Hear from those that have shared my journey

Vanessa instantly became my pillar as a rookie in Academia Cotopaxi. Also, she is the heart and soul in fostering the life skills program in our pursuit of a more inclusive community. She passionately advocates for the needs of our students which sets the standards high and inspires many teachers like me to be better at our craft. I consider working with her to be one the highlights in my teaching career. A great team player and her genuine love for our learning support students has earned her so much respect by everyone in the school community.

-Jerome Lingo, AC Learning Support Teacher

I think you are truly outstanding in your job. The way you facilitate meetings, the way that you collaborate with teachers so effortlessly, the way that you care so much about your kids, and all the rest! You are an outstanding educator and an even better person. I’m not sure you get told that enough as the days seem to speed us by but I want you to hear it from me now…I would hire you anytime, anywhere and know that you’ll always be one simple email away from working any place that I am….thank you for being who you are….I could not possibly think more highly of you than I already do.

-Dan Kerr, AC MS Principal

Vanessa is one of the most passionate, creative, and dedicated professionals I know. She is tireless in her advocacy for students, for differentiation, and for constant improvement in services and access for all. Vanessa has been instrumental in developing policy and procedure for our Learning Support Program, a mentor to new teachers, and a leader in developing educational programming for high needs students. Most importantly, students are excited to see her every morning and rise to new heights with her guidance.

-Delaney Keyes Voller, AC Learning Support Teacher

I had the privilege to start my training in special needs education with Vanessa last semester. She is an inspiring teacher, who openly shared with me her knowledge, she guided me, supported me and encourage me to keep going. It has been great to get to know Vanessa and share with her this new experience for me.

-Paula Morillo, AC Instructional Assistant

Vanessa is an amazing asset for a school. Last year she worked with three of my students in my fifth grade class. She does more than just create a plan for them to reach attainable goals, she helps the students keep those goals in mind and work toward them so they recognize their own success. When in my room for Writer's Workshop Vanessa would contribute, and even lead lessons so all the students knew that she was a part of our class. She would not only support the students who she worked with, but also confer and guide other students as they push themselves as a learner. Vanessa encourages students to speak up for themselves, but also is a strong advocate for them in other settings to help make sure that they are given the proper support throughout each day and that they have the opportunities to succeed and thrive as students. Having her in my classroom has been an incredible opportunity.

-Martin Reinsmoen, AC 4th grade teacher

Vanessa, her husband Nick and I started working at Academia Cotopaxi in 2014. Within minutes of meeting her I couldn't wait to start teaming up with her to educate our students. She has a passion for "doing it the right way". Accountability and compassion are just two of the many strengths that she works by, and models with her students. This duo of virtues is the perfect combination that has transformed students, teachers and administrators alike as we look up to her for advice in all aspects of teaching and learning.

Vanessa and I have shared many wonderful stories and experiences outside of work as well. She has a passion for life, new experiences, food and good times. I love going hiking, or exploring and hearing about her past experience in Korea, and ideas for the future.

When the time comes that we part ways here at Academia Cotopaxi. I know I will stay in touch with the hope that a position opens somewhere else in the world where we can work at the same school again.

- John Reber, AC Science & Math Teacher

Indefatigable & Tireless; Vanessa brings an energy I have not often seen in educators. No matter how much is on her plate, she’ll just make more space. Not only has she offered to help with modifying assignments and assessments, she always does it in a way that allows me to use her help with all my students and not just the students on her case-load.

Persistent & Determined: I know how hard it is be the support teacher; the dynamics of balancing colleague relationships with the primary goal of supporting students needs. Vanessa shows no limits in working towards her primary goal; to support MY students whether I like it or not. It’s for that reason i hold great admiration for her in that she has made me realize how much I can impact all my students.

Patient: When working with the population she works with, being patient has to be one of the top characteristics a successful, caring and genuine teacher must possess. When you consider the fact that she has been able to work with me for the last two years, it shows me an incredible amount of patience and respect. Through her example, she has helped me be a better teacher and more importantly a more caring person with my students.

-Tony Pereira, LA/SS MS Teacher

Vanessa Weber is by far the most affective, passionate, inspiring learning support teacher I have ever had the privilege of working with. Every day she works endlessly to ensure that each student she works with is given the support they need tailored to them.

She always gave me tips that were easily incorporated into my every day lessons that instantly made her students and also the entire class more successful. She is that teacher that will stay late, miss lunch and work all day Sunday to ensure the students are fully supported and happy. I have missed working with her this year and truly hope our paths cross again in the class room and life.'

-Amanda Garwood, AC Math Teacher

Vanessa is one of the best teacher I've ever seen in my life. She taught me English in various ways like making idiom notes. She is so considerate that she listens carefully to students. This is why I could speak much and develop my English. In addition to English skills she showed me the lifestyle of an extraordinary person. She is a vegetarian who knows the importance of nature and supports many students who need help. Vanessa is the best teacher because she not only teaches English well but broadens my view of life. I am proud of being one of her first students.

-Eun Young Lee, Student at ICEC, Incheon, SK