Jewel Hernandez is a teacher of applied skills at Portage Township School Corporation, a mother of three, and a pet owner.
“I am 33 years old. I have three beautiful children, Andrew 11, Henry 6, Judie 3, and three cats, Lola, Lumi, and Luna. I just bought a house in Portage last year. Prior to becoming a teacher, I was a stay-at-home mom and worked odd jobs here and there. I have always wanted to be a teacher since I could remember. After high school, I worked as a paraprofessional for several years. I left when I started to have children. I longed to be back in the classroom. As I said, I worked odd jobs here and there such as at gas stations and grocery stores. I would leave there, filling unfulfilled. I decided it was time to go back to school and complete my dream of becoming a special education teacher, and that is what I did.” Hernandez said.
Even though this is her first year of teaching her own class. Hernandez is grateful to be a teacher at Portage Township School Corporation.
“I now come home knowing that I can make a real difference in my students' lives and help my community. Sometimes, being a special education teacher can be challenging, but in the end, it is so worth it to see my students grow and prosper.” Hernandez said.
“I attend Western Governors University, where I will obtain my degree in Special Education. Last year, I was a long-term sub where I worked with grades K-5th. I am currently the applied skills teacher at the high school. This will be my first year officially teaching my own class. I was nervous to take this position because I have never worked with applied skills, but after two days with my students, I was in love! They are the absolute best and make every day fun. I consider it a blessing that I get to work with these wonderful people every day.” Hernandez said.
Hernandez pours her heart into applied skills and gives the students first-hand experience in the field and rewards them for their efforts.
“My co-teachers, KC Mitchell and Sherry Ondrovich, and I have been able to take the applied skills program and turn it into something great. We have worked very hard to get our students out into the community. Our students do vocational job skill training at Stracks, the YMCA, and the movie theater. We have started to take our students out for Community Based Instruction to help them become integrated into the community. We have gone bowling, out to eat, gone to the mall, and gone to the firehouse. This is so impactful because our student needs the skills to navigate the community. They need real-life experience with jobs they can do. Going out into the community is more beneficial than sitting at a desk and doing worksheets.” Hernandez said.
Hernandez is glad she is able to make an impact in her class and in her community.
“Yes, I do feel like what I do makes an impact. I have several students that have a hard time, I make it a point to connect with my students on a personal level. I make sure to get to know them. I learn about their friends and family. I show my students that we all struggle in life, and no one is perfect. I make it a point to go to events they participate in with such a sparkle of cheer. This is what makes my job so great!” Hernandez said.
Hernandez plans to make teaching a lifelong career and retire as a teacher.
“I have worked hard to become a teacher, and I want to be there for my students and community. A lot of teachers are leaving the field, but I honestly do it for the students. I live in this community, and my children attend Portage schools. I want to make sure I provide them with the best education and environment I can. I want to help the community I live in.” Hernandez said.
Hernandez is an extremely hard worker and is motivated to be successful for her family.
“Everything I do is in the best interest of my three beautiful children. As a single mom, I would watch my kids during the day and do school full-time, and then I would go to work at night until 11 p.m. It wasn’t easy, but I worked hard and overcame a lot of challenges to get to where I am today. I want to lead by example for my children.” Hernandez said.