Teacher of the Year: Jeff Charbonneau

2013 National Teacher of the Year, Jeff Charbonneau stated "there is no such think as a bad student,"and I could not agree more.
I personally connected with Carbonneau with his passion for yearbook, and desire to be heavily involved. At the Future Educators Association national conference, Charbonneau told us how he is involved a yearbook advisor, a class advisor, a drama advisor, and numerous other things.

Characteristics I believe that Charbonneau would present would be empathy and woo. He states that "When my students walk through the door, I seek the positive in them first." He always creates a positive learning atmosphere, and sees the importance in teaching the next generation.

A question I would ask Charbonneau if I had the opportunity would be how he is mentally, emotionally and physically involved in so many clubs/organizations? In my high school, I am editor-in-chief of the Haltom yearbook, treasurer of National Honor Society, and also a member of National Technical Honor Society, Texas Association of Future Educators, Future Educator Association, Haltom Herders, and Student Council. It can be very overwhelming at times when I have something to do in multiple clubs all on the same day. I appreciate people like Jeff Charbonneau who are giving the students a way to use/show their talents.


To put anything in six words is hard enough, but to give advice in six words to future teachers I would say "Never give up on your students." I know some days will be tortures and I might punch a hole through my chalk board like Dan Brown or assign more math problems to get my students to be quiet on Halloween like Roxanna Elden. I am also saying the same to my students to never give up on me as their teacher.

If I were to become 2030 Teacher of the Year and was asked "How do you help all students succeed in your classroom," I would respond by saying "by believing in them." All students need is for someone to be there and support them and assure them that they have unlimited potential.