New Staff Profile: Sheila VanderTuig

Story by: Julian Rosales

Sheila VanderTuig is not new to the district, but not fully known by the student body. VanderTuig is originally from southwest Iowa, but  she and her husband  have been in the Douglas county area for 27 years and this is her 22nd year of doing her work.

Here at EHS, VanderTuig is a Vocational/Transition Coordinator. Within this profession she aids students with special needs and  intellectual disabilities. Students here learn job skills, how to get guardian ships, social security, get set up for college visits, and it helps them find programs in colleges supporting their needs. VanderTuig and a program called Bridges, help students with special needs until they’re 21. Along with Bridges, Johnson County offers a program called “Clear” where they can take classes such as Kansas History, a class in Disney, and cooking classes.

VanderTuig also works with students in the Baldwin and Wellsville area. She spends her Monday in Baldwins, Wednesdays in Eudora, and Fridays in Wellsville. “My favorite thing is being able to meet all kinds of students. It’s gonna sound kinda cliche. I’m a student as well.” VanderTuig says. 

VanderTuig has worked her whole career with people with disabilities. She has had many different jobs the past 22 years. She’s worked with people with work injuries and helping them get back to work, worked at a mental health center, and has worked with people on probation.

“One of the things that are my favorite at Eudora is the support that the administration gives the teachers, and the support that the teachers give the teachers and that really teachers support the students” VanderTuig says. She also likes the traditions we have here at the school. “I love the soar bucks and kids being able to choose things. I’m about having students whether they’re in special ed or not have choices.”

Photo courtesy of: www.eudoraschools.org