2001 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year
Ms. DeNegri is an English and Advanced Placement teacher with Northwest Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She has been teaching students in grades seven to grade twelve for seventeen years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"I strongly believe teaching is a gift a person possesses, and one has to continually search for learning new methods and strengthening one's skills. In other words, do not allow yourself to become stagnant!"

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"My attitude is what drives me forward. I love life and I love to challenge young minds. With my teen students, I hold them accountable for their attitudes."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest teaching accomplishment has been working with and affecting the lives of inner-city teens. We can make a difference, and these troubled kids yearn for love, affection and discipline."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"Retention! For most teachers who leave, it is not an issue of money but of lack of administrative and parental support. We need strong administrators who will not cower to parent bullying, violent students and controlling unions."

Inspirational thought:
"Never settle. Always think of yourself as a learner, a student. Never be satisfied, and remember – you are in control of your attitude!"