Jennifer Castro

Ms. Castro's journey in education mirrors her unwavering commitment to both her students and her own family. Born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in nearby Hinesville, she discovered her passion for teaching at an early age. After graduating, she pursued her dreams at Georgia Southern University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.

In 2002, Ms. Castro embarked on a fulfilling career with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), marking the beginning of an enriching journey. She started as a fifth-grade teacher at Vilseck Elementary in Germany, where she quickly became known for her dedication and enthusiasm. During this time, Ms Castro also earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Over the following years, she transitioned to Kessler Elementary in Ft. Stewart, Georgia, where she spent a decade teaching grades 2nd through 6th.

During her tenure at Kessler Elementary, Ms. Castro not only excelled in the classroom but also took on numerous leadership roles, including CSI chair and grade level chair. Her commitment to excellence and her passion for fostering a positive learning environment earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and students alike.

In 2017, Ms. Castro's journey led her to Sasebo, Japan, where she embraced the opportunity to teach Sure Start. Alongside her teaching duties, she assumed various leadership roles, further demonstrating her dedication to the educational community. Engaging with initiatives like the Teacher Leader Academy, Prospective Principals working group, CSI, Instructional Rounds, and League 2027, she sought continuous growth and collaboration.

As a mother of two daughters who attended DoDEA schools as military dependents, Ms. Castro intimately understands the challenges faced by military families. This unique perspective has shaped her approach to education, imbuing it with empathy and insight.

Now, as Ms. Castro looks forward to a new phase in her professional life, she eagerly anticipates returning to Europe and making a positive impact on the school and community in Vicenza. She believes in creating a nurturing, safe environment where students feel empowered to learn and grow, and she is excited to collaborate with the faculty, staff, students, and families of VES to achieve this goal.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Castro finds her greatest joys in her family—her parents, children, son-in-law, grandchildren, furbabies, and her husband, Patrick. Being back in Europe offers her the opportunity to explore other cultures through travel and to spend more time with family in Germany, further enriching her life and inspiring her to continue making a difference in the lives of others.