- December 25, 2025
What makes teaching a rewarding career? For Jacqueline Chartier, it's seeing students outside of school light up with recognition and a smile when they spot her.
"I have the chance every day to blend creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills while I teach and model for young and energetic minds that will shape the future," Chartier said. "My favorite thing about being a teacher is when students come back years later to share how I have influenced them."
After all, it was her own teachers growing up that inspired Chartier, Tomoka Elementary's Teacher of the Year, to pursue a career in education. Her third grade teacher wrote one of her recommendation letters for college.
Chartier has now been teaching elementary education for 26 years.
"I had some incredible teachers in my past that motivated and inspired me to become an educator," she said. "They were kind, encouraging, supportive, and motivating. I wanted to be the same kind of teacher for my students."
Chartier teaches fourth grade math and science. She loves being involved in school activities and is part of the Tomoka Elementary Leadership Team. She is the fourth grade team leader, runs the school's social studies fair and spelling bee, and provides after school tutoring for students that speak English as a secondary language.
Originally of Danbury, Connecticut, she moved to Florida to attend college and earned her degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. She has worked for Volusia County Schools for 25 years — she taught for one year in Connecticut — and previously taught at Chisholm Elementary, Samsula Elementary and Cypress Creek Elementary.
Being nominated as Tomoka Elementary's Teacher of the Year is a privilege, Chartier said.
"To have my peers recognize my passion for my profession is truly such a rewarding and humbling experience," she said.
One thing she is taking away from the experience is the support and love she has received.
"To see the teachers and staff that I admire every day nominate me for something that represents us, as a school, is an unforgettable experience," Chartier said. "The praise and positivity I have felt from my colleagues, from our PTA, from our families, our students, our school district and our community has been nothing short of incredible."
When she's not in the classroom, Chartier loves to spend time with her family — her husband Russ, son Devon and daughter Caimhe. A cat lover, Chartier has four in her household. She also enjoys hot yoga, reading, enjoying the sunshine at the pool or the beach, traveling and finding new local spots to explore.
Her advice to students?
"Challenges make us strong; struggles give us perseverