Harper College will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Veronica Gott
Director, English Learner Program
Township High School District 214
Veronica Gott has used her education, compassion and multiple talents to succeed in a myriad of roles over her adult life.
She credits her success in earning a college degree to a helpful Harper College advisor. Gott attended Harper in 1994 because it was close to home, offered many resources, and was affordable. She was awarded a scholarship and that “sealed the deal.”
“As a first-generation student, I was less knowledgeable about how to navigate post-secondary education,” Gott said. “My parents taught me (many) qualities that have made me a successful adult. I know they would have helped me navigate college.
“In the absence of their guidance, a Harper advisor was committed to seeing me succeed. There were many times I felt lost and my advisor was always available to help guide me. She was a blessing!”
At an advising appointment, Gott discovered that graphic design matched her talents. Her advisor helped her transfer to a small art school in Schaumburg for a visual communication degree. “Even after I left Harper my advisor was helping me navigate my new school,” Gott said.
Gott later decided to take a leap to a new career and pursued two master’s degrees, first in Elementary Education in 2012 and Educational Leadership in 2018. Her leadership has made a significant impact on staff, curricula, and strategies to reach students. She began as an English language teacher to English learners at elementary schools and is now director for the English Learner Program for High School District 214.
“I have experienced success as an educator but that doesn’t compare to those of my students,” Gott said. “The families I serve are an inspiration of resilience every day. We continue to struggle with the aftermath of COVID-19, both in learning loss and financial losses among our EL families. We are constantly trying to think outside the box.”
Gott is also a passionate advocate for the disability community, after a severe car crash resulted in traumatic spinal cord injury to her sister (Reveca Torres, a 2016 Harper College Distinguished Alumna) and injuries to other family members. She co-created the non-profit organization BACKBONES in 2009 with Reveca. BACKBONES supports people with spinal cord injuries and their family members, and Gott leads fundraising efforts and other initiatives.
But it’s her role of mother that tops her list of successes. “Raising a strong, confident daughter who is kind and always looking for ways to help the underdog is my life’s biggest success,” she added.
