Vern got his B.A. degree from Parsons College in 1958, and his M.A. from the University of Iowa in 1968. He continued to take extra course work throughout his career. Vern taught for 6 years at Hudson High School in Hudson, Iowa, and then for 30 years at Central Community High School in DeWitt, from 1964 to 1994. Vern also taught at Clinton Community College from 1990 to 2000. He was recognized for his excellence in teaching with many awards, including the Chemistry Teacher of the Year from the Iowa Academy of Science in 1989, the Governor’s Award for Science Teaching in 1989, and the Teacher of the Year at Central High School in 1991. In DeWitt, Vern taught biology, chemistry, and team-taught physics. He created new courses of physiology in 1969 and biochemistry in 1974.
Vern was given the assignment of being the yearbook advisor, serving in that role for over 20 years. He was also head of the science department and advisor for the science club, helping them create an outdoor garden on school property, which was named in his honor.
He took pride in his teaching and wanted to make a positive impact on his many students. Vern developed strong and supportive relationships with his students by being available to them just to talk and to encourage them in their own pursuits. He encouraged students to develop critical thinking skills by saying “I do not recall” to their many questions.