Columbus, OH – Wendie Willis’s path to becoming a full-time teacher with Columbus City Schools has been nothing short of a miraculous transformation, deeply influenced by SmartStart Education and her time at the Ohio State School for the Blind. Her journey is a testament to how resilience, faith, and unexpected opportunities can pave the way for a remarkable comeback.

In November 2023, Wendie was working in Prince George’s County, Maryland, when an automobile accident put her on workers’ compensation. Facing financial strain and deep uncertainty about her future, Wendie felt her faith guiding her back to her roots in Columbus, Ohio. Though the prospect of returning was daunting, her belief in God and a late-night divine intervention led her to discover a tutoring position with SmartStart Education.

“I remember lying in bed, thinking, ‘How am I going to make this work?’” Wendie recounts. “I stumbled upon the SmartStart Education ad for a well-paying tutoring position, and I was stunned. It felt like a clear sign from above.”

SmartStart Education played a pivotal role in Wendie’s journey. By mid-December 2023, she was back in Columbus, ready to start her new role as a tutor at the Ohio State School for the Blind. The transition was not just a job change but a critical step in rebuilding her confidence and skills.

Wendie had previously faced significant setbacks. Her tenure in DC Public Schools was marred by low evaluations despite impressive results with her students. The experience had left her demoralized and hesitant about returning to teaching. However, the opportunity at the Ohio State School for the Blind was a turning point.

Wendie shared that tutoring at the Ohio State School for the Blind reignited her passion for teaching. She found the environment to be nurturing, with exceptional support from the staff. She particularly highlighted Alison Brewer-Wood as a strong source of encouragement.

During her time at the school, Wendie not only honed her teaching skills but also embraced new methodologies. The Voyager program, implemented by SmartStart, introduced her to modern educational practices such as restorative justice and emotional readiness, which she found transformative. Wendie continued to express that the Voyager series was exceptional in helping her reconnect with the fundamental principles of teaching. It also offered strategies that significantly impacted her teaching approach.

Her impact on students was profound. Wendie worked with a diverse group of students, including those with special needs. One notable success story was a neurodivergent high school student who, under Wendie’s guidance, made remarkable progress. From being non-verbal and disengaged, he began participating actively in tutoring and even took part in SmartStart’s award ceremony at the school.

“The progress I saw in my students was beyond what I could have hoped for,” Wendie reflects. “Seeing them thrive was a powerful reminder of why I chose this profession.”

Wendie’s time at the Ohio State School for the Blind restored her confidence. She credits SmartStart Education with providing the foundation that allowed her to rediscover her teaching mojo and secure a full-time position with Columbus City Schools as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher.

As Wendie prepares to start her new role, she carries with her the lessons learned and the experiences gained from her time at SmartStart and the Ohio State School for the Blind. “If it weren’t for SmartStart Education, I might have never returned to teaching,” she says. “They gave me a chance when I needed it most, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.”

Wendie Willis’s journey from a challenging period in her career to a fulfilling teaching role is a powerful narrative of transformation. Her story underscores the significant impact that supportive educational environments and opportunities can have on individual growth and success. As she steps into her new role with renewed purpose and confidence, Wendie’s story serves as an inspiring example of resilience and the profound influence of faith and opportunity in shaping one’s path.