This scholarship was established in 2022 by John and Norma Juern. John (DMLC ’64) and Norma (DMLC ’66) have always had an interest in and love for children who have difficulties learning.
During his 10 years teaching in WELS schools, John became aware that he was not fully prepared to meet the needs of children with learning, behavior, or emotional problems. He resigned from the teaching ministry to return to school to learn more about how to help children with various difficulties. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and became a licensed school psychologist. He continued his schooling, earning a PhD from Marquette University, and became a licensed psychologist. While attending school, he worked as a family counselor and school psychologist for Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Service. He then established Christian Family Counseling, a state-licensed outpatient mental health clinic.
During his 35+ years as a psychologist, John worked with many WELS children and their families. He was a frequent presenter at teacher conferences and local parent-teacher organizations. He also served on the adjunct faculty of Wisconsin Lutheran College and the graduate faculty of Martin Luther College.
John co-authored Spiritual Guidelines for Teaching the Learning Disabled and Pressed Down, But Not Forgotten. He authored Helps for the “I Hate Homework” Kid, A Christian Educator’s Guide to Attention Deficit Disorders, and Patient Parenting.
John taught that all children are able to learn if we can figure out what gets in the way of their learning.
After being a stay-at-home mom to their five children, Norma returned to education. For 22 years, she worked as a teacher assistant in an Early Childhood Exceptional Education program at a local public school.
John and Norma’s fourth child, Jennifer, was born with significant developmental issues. She was able to live at home until she was 5 years old, and then she needed to live in a special facility. While Jenny brought many concerns to the family, she was a blessing from God and helped her entire family appreciate the needs of all children.
All Children Can Learn Scholarship recipients are juniors and seniors who have an interest in special education and who demonstrate financial need.
