SPECIAL EDUCATION is vital in schools, and the best special education teachers offer children patience and advocacy in the classroom. They see the best in each child and value students for their capabilities, fostering an environment where every student can thrive. For many current and former special education students at Winfree Bryant Middle School, this immediately brings to mind Jennifer Elliott, who embodies all of the best qualities of an exceptional educator. Her dedication to special education has positively changed many of her students’ lives.
Elliott is a native of Lebanon. She met her husband of 31 years in high school and they raised three sons here. She has been teaching for 28 years and currently teaches at Winfree Bryant Middle School. Like many public educators, she spent years advocating for the resources and classroom space she felt were necessary to give her students the best education possible. The school initially could not accommodate, but 14 years later, the school built a new building, and the principal turned to Elliott for her recommendations on how to structure the new special education classrooms.
This was an exciting moment for Elliott. Because of her years of experience, she knew exactly what to request. She wanted a full kitchen where students could learn to cook and bake, a washer and dryer, an ironing station, a bathroom with a shower, and a changing room. She even asked for walk-in closets to hold equipment and resources. Elliott requested extra classroom space so that if any students were having a tough day, they could have a quiet place to go to regulate. All these additions gave Winfree Bryant one of the best special education departments in the area. One family, the McKees, moved across school districts just so their son could benefit from this program.
Weston McKee is the father of a student with special needs. His son’s behavior was so disruptive at his last school that McKee would have to pick him up within an hour of dropping him off nearly every day. The school eventually told him that they were at a loss for what else to do to help him. McKee wasn’t ready to give up on his son’s education, so he moved his family to a home that was in the Lebanon school district so his child could attend Winfree Bryant with Elliott.
“He’s been in her class for a year and a half, and he has improved more in that time than in all the other years he has been in school,” McKee said.
His son is finally able to go out to dinner in public, stay at school most days, and has skyrocketed academically.
“Mrs. Elliott is really good with him,” McKee said. “She is resilient to hold boundaries, and she is incredibly patient. She has made a huge difference in our lives.”
Elliott, her assistants, and her administrators have created an incredible place for kids to thrive. Elliott said it’s a team effort — the parents are vital for success because they have to follow the plan at home, too.
“We worked with the parents in creating a behavior plan, and they were very supportive. We discussed what the student enjoys doing at home, created a visual chart, and the parents followed through,” Elliott said. “You have to have so much self-control and not react to the behavior, and you have to be consistent every single time.”
Elliott has many success stories under her belt. One of her former students, Spencer Moore, has never forgotten her. His mother, Angie Moore, has remained friends with Elliott for years and Elliott continues to be a positive influence in Spencer’s life.
“Mrs. Elliott definitely stepped into her calling when she started teaching special education. She cares for each student and challenges each one to accomplish their individual goals at their own pace and in a way that works best for each child’s ability to learn,” Spencer’s mother said. “She has had the most meaningful impact on Spencer by not only teaching him academically but by showing patience, friendship, and love.”
Elliott attributes her passion for special education to her own mother. Elliott’s brother, Robert Glover, has Down syndrome, and growing up, she watched her mother care for him so lovingly.
“She always reminded us that he is capable and taught us to have high expectations,” Elliott said.
Elliott’s mother died six years ago, but it is evident that her legacy lives on through the care Elliott shows her students each day. GN
