In second-grade teacher Jennifer Almquist's classroom at Superior Valley Elementary School in Superior, students do more than learn lessons—they experience them. When studying the life cycle, Ms. Almquist's students collect tadpoles and watch them grow into frogs; when studying the U.S. Constitution, they draft a class constitution and dress in period costumes to sign their constitution into law. Under Ms. Almquist's creative tutelage, spelling exercises become writing and artistic activities, helping students not only meet expectations but enjoy meeting them. She provides individual attention to her students, scheduling a one-on-one lunch with a different child each day during her lunch hour. Thanks to Ms. Almquist's work, parents have observed dramatic improvements in their children—academically and behaviorally—including students with special needs. She is the second-grade team leader and has served as a member of several committees, from the school improvement team to the curriculum committee. She is also the yearbook coordinator and the talent show director for each grade level. It's no understatement to call Jennifer Almquist a truly superior teacher.
