2001 Idaho Teacher of the Year
Ms. Thornburgh is a third grade teacher at Silver Sage Elementary School in Boise, Idaho. She brings to the teaching profession twenty years of experience.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"I believe the most important paid job anyone can have is teaching. Helping students discover their strengths so they may enjoy a productive, successful and compassionate life is paramount."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I believe every child is special, needs to be listened to and deserves respect. I try to instill a reverence for peace and consideration of others."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest accomplishment is having students who every year write me notes of affection and students from previous years writing me thank you notes."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"One of the most critical issues facing educators today is the continued loss of respect for teachers and their accomplishments. I believe this issue could be resolved by making NBPTS (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards) a model for state standards for teachers. Another issue is the rise in endorsements by politicians in support of standardized tests."

Inspirational thought:
"When teachers excel they influence every one of their students, as well as the students' siblings and the students' parents. We are a catalyst for growth."