Veronique F. Paquette
2003 Washington Teacher of the Year
Ms. Paquette has been teaching elementary school children for sixteen years. She currently teaches second grade students at Kenroy Elementary School is East Wenatchee, Washington.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"To me, teaching is an art. I feel very fortunate to tell people that I teach children. I love what I do and know that my job makes an impact on the world and children’s lives."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I'm a hard worker and take my job very seriously. I convey the message to my students. That life is not handed to you, you must make the most of it and put your best efforts forward in whatever you do."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"I have so many, it's difficult to narrow down. The smiles that I see on children’s faces each morning when they walk through my door tells me they are excited to be with me. The smiles I see at the end of the day tell me they have had a good day and learning has occurred."

What's the most critical issue facing educators?
"Accountability and standards. Unfortunately, we are not all working toward the same set of standards and the accountability issues facing teachers and students alike, are difficult."

What do you think can be done to solve this issue?
"Collaboration. We need to work together and come up with solutions. No one is going to solve the problems alone. It's a group effort. Otherwise, we cannot all take ownership of the solutions."

One thought to inspire teachers to excel
"Love what you do. Enjoy children and see the excitement within them to learn and love life and the learning happens naturally."

One lesson every student should learn
"Never stop asking questions"

Favorite Teaching Tool
"Children."

Favorite Web site:
NASA – www.nasa.gov