Special needs teacher’s innovation, enthusiasm and dedication is contagious
Special needs teacher Jane Beveridge of Whitewater uses music, motion and more to teach a class of 6- to 8-year-old students at Lakeland School. Beveridge has taught at Lakeland for 29 years. (John Koski photo)
By John Koski
SLN Staff
When people find a job they love, they can’t imagine doing anything else – and when that happens, the passion they have for their work seems to grow deeper with each passing day.
Whitewater’s Jane Beveridge is one of those people, and she is one of the fortunate ones who found her passion early in life.
After graduating from high school her choice of a major in college was an easy decision.
“I decided to major in special education,” she said, “because I like to help people.”
For more than three decades, she has done just that. Beveridge is currently completing her 29th year as a special education teacher at Lakeland School.
“I love doing what I’m doing. I love the students I work with, which is six- to eight-year olds. They are so easy to motivate, and my classroom has a lot of energy. We like to have fun.”
But it can be challenging at times.
“Because our students have so many different abilities, we have to find new and innovative things to do with them,” she said, “and I like creative things like that.”
“Jane is always prepared,” said Lakeland School Principal Greg Kostechka. “She is always looking for new ways to get through to the students, and no matter how the day is going, she always has a smile on her face.”
Because of the different needs and abilities of her students, Beveridge thrives on the innovative aspect of her work as a teacher.
“Some are things that I make up and then create the materials to go with them,” she said. “I love to learn new things, just as I want the kids to learn new things. Technology has taken everything to a whole new level with Smart Boards, and I love creating Smart Board activities that kids can get involved in.
“A lot of my students can’t write, but they can manipulate characters on a Smart Board. And some of my students don’t speak, so they can use a Smart Board and an iPod to communicate.
“The things that I’ve created,” she said, “I do on a daily basis. My students need a lot of repetition, so I’m always re-creating things and tweaking them.
Beveridge also loves to share what she has learned with others.
“Jane is willing to share ideas and materials and takes pleasure in other people’s successes,” said Rosemary Gardner, educational programmer at Lakeland School.
“Her ability to form positive, long-term relationships with her students combined with her model teaching style foster social-emotional and academic growth in every child she teaches,” Gardner said.
“She assumes competence and maintains high expectation for all students, who then rise to meet her expectations,” she continued. “She treats her students with dignity and respect, using high doses of laughter, music and innovative approaches for students living with challenges.
“Jane devotes a great deal of extra time beyond the teaching day to research and develop plans for implementing best practice,” Gardner said. “Although she has been teaching at Lakeland for (29 years), she is a teacher who still maintains the excitement and energy of a novice teacher with the wisdom of a veteran teacher. Above all, she is humble about her talents.”
“I like to know that I’m making a difference,” Beveridge said. “I love seeing kids learn and I think they can sense that I care about them. I just really enjoy working with kids.
“Even though some of the progress I see with the kids can be minimal at times, but when you do get a breakthrough, it’s really, really exciting for me and for the parents.”
Beveridge’s enthusiasm and passion is contagious. Just looking at her own family provides ample evidence.
“Both of my daughters graduated from college with degrees in other areas,” she said, “but they are now both special education teachers in the Milwaukee Public Schools system.
“I really care about the students and I’m so blessed that I can do this,” Beveridge said. “I love Lakeland School and I’m happy that the students have a place like this.”
Getting to know Lakeland School
Although it is located in Elkhorn, Lakeland School serves all 15 Walworth County school districts.
“Lakeland School of Walworth County is a public school, special education placement option for school districts,” said Educational Programmer Rosemary Gardner. “Placement is determined by the student’s Individual Education Program team, which includes the student’s parents.
The current school, located on County Road NN, was built in 2008.
“Everybody who sees it is just amazed at how well it accommodates the needs of our students,” said teacher Jane Beveridge. “We have about 230 students currently who are ages three to 21 years old.
“Lakeland School is one of only two schools in Wisconsin dedicated to students with special needs,” she added.
“The advantage of having a dedicated school like this is that the students’ needs are met much better,” she said. “We specialize in special education and we have such support here. It’s also a more nurturing environment where kids feel safe.
“All of our teachers are trained in special education and we complement each other,” Beveridge added. “It’s a very positive atmosphere to be in, and we’re all here for the same reason – to help our kids.”
