Moore Teachers Help Raise Money For Teacher Needing Cochlear Implants

We can all think back to that one teacher that really impacted our lives for the better, and for many of the students at Moore High School, that has to be the teacher known to her students as Ms. Van. 

Jennifer Vanwassenhove, or Ms. Van has been teaching at Moore High School for 13 years. She teaches freshman and senior English, and teaching is all she has ever wanted to do. 

“I did not realize I had a problem, and then in my last year of college I had double ear infections that ruptured my eardrums,” Vanwassenhove said.  

Doctors have tried a number of procedures to correct the problem, but her hearing has gotten progressively worse. 

“I don’t hear clearly when people speak, I can’t determine direction,” Vanwassenhove said. 

Making teaching very tough for her. 

“It’s so exhausting, because I am having to focus even harder just to make sure that I am with it,” Vanwassenhove said.  

But even with the challenges Ms. Van has not given up on her passion of teaching. 

“There’s just something about her, students really appreciate her and respect her,” Moore High school principal Rachel Stark said.  

“As the years have gone by, I am that person that comes for mom hugs when I’m having a rough day,” Moore High School senior Brookelyn McWilliams said.  

A rough day for Ms. Van was the day it was announced she was selected teacher of the year for Moore schools, right after she left the doctor’s office with the news that they may have exhausted all their options to protect her hearing.  

“It was a really hard day to realize I may not be able to stay here as long as I had hoped,” Vanwassenhove said. 

But with a new day came new light with Cochlear implants. 

“Quality of life, quality of teaching, we’re going to do this,” Vanwassenhove said.  

When the other teachers found out she was subbing in other classes to save money for the surgery, they started a give send go page to help with the cost. 

“Just the idea that anyone would be like you need to stay in the classroom. We love you in the classroom, that means so much to me,” Vanwassenhove said. 

Vanwassenhove, a single mother, admits she is not good at asking for or receiving help, but is very grateful to her coworkers for the help. 

The surgery is scheduled for Dec. 30. 

To contribute or read more about Vanwassenhove, click here.