Teacher Joyce Brings Out Hope
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Teacher Joyce during the awarding of the Most Outstanding Special Education teacher, June 2017, Manila City Hall
Whenever someone in her class exhibits a tantrum, a meltdown, or disengages from the lesson, she responds with composure and calm. She addresses the situation appropriately. She provides students with a safe space to validate their feelings and respect their experiences. For her, learning is always present—like the roots of a plant that will blossom at its own ideal moment.
Currently, Joyce Vernadeth Cruz, a Special Education Teacher (SET), is employed at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Daly City, California, USA. Her tenure at the Jefferson Elementary School District began in 2018. Prior to this, she served as a Resource Specialist Teacher (RSP) at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and M.P. Brown Elementary School in Daly City. In 2018, she concurrently held the position of SET at M.P. Brown Elementary School and was later assigned to John F. Kennedy Elementary School in 2023.
) Teacher Joyce with her students at M.P. Brown Elementary School in Daly City doing task folders and other activities to develop their skills in 2021-2022.
In the Philippines, she began her teaching career as a preschool teacher at De La Salle Araneta University in Caloocan City. In 2005, she became a special education teacher at Padre Gomez Elementary School in Manila. She was later promoted and served as a Master Teacher I from 2012 to 2017.
She has a total of 21 years of teaching experience, including seven years in the United States. Over the years, she has witnessed students who once struggled with simple tasks grow into functional, independent children with bright futures.
Teachable Encounter
A four-year-old boy in her pre-kindergarten class once taught her the importance of believing in children’s capabilities. The boy wore diapers at school. He could not talk, read, write, or make meaningful connections. He could only sit and listen for a couple of minutes. A simple conversation with him seemed impossible. Physically strong, he was good at jumping and climbing. His parents genuinely wanted him to learn how to speak.
Despite the difficult situation, Teacher Joyce remained firm in her belief that the boy would eventually develop. She advised the parents not to force the child.
Teacher Joyce with her students doing holiday decorations out of recyclable bottles at P. Gomez Elementary School, 2017.
His gaze often seemed blank. He gave no responses during lessons. Even the teacher’s aides were worried. They thought the boy’s situation was impossible. But Teacher Joyce professionally guided them to adjust things gradually for him. They worked patiently with the young boy—for days, months, and years.
Then one day, he suddenly started saying one word repeatedly. Later it became two words, and eventually, a full sentence. His once-careless lines became straight—vertical and diagonal. He gained confidence and motor control.
After three years in Teacher Joyce’s class, the boy had transformed. By the time he reached second grade, he could carry on conversations and dress like a typical child. He had beautiful handwriting.
He became a smart boy who remembered things and places well. He would occasionally mention fun memories with Teacher Joyce. Thoughtfully, he asked people for their birthdays and remembered them whenever they met again. The brilliance within him emerged.
His family remains grateful to Teacher Joyce for consistently believing in him—especially when hope seemed lost.
Unwavering Faith
This is what Teacher Joyce offers her students: an unwavering faith in their capacity to heal, recover, grow, and learn.
Her class usually consists of 10 to 12 children with varying disabilities, supported by four teacher aides. She adapts to each student’s needs, motivates them based on their interests, and encourages cooperation. Teacher Joyce collaborates with other service providers, including the school psychologist, speech therapist, and behavior specialist.
She also guides the teacher aides in fostering the independence of the children. With additional support and resources, she creates a structured routine that empowers her students to unlock their potential and apply their learning in daily life.
When the children are not listening, Teacher Joyce uses visual cues to express her feelings. This helps them understand how to communicate their emotions—especially those who cannot yet speak the language. The children begin to understand and gradually quiet down. Through constant practice and positive support, they eventually learn to regulate themselves.
When a student experiences a meltdown, Teacher Joyce offers choices: take a break, play with a toy, listen to music, or walk outside. She pauses the lesson, plays calming music, gives space, and asks the other students to do the same. Her students listen and cooperate. Once calm, they return to the lesson.
Their cooperative behavior reflects Teacher Joyce’s strong educational background and professional achievements.
Extensive Education
She initially earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Our Lady of Fatima University in Valenzuela City, Philippines, in 1996. After graduating, she encountered children with impairments during public school events she attended. Seeing them touched her deeply and awakened a strong calling to pursue a profession that supports children whose needs are often overlooked.
Awarding of special education students winning gold and bronze during the Regional Sports Paralympic. With Teacher Joyce Cruz as one of their regional coaches at Marikina Sports Complex, 2016.
In 2004, she completed a postgraduate course in Continuing Professional Education at the University of the East in Manila and passed the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LET) in August of the same year.
