This spotlight is of Jennifer De La Cruz, a Special Education Teacher at Serena Elementary. Jennifer is applying for The 2024 Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonverbal till 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4, and you can read more about my organization here.
Jennifer De La Cruz has dedicated the last 17 years to special education, helping young students with diverse needs navigate their early learning journeys. As an Early Childhood Special Education (SpEd) teacher at Serna Elementary in San Antonio, Texas, Jennifer has developed a unique approach that combines her experiences as both a special education student and teacher. Applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, Jennifer is seeking to further enhance her classroom, where her goal is to help each child thrive in a way that suits their individual learning style.
For Jennifer, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” is not just an approach—it’s a deeply personal belief. As a special education student turned teacher and PhD scholar in special education, Jennifer understands the importance of adapting instruction to meet the needs of each child. “All kids can learn,” she says, “you just need to learn how to speak their learning style and learn their rhythm.” This philosophy is grounded in the understanding that every child learns at a different pace and in their own unique way. To Jennifer, teaching is much like dancing—some students tap, some tango, others do ballet, and some freestyle. Each has their own tempo and style, and as a teacher, it is her role to understand that style and adapt to it. Just as a tap dancer would benefit more from a tap teacher than a ballet expert, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of speaking the “language” of each student, learning how they learn, and then providing the support they need to flourish.
In her classroom, Jennifer works with children as young as three years old who have a range of special needs, including autism, ADHD, and NCEC. With a small class of four students, Jennifer is able to give each child the personalized attention they need, but as the classroom size fluctuates, the need for more resources and support becomes apparent. Jennifer’s students thrive when provided with sensory items to help them regulate their emotions and behaviors. “The district, like many others, is struggling financially, so they can’t provide much more than what I’ve been given,” she shares. “However, my students need more sensory output to help them thrive.” The grant she is applying for would allow her to purchase much-needed sensory tools to provide her students with the support they need to regulate themselves, focus, and engage in their learning.
Over the years, Jennifer has witnessed countless success stories, but one stands out as particularly rewarding. She recalls working with a student who had multiple personalities and an explosive disorder. This child faced significant challenges, both socially and academically, but Jennifer’s ability to build a strong, trusting relationship with him made all the difference. “I created a comforting space for him in our classroom, a safe space where he could regulate and find calm,” she explains. Over time, his explosive behaviors began to decrease, and his academic progress improved as well. With the support of Jennifer and her paraprofessionals, this student was able to make significant strides in his development. Today, he is thriving in a secondary education setting, doing well in his Alternative Learning Environment (ALE). “Seeing him succeed and grow has been one of the most rewarding moments of my career,” Jennifer reflects. “It’s proof that when we meet students where they are and build a relationship of trust, they can achieve great things.”
Jennifer’s approach is a reflection of her unwavering belief in the potential of all students. She is committed to creating a classroom environment where each child is not only supported academically but also emotionally. By providing individualized instruction that speaks to each child’s rhythm, Jennifer ensures that her students not only learn but also grow in confidence and self-regulation. With the support of the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, Jennifer will be able to continue this important work, helping her students thrive in an environment that meets their unique needs.
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My name is Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum. I started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue post-secondary education. Help support me so I can continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
