While many teachers at WEGO care deeply about student success, Jennifer Culbertson, an AVID teacher and ROAR adviser, is especially passionate about her students’ futures.
Culbertson, who started as an English teacher in 2007, transitioned to AVID during the pandemic in 2020.
“I love that in AVID, I can teach the students about everything. Mr. [Dave] Exner is kind of my inspiration for my philosophy. My biggest goal is to get them to believe in themselves so that they can do great things in their future,” Culbertson said.
One of her core beliefs is that everything happens for a reason.
“It stinks when you’re in it, like when something really bad happens to you. Then you look back a month, two, three years later, and you’re like, ‘Oh, I get it now, and I understand why that happened,’” Culbertson said.
Teaching AVID brought Culbertson’s journey full circle in 2023, when the freshmen she first taught as an AVID instructor graduated. The Class of 2023, in particular, holds special meaning for her.
“They made a deal that if they raised $200, I would get a tattoo,” Culbertson said.
Initially hesitant, Culbertson eventually honored the agreement, getting a tattoo of a tulip, a shared favorite flower with her mother.
“My mom and my, our, favorite flower is the tulip, so it’s a really pretty, simple tulip on my foot,” Culbertson said.
For former student Dulce Carrasco (’23), the tattoo is a reminder of Culbertson’s care.
“For me, Mrs. Culbertson getting that tattoo in honor of our class really means a lot,” Carrasco said. “It shows how much Mrs. Culbertson cares about her school kiddos.”
Now, with the Class of 2025, Culbertson continues her supportive approach.
“Go out into the future and not only do well, but also do good. I love you. Hugs, not drugs. Make the world a better place by being kind,” Culbertson often advises.
Nick Kempski, a colleague, reflects on their long-standing friendship.
“Mrs. Culbertson and I started working at WEGO in 2007 together. I’ve been fortunate to call her a friend and a colleague for all of these years,” Kempski said.
“Mrs. Culbertson is one of the finest educators I know. She builds relationships better than anyone I know,” he added.
Culbertson attended Butler University and married her high school sweetheart. Together, they have two children, Matthew and Kate, and two cats.
“We started dating when we were seniors in high school, and [now] we have two kids. Matthew is fourteen, and Kate is eleven,” Culbertson said.
Along with her family, Culbertson includes Javier, the AVID class pet, in her circle.
“Oh, I forgot to talk about Javier… he’s our AVID class pet. So I guess he’s part of the family,” Culbertson said.
Whether supporting her children at sporting events or guiding her students, Culbertson is committed to helping those around her.
“She was there to listen to us and our problems, provide some sort of solution, and made sure to let us know that it would be alright,” Carrasco said. “She truly is one of the greatest humans in WEGO.”
