By Bryanna Rios
For over 10 years, Keith Reardon worked as a janitor in the quiet halls of the Oak Park school district.
Little did anyone know, within those same corridors, a dream was quietly taking root.
Reardon, a father of two young children, embarked on a journey that transformed him from a custodian to a middle school teacher. Dominican was also playing a central role in shaping his trajectory.
Since graduating high school, Reardon, 34, always knew he wanted to be a teacher. He began attending classes at Dominican part-time to balance the demands of fatherhood and work.
“It was a lot all at once, but my advisors were able to help me,” said Reardon. “I could support my family, but also continue working towards my degree.”
He managed this busy schedule by receiving valuable guidance from his academic advisor, Josephine Tabet Sarvis, and other professors within the School of Education.
Dominican’s commitment to academic excellence left a mark on Keith.
While reflecting on his educational journey, Reardon expressed how grateful he was for the understanding and intelligence of his mentors. He acknowledged a shift in his teaching while at Dominican.
“I always thought I had to be a strict teacher,” said Reardon. “After being at Dominican, I learned about different ways to manage a classroom and the different teaching styles.”
Instead of a strict approach, he learned to use an empathic approach in the classroom.
Penny Silver, one of Reardon’s education professors, recognized his strengths of sensitivity and empathy. She saw how these qualities would come to great use for Reardon as a new teacher.
“As a teacher, he will make sure his students have structure in their classroom, so they know what the rules are and how to behave,” said Silver. “They will also know that they have a teacher who is compassionate and kind.”
This unique combination of compassion and firmness, instilled through his education at Dominican, lays a good foundation for an effective and meaningful teaching methodology.
Having graduated in 2023, Keith’s story truly highlights Dominican’s values.
With the support of faculty and impactful learning experiences, Reardon became equipped with the tools necessary to transition from a janitorial role in the Oak Park school district to a compassionate middle school teacher.
His story exemplifies the profound impact the Dominican community has in shaping not just careers, but inspiring lives dedicated to education and personal growth.
