For a teacher, there is no greater satisfaction than helping students grow and reach their maximum potential. In a fast-paced world that has expectations to become adaptable despite recognizing personal needs, special education teachers play a critical role in the transitional period of K-12. They possess a gifted ability, gained through extensive experience, to deliver instruction to every student, understanding their personalized needs and providing modifications and accommodations to help them succeed.
Being drawn to a school that aligns with your beliefs regarding the importance of learners feeling safe and valued in their environment reassures educators that their purpose is valued. Jennifer loves teaching at Pike Road High School for this reason.
Jennifer Veres is among the most impactful special education teachers in Alabama and her credentials are impressive. She earned a B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Clinical Psychology, M.Ed. in Collaborative Education, a Dyslexia Specialist certification, and is a certified Academic Language Therapist.
She shares, “I always knew I wanted to work with adolescents, and I started my career in mental health. Performing psychological evaluations was one vital piece of the puzzle, but I became frustrated with only identifying problems. I wanted to be part of the solution for kids with developmental and learning challenges.”
Though her journey through education and commitment to seeing students thrive are rewarding, she would be remiss to say it also comes with challenges for many teachers. It takes a physical, mental, and emotional toll, especially for new teachers, to persevere in this profession. It can be a massive undertaking, and gaining support from parents and the community advocates reinforces their choices, as they know a team is alongside them.
In the future, Jennifer doesn’t imagine herself doing anything other than teaching. Every year, she has opportunities that require her to transition from the classroom, but education has her heart. Once she decides to retire, she plans to continue working as a CALT/Dyslexia Specialist in private practice, join a tutoring center, or start a school for kids with learning challenges.
Jennifer Veres is a New Orleans native and has been married to Daniel Veres for 20 years. They have two children: Evie (18), who’s starting college this fall, and Henry (12), a rising 7th grader.
