Inspiring a love of learning: Devereux honors teachers during May observances

Whether they are educating students in-person, virtually or both, teachers have the power to change lives.

At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we are celebrating our nearly 300 teachers who provide a sense of community and connection, helping the children, adolescents and adults they serve succeed.

We honor these inspiring individuals during the following annual observances – and year-round:

Teacher Appreciation Week: May 3-7
National Teacher Day: May 4

“Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our teachers have persevered, encouraging and supporting their students every step of the way,” said Devereux Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rhea Fernandes, Psy.D. “We are extremely grateful to these passionate – and compassionate – leaders, mentors and role models, as they work to ensure the individuals they serve have the tools they need to reach their full potential.”

Helping students thrive

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, the National Parent Teacher Association is encouraging supporters to express their gratitude – using the Twitter hashtag #ThankATeacher – for everything these educators do to help students thrive.

Every day, Devereux’s teachers motivate and inspire their students to learn and grow. Here’s what just a few of them told us is the most rewarding part of their job:

“What I like most about being a teacher is being able to build up my students’ confidence; knowing I’m playing a part in shaping their lives; and helping them to become lifelong learners. Each child is unique, and I love teaching in an environment that fully supports them emotionally, as well as academically.”
– Devereux Arizona Special Education Teacher Andrea Baltz

“I love being a teacher at Devereux because of the relationships I can build with my students. These students have brought me so much happiness over the past couple of years. They have made a lasting impact on my life, and I hope I have done the same for them.”
– Devereux Florida Special Education Teacher Zoe Cutler

“The most rewarding part of my job is when I am able to see students use the content I teach in my class to enhance their strengths. The students we serve have an inspiring amount of perseverance, and this is a strength I see daily in our art class. I also see students who are able to use art as a coping skill, expressive outlet and meditative or self-reflective time.”
– Devereux Georgia Special Education Teacher Catherine Simpson

“I was one of the first teachers to pivot to remote instruction from the New York team. I had to instantaneously learn new skills and figure out creative ways to engage my students. I will admit being a pioneer of remote learning made me nervous at first, but seeing how my students met and exceeded these unforeseen challenges reminded me why I chose this profession.”
– Devereux New York Special Education Teacher Jennifer Papanastasiou

Calling all teachers!

Want to make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences? Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is hiring teachers to work alongside other dedicated behavioral health professionals who share a passion for helping individuals in need. Visit jobs.devereux.org to explore our career opportunities today.

Latest News

		Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on Devereux Arizona Clinician Arnette Miller At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Arizona Clinician Arnette Miller is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Season 2, Episode 6: ‘Not Your Average School Psychologist’ podcast Listen to the latest episode of the Devereux Center for Effective Schools’ podcast featuring Amanda Nickerson Ph.D., NCSP, who shares her work informing the National Association of School Psychologists PREPaRE model, which provides training to school crisis response teams. Dr. Nickerson is a professor and director of the Dr. Jean M. Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music/Audible.
		Servant Leadership Snapshot: Devereux New York Program Manager Denis Oswe Devereux New York Program Manager Denis Oswe leads by example, treats everyone with respect and demonstrates empathy with the individuals he serves, as well as his colleagues. Learn how he is motivating and inspiring all those around him.
		Devereux MA/RI gala raises $225,000 to benefit youth, adults with disabilities More than 200 guests gathered at the historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts, for Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s annual gala to raise critical funds for children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
		Faces of ASCEND: Meet Devereux TCV Outpatient Therapist Jamaca Chavis Thanks to ASCEND, Devereux TCV Community Services Outpatient Therapist Jamaca Chavis is taking college classes to become a licensed professional counselor.