Getting to know … Deirdre Mostiller
Deirdre Mostiller is a transportation aide for the Buffalo School District and treasurer of the Transportation Aides of Buffalo. Mostiller was interviewed by Jo Ann Sweat, a member of the NYSUT SRP Advisory Committee and the Buffalo Educational Support Team.
Tell me about your job; why do you love what you do?
I work as a transportation aide with students who attend agency schools such as Summit Academy, St. Mary’s School for the Deaf and several other facilities. As an aide, the work we do depends on the support the students need. Sometimes the little ones need help up the stairs. I help them cross the street. It depends on their disability. I help transport three autistic students on my first run and one student on my second run for morning and afternoon.
I love working with special education students; I have been doing this job for 12 years. I love connecting with the kids. It is so rewarding. I am on standby now so I get different kids every day, but when you have a route and have the same kids every day you can’t help but get attached.
How are you involved in the union?
I attended a union meeting for TAB when I was first hired by the district. The president, Freddie Smith, approached me about getting involved with the union. As they say — the rest is history. I ran for treasurer and won, and I have been in that position for about eight to nine years.
Tell me, how do you make a difference?
I make a difference by working with the supervisor at the terminal where I am assigned. Walden Sped is a terminal specifically for students with disabilities, so all of the students we serve have to have an aide on the bus or van. I work with the other TAB members by helping to keep their morale up. I also make sure the terminal is always clean, well-kept and up to par.
What about your community engagement. Any hobbies?
I am a member of Elk Temple 143. We do a lot for the community. I attend rallies and conferences with other union members. I am also an avid reader of many different books, and I like to attend concerts. Last year I became a first-time home owner with my daughter.