Teacher writes book to raise awareness
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Newton’s Jennifer (Thompson) Springer has worked for the past four years as a special education teacher at Delaware Elementary School in the Southeast Polk School District. During her time as a teacher, Springer said she’s seen her students suffer from teasing, bullying and other cruel actions by fellow students.
“One of the more unfortunate things I have seen in my experience as a special education teacher are instances where my students are made fun of and rejected by peers,” she said. “I feel that the issue for most kids is not that they are just cruel children, but that they are not educated and do not understand why children with special needs do the things they do.”
After witnessing the hardships of the children she works with, she knew something needed to be done so she decided to write a book in hopes of sending a message for children.
Springer, who had never written a book before, developed a character named Jade who is featured in her new children’s book “My Friend Jade.” Jade is a 9 year old girl with special needs that is often misunderstood.
“I wanted her to display some of the most common social pitfalls I see in students with special needs and give children a sense as to why a child with special needs does some of the things they do and also point out how most other kids really do these things as well,” Springer said. “I also wanted to show kids the qualities that people with special needs have that first drew me in: compassion, forgiveness and unconditional love.
Springer developed the character of Jade and wrote the storyline and asked her grandmother Nancy Annee to do illustrations for the book.
“It was wonderful to work with her,” said Annee, who lives in Newton. “It kind of brought us closer together.”
Working as a team, Springer and Annee brought the character of Jade alive on the pages of the 21-page children’s book. The book was published by the Web-based Xlibris and Springer has sold several copies of the book.
The Newton woman said she’s hoping her children’s book teaches important message to all children.
“I want kids to realize that the rewards that come with having a friend with special needs far outweigh any of the differences they first see,” she said.
Springer and her grandmother will be having two books signings in Newton. The first is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 at Uncle Nancy’s Coffee House & Eatery, 114 N. Second Ave. W. in Newton.
The second will take place at the Newton Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16. Books will be available for purchase at both book signings.
“It was important for me to write this book because I feel like the most important aspect of my job is to be an advocate for my students,” Springer said. “They mean the world to me and I want others to be able to see their wonderful qualities the way I do. I feel like this book is a step in that direction.”
Jessica Lowe can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 426 or via e-mail at jlowe@newtondailynews.com.
