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Lisa Veteto, Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
Outstanding teachers work to make themselves expendable. There are drivers and passengers in life. I expect each of my students to be a “driver” in the learning process. A passenger in a car may not pay attention to important details like landmarks and street names or concentrate on remembering several directions. But the driver must listen and observe, doing whatever it takes to make sure he can achieve his goal. A “passenger” in the classroom lets someone else listen and ask questions, expecting to merely imitate the driver when the time comes to perform, thus eliminating the responsibility to figure out a way to make sense of the information and expectations on his own.
'I measure my success not by the degree of obedience my students display, but by the degree of freedom they can handle.'
I teach kindergarten through grade five PACE students. In addition, I use every available minute to pull children in our building that are struggling for any reason, academically or behaviorally. High achieving students and low achieving students alike leave my room knowing they are the responsible “driver” in their learning. With responsibility comes freedom. I measure my success not by the degree of obedience my students display, but by the degree of freedom they can handle.
In my classroom you hear laughter and lots of questions. I ask questions. The kids ask questions. We even answer a question with another question. Underlying structure and expected learning outcomes embedded in the questioning guide the kids to the desired objectives. You witness material that is fresh and relevant, and instruction that is deliberate, well-organized and laced with humor, but not married to a lesson plan. You see students who look forward to my class where they can expect boundless and contagious energy and enthusiasm. Students that feel competent even when trying something new.
Just ask my class, “Who makes more mistakes than anyone?” They will quickly answer, “Mrs.Veteto.” And they are right. When I show them my diploma that reads “Magna cum Laude,” I tell them I achieve because I learn from mistakes. My students take risks and make mistakes. We celebrate both as evidence of the courage and intellect necessary to push beyond what one already knows. My reward comes when parents tell me they schedule doctor visits around my class, because their kids do not want to miss a minute of it!
'Students trust outstanding teachers to work with them rather than against them.'
Students trust outstanding teachers to work with them rather than against them. I talk with, not at, my students. I manage my classroom skillfully but share the control with my students capitalizing on a knack for recognizing teachable moments. I never discipline to “get even.” This can mean spending extra time and energy addressing a situation with a fitting consequence. It is much easier to have the student miss recess, than to really examine a conflict. Letting the child make amends is a time investment that results in increased rapport and learning.
Outstanding teachers get outstanding results. Teaching is no longer defined by a series of lessons. It is defined by at least a year’s growth for each child. We have the world at our fingertips. Excellent curriculum customized to address any special need above or below the standard, progressive technology in every classroom, data supported decision making and amazing staff support from our administrators and coordinators and fellow teachers, keep our students engaged, connected and informed.
'I am a lifelong learner actively involved in the learning process.'
I am the Response To Intervention team leader in our building. My team works tirelessly trying new interventions, modifying and trying again and again if necessary. We advocate for a quality education for each child.
Outstanding teachers continue to engage in professional development. I am a lifelong learner actively involved in the learning process. This passion goes beyond just learning something new. I discuss the knowledge with enthusiasm and conviction. Rarely does a staff meeting go by without some of my input (even if it’s not on the agenda). My staff considers me a “go to person” with unlimited ideas and a command of the profession. I am a driver.
Educational / Professional Background
University Degrees
- Graduated Magna cum Laude (3.86) from Texas Tech University - 1986
“Most Outstanding Student” Texas Tech College of Home Economics - 1986
President’s List Texas Tech University 1983, Dean’s List - 1982 to 1986
Secretary Texas Tech Polo Club - 1983 to 1985
Member Phi Kappa Phi Honor Fraternity
University of North Texas 1988 to 1989 (4.0)
Teaching Experience
- Elementary Teacher Plano ISD
Kindergarten 1986 – 1987, Dooley Elementary & Meadows Elementary
1st Grade 1987 – 2006 Dooley, Mitchell, Hightower
1st Grade Team Leader, Hightower Elementary 1998 – 2006
Hightower Teacher of the Year 2001
PACE Gifted Specialist Harrington Elementary 2006 – 2009
- Writing Committees
Integrated Curriculum
District Process Writing Team
Instructor: Plano Writing Institute, Region X, New Teacher Orientation
- Team Leadership Roles
Language Arts Vertical Team
Mathematics Vertical Team
Positive Behavior Support Team
Response to Intervention (RTI) / CMIT
- District Initiatives
Writer: Advanced II Language Arts Curriculum
Team Leader Academy 2008
Differentiation Team Member
Multiple Staff Development presentations / training for Harrington Elementary and Plano ISD
Community Involvement
The many hours spent in these events represent the diverse mixture of cultures in our community. They have helped me develop an irreplaceable trust, with my students and their families, that extends into the classroom.
- Vacation Bible School Teacher
Custer Road Methodist Church Revelation Youth Choir volunteer
- Summer Mission Trips CRUMC
- Habitat for Humanity, home build
- Volunteer, coach and active player, North Texas State Soccer Association
- Homestay Host for international youth soccer players
- Dallas is Diversity, Volunteer
- Kung Fu Academy, Volunteer/Instructor Lion Dance performances
- North Texas Irish Festival Volunteer
- Destination Imagination, PTA Reflections volunteer judge
- Jasper Booster Club volunteer
- Lifetime PTA member
School
Principal Recommendation
Dear Teacher of the Year Committee Members,
Lisa Veteto is one of those rare teachers who accepts ALL challenges with a positive attitude and determination. She is an integral change agent within the entire school as our PACE teacher, math vertical team leader, and CMIT team chairperson. Her integrity and perseverance as a team leader and educator is beyond reproach.
Mrs. Veteto is completing her third year at Harrington, but her 23rd year in Plano ISD. Mrs. Veteto balances a full career with significant volunteer commitments and dedication to her two sons, both of whom have been educated in Plano ISD. In fact, Mrs. Veteto is a Plano ISD - Plano Senior High School - graduate and a superior example of “growing our own” in the teaching profession.
Mrs. Veteto is an active member and coach of local and regional soccer leagues, a vacation bible school teacher, a LIFETIME PTA member, HABITAT for HUMANITY volunteer, and a chaperone for summer mission trips. Lisa is frequently asked to write curriculum, most recently for the advanced II language arts lessons.
Lisa Veteto has the exceptional ability to successfully work with all types of teachers and parents. She is a catalyst for student success every day. Her modeling of curriculum delivery, behavior management, and parental communication guides our school to success each day. Recently, after a concern arose during a CMIT math discussion, she volunteered to model a lesson on odd vs. even numbers. This lesson resulted in 100% of the students recognizing the numerical difference after many months of struggle with number sense.
I am very proud to submit Mrs. Veteto for your consideration as the Plano ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year. We are blessed to have her as part of our Harrington Family.
Sincerely,
Ann Irvine, Principal
Harrington Elementary School
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