From the Classroom: Jaclyn Willis Shares HerJourney

From the Classroom is a Q&A series from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) that spotlights educators who shape, inspire, and empower our students daily. In each feature, teachers share—in their own words—why they chose this profession, the lessons that bring joy to their classrooms, and the moments that remind them why they love what they do. 

Through their stories, we see the heart of public education in action and its lasting impact on students across our city.

Today, we’re featuring Jaclyn Willis, a life skills teacher at George Julian School 57, who is making a lasting impact on some of the district’s youngest learners. As a life skills teacher specializing in special education, she works closely with students who need individualized support, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and independence in the classroom each day. Her patient, student-centered approach has made her a trusted educator and advocate for children with diverse learning needs.

Jaclyn’s dedication to her students and school community has not gone unnoticed. She was recently recognized as a nominee for the IPS Luminary Awards, which celebrate staff members who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, service, and commitment to students. She earned a master’s degree in Special Education and Teaching from Grand Canyon University in 2018 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Indiana University Bloomington in 2013.

What inspired you to become an educator, and how did you get started in the profession?

I was inspired to become a special education teacher in high school, where I developed friendships with peers who have disabilities. My interactions with my peers were uplifting and gave me happiness, in turn creating a passion for working with students with disabilities. The first two years in education, I worked as an instructional assistant in a middle school self-contained classroom. Following this experience, I went back to get a degree in Special Education and have been teaching for 10 years.

What subject or grade do you currently teach, and what do you love most about it?

Currently, I teach kindergarten through third-grade students in the life skills classroom. My main goal is to provide a safe and loving place for students to feel happy and to learn. One of the biggest challenges of the job is to develop strategies for each student to functionally communicate, which yields the highest reward. I love seeing my students use modes of communication (sign language, Alternative Augmentative Communication, verbal) to participate, request, and problem solve within the classroom.

Describe your teaching style—how do you connect with students and keep them engaged in the classroom?

First, I connect with parents to learn and seek to understand the student’s preferences, what calms them, and how to incorporate their interests into the day. When creating lessons, I try to use prior knowledge (nursery rhymes, songs, familiar things) to incorporate the skill and increase engagement. When I notice an increase in behavior, I switch up elements of the day to keep learning interesting and fun.

What’s a favorite lesson, project, or moment from the classroom that really brought out the best in your students?

Overall, it’s seeing the growth and progress of my students in academics and behavior. I love reading the former IEPs and seeing how much the student has changed during the time in my classroom. Seeing my students (regardless of ability) writing their name, reading, or counting after years of practice is amazing.

How do you encourage and inspire students to see their own potential and future success?

My students are learning how to be independent, be in the student role, and gain academic, physical, social, and emotional skills to take forward in their lives. Daily repetition and routine is key to providing these students with tools to use in the future.

I may not hear from my former students directly, but families will always remember your impact.

What would you tell someone considering a career in education today?

Teach SPECIAL EDUCATION! Shadow, learn, and collaborate with current teachers before entering the field.