JENNIFER TOPERZER

Coming home from school each day most children have to answer the question, "What did you learn in school today?" Instead, Jennifer was always asked to tell about one thing that made her think and another that made her smile. As a professional, she still holds herself accountable to these questions, both with colleagues and students.

Jennifer Toperzer is a fifth grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School; and after graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor of science degree in education in 1998, she has taught in the Norman Public Schools starting at Jackson Elementary. While at Jackson, she was selected Site Teacher of the Year for 2001-2002, and Norman District Finalists Teacher of the Year, 2001-2002. She has also received the following honors:

• Outstanding Regular Education Teacher from the Council of Exceptional Children
• Disney Teacher of the Year Nominee in 2002 and 2005
• The University of Oklahoma Young Educator Award, 2003
• Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, 2006
• Teacher of the Year for Jefferson Elementary, 2006

Jennifer has a strong sense of responsibility to students, staff, and parents. This has led her to develop “higher senses” for her elementary students – a sense of self, a sense of educational purpose, and a sense of possibility. Regarding the third sense, Jennifer wrote in her philosophy of teaching, “Just because something has always been doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for change,” and she encourages her students to seek those positive changes. Jennifer hopes that at the end of each day, she is a part of the answer to the question: “What is one thing that made you think today, and one thing that made you smile?”

Aside from work, Jennifer enjoys working with the Special Olympics basketball program as a volunteer during tournaments. For the past four years, she has also served as a member of Junior League.

2007 District Teacher of the Year Finalists

2007 Site Teachers of the Year