her siblings in creating a 'class' at home. She said teaching has always been fun.

"Where else are you going to get hugs and so many other intangible perks?" she asked.