She later earned her master’s degree in Special Education from De La Salle University in Manila in 2018. Her thesis, “Regular Education Public School Teachers’ Perception Towards Inclusion,” was presented at the International Summit on Inclusive Education on February 24, 2017.
Throughout her career in the United States, Teacher Joyce has consistently pursued professional growth by enrolling in various educational programs. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education at the University of Makati while balancing her professional responsibilities and attending online courses.
From March 2019 to January 2020, she earned English Learner (EL) Authorization—formerly known as California Teachers of English Learners/Cross-Cultural, Language, and Academic Development (CTEL/CLAD)—at the University of Phoenix in Arizona.
In the summers of 2020 and 2021, she took courses at the University of California, San Diego, including US Constitution, Health Education for Teachers, The Reading Process, and Integrating Technology in Education K–12. She also completed Autism Authorization (Course 1) at UMASS Global University from October 2022 to January 2023.
She successfully obtained the Mild Moderate Severe Needs (MMSN) Bridge authorization and is a certified Cross-Cultural, Language, and Academic Development teacher.
Speaker and Writer
She has been an active member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) since 2024 and the California Federation of Teachers (CFT), specifically the Jefferson Elementary Federation of Teachers.
Out of love for her profession, she wrote a journal article for NASET titled “The Impact of Sensory Materials on Calming and Regulating Special Education.” It was published in May 2025.
In her work, she highlights the expertise of special education teachers who work with exceptionally gifted students. She shares updated resources that empower educators and help create inclusive learning environments.
Her dedication and passion have led to several speaking engagements. One of these presentations, titled “Every Learner Counts: Accommodating Exceptionalities in an Inclusive Learning Environment,” was delivered at the University of Makati in Taguig City, Philippines, on November 30, 2024.
She also authored a publication titled Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Impact of AAC Devices. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices help individuals with speech impairments communicate by supplementing or replacing verbal speech. She emphasized the importance of using both simple graphic boards and advanced tablets with specialized software in the classroom. These tools empower special education students to communicate their needs, make informed decisions, and participate fully in social and educational settings.
Numerous Awards
Since 2013, Teacher Joyce has received numerous recognitions and awards. In May 2013, she served as a resource speaker at a district In-Service Education and Training in Manila with the topic “Enriching Instruction Quality through Improved Educators.”
From June 2024 to June 2026, she served as vice president of the Manila Public School Special Education Teachers Association. In March 2014, she facilitated the district-wide seminar “Inclusive Education: Concerns and Issues” at Padre Mariano Gomez Elementary School in Manila. She also spoke at the “Semestral Break Institute for Special Education” in October 2014.
In October 2016, she became the Division Demonstration Teacher for Grade Two Children with Intellectual Disability. From 2014 to 2017, she served as the Department of Education National Capital Region Paralympic coach for intellectually disabled athletes at the regional level.
Teacher Joyce was recognized as an Outstanding Special Education Teacher at the Division Level in the Philippines in June 2017. She was also honored as an Outstanding Global Special Education Teacher by the BETMA English 2023 International Who’s Who Awards at the Networld Hotel in Pasay City, Philippines, on December 28, 2023.
Over the years, she has witnessed students who once struggled with simple tasks grow into functional, independent children with bright futures.
Among all the awards she has received, her favorite remains being named Outstanding Special Education Teacher at the division level on November 14, 2013. This recognition helped make Padre Mariano Gomez Elementary School in Manila the pilot Special Education Center. Government agencies, corporate organizations, and foreign visitors came to observe its excellence and offered support for its continued development. The award brought pride and strengthened the school’s role within the community.
Teacher Joyce truly serves as an instrument of healing and development for the children under her care. Through the way she nurtures and empowers her students, she has become a highly effective educator. She represents a faithful source of hope that inspires positive change in the lives of her students.
At this time, our thoughts are especially with Teacher Joyce, whose dedication to her students has long been a source of inspiration. Her strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment have touched countless lives. We look forward to brighter days ahead and send heartfelt wishes for comfort, peace, and health.
Her impact continues to resonate deeply. We stand with her in hope—for more opportunities to help build a stronger community for children with special needs.
Healing begets healing.
Wilminia Dumaop is a Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Grand Prize awardee. She also vested recognition in various organizations, such as the Christian Family Organization (CFO), Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), and The Lasallian Scholarum Awards, among others. She was the Editor-in-Chief of the Philippine Artisan, the Official Students Publication of the Technological University of the Philippines-Manila, from 2007 to 2009. Her most remarkable literary achievement came in 2021, when she earned third place in an international arena at the CFO Competitive Online Activities. She weaves stories with words as a writer and shapes visions through design as an architect.
