Flexible Education Programs Make Dreams a Reality for

Working Mom
More than 40 years ago, Jannette Coco's parents left their friends and family behind in Cuba and moved
nearly 1,500 miles away to their home in New Jersey.
Jannette recalls her first day at school and hardly knowing any English. "I didn't know the language or the
environment. My teachers were the ones who I really looked up to. They were my mentors and they
helped me." Since then, Jannette explained that she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. "Growing
up, I remember having a chalk board and stuffed animals, and I would pretend to be a teacher. It was
always my dream to help others; especially children with special needs," she added.

Following her dream, Jannette pursued her graduate degree at Seton Hall's College of Education and
Human Services, receiving two teaching certificates in elementary and special education. She completed
the elementary certificate online through the college's Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing
(CEAS) program. The special education certificate was offered on weekends, allowing her to work during
the week. Jannette said the convenient delivery models, accredited programs and knowledgeable and
supportive faculty, are what drew her to Seton Hall.

Going back to school, being a mother and working full-time was challenging. Seton Hall
opened its arms to me.
Jannette Coco
Jannette said it wasn't easy at first. "Going back to school, being a mother and working full-time was
challenging. Seton Hall opened its arms to me." She credits Grace May, dean of the College of Education
and Human Services and Joseph Martinelli, professor and associate dean for academic affairs for helping
her earn her master's degree. "They are both warmhearted, supportive professionals. They were very
encouraging and gave me the lift I needed to succeed."
As a special education teacher for the Somerville school district, Jannette remembers how her Seton Hall
professors provided her with the real-world training needed to be successful in the classroom. "The
rigorous curriculum prepared me to meet the changing educational standards set by the State of the New
Jersey," she remarked.