Jennifer Ertman is a 2025 Martin Luther College graduate with a master’s degree in special education. Ertman has served as early childhood director and a member of the Student Services team at Crown of Life Christian Academy, Fort Atkinson, Wis., since 2018.

What prompted this busy working mom to pursue an additional degree? First, through her work in student services, she wanted to help students with special needs and those who need extra support.

Her second reason was closer to home. “We have one son who was diagnosed with ADHD and a second son who was born with Down Syndrome,” explains Ertman. “Helping my children access their education in different educational settings led me to want to learn more about helping exceptional learners. I felt like I didn’t know enough to help my own children, so I wanted to learn more to better understand how children with special needs learn so I could help them. Our youngest son has always attended public schools, which have been such a blessing for him and us, but we always wished he could have attended a Lutheran elementary school and high school. Majoring in special education was the obvious choice for me, so that I could help open the doors to Christian education for other families.”

To see all of Martin Luther College’s 2025 graduates, visit forwardinchrist.net/2025-mlc-graduates.