Dianne Cwik, MSEd, dedicated nearly 35 years of service as a teacher in the Reading School District in Pennsylvania, establishing herself as a distinguished educator. Over the course of her career, she taught pre-kindergarten for 18 years until her retirement after previously teaching kindergarten. Getting her start as a kindergarten teacher, she primarily focused on paper-and-pencil activities. However, when the district launched a pre-kindergarten program, she embraced it wholeheartedly, recognizing its potential to support early childhood education.
Ms. Cwik played a key role in its development, working under the guidance of an administrator who secured a state grant. The program was designed to provide half-day sessions for children from low-income families without access to preschool care. This opportunity allowed her to create her own curriculum, a deeply rewarding experience that shaped the latter half of her career. Before transitioning to pre-kindergarten, she also served as a substitute first-grade teacher during a colleague’s maternity leave.
Ms. Cwik was also an active union member, serving on the union board as a representative, and was recognized by her principal upon retirement, who wrote a biography celebrating her achievements. Her professional affiliations included membership in the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the Reading Education Association. She laid an academic foundation, earning a Master’s Plus 20 from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 1984.
Ms. Cwik attributes much of her success to her spirited nature and perseverance—qualities she deeply admired in her late husband, Jody Cwik. Honoring her husband’s legacy has also been a significant part of her life. A respected football coach, he was commemorated annually through an award presented to a football athlete who embodied the values he instilled in his players. After suffering a brain aneurysm, Ms. Cwik lost many memories, including those related to this award. However, upon rediscovering information about it in an old alumni book, she reached out to the university to establish a foundation in his honor. This initiative led to the creation of a $1,000 scholarship for a football player who exemplifies his spirit and dedication to the sport.
Ms. Cwik remains actively involved in her community. She has volunteered at a rehabilitation hospital and her local church and contributed as a donor to a scholarship fund in her husband’s memory. She believes in resilience, embracing life’s unpredictability, and always moving forward. Looking forward, she plans to engage with rehabilitation centers and hospitals, offering encouragement to individuals recovering from injuries similar to hers. She also finds joy in visiting schools, reading stories, and assisting children with their homework, continuing her lifelong passion for education and mentorship.