2004: 54TH CONFERENCE
ON EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

PLENARY SESSION

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2004
10:00 – 11:30 AM
Keynote Speaker: Chauncey Veatch

Chauncey Veatch, the 2002 National Teacher of the year, this year's keynote speaker, brings inspiration to his audiences with his moving message of what it means to be a teacher in the United States. Chauncey is a relatively newcomer to the field of education, beginning his teaching career in 1995 after serving 22 years in the U.S. Army. He says his students are a gift to him from their parents, and measures his success by their achievements – achievements such as a Spanish-speaking student writing his first essay in English, or a student with a disability explaining the checks and balances system in her final exam. Chauncey says that American teaching is a marvel, and he enjoys what happens in American's classrooms, what it's like to be a teacher, and how wonderful it is. Most of his students at Coachella Valley High School in Thermal, CA, where he teaches social studies and ninth-grade career preparation, speak English as a second language and come from modest income homes. His educational philosophy emphasizes literacy and really getting to know his students, helping them to become life-long learners. "Always kind and courteous, he has a sincere concern for the children of our community and a positive attitude. Believing our students can succeed is not a desire or a facade but is actually something he lives. This caring can be seen in his eyes, heard in his voice, felt in his presence and mostly seen in his actions." These words were spoken by Richard Alvarez, Chauncey's immediate past principal.