2002 Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Ms. Norton teaches Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies to students in kindergarten at Eastside Elementary School in Warren, Arkansas. She has been teaching for eight years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"I believe that teachers should serve as facilitators in the classroom and children should be actively involved in constructing their own learning."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I use a hands-on approach to learning in my classroom. Students interact with each other as they develop and refine critical thinking and problem-solving skills."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"Teaching a reluctant reader to read."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"The most critical issue facing educators is the looming teacher shortage. Our new teachers are leaving the profession at an alarming rate and teacher-education programs are seeing a declining enrollment. It is crucial that the stigma surrounding education be changed. Teachers must spread the word about the good things that are happening in schools across the nation. Mentoring programs must continually be developed and refined so new teachers are equipped to deal with the pressures encountered during the first years of teaching."

Inspirational thought:
"If it is to be, it is up to me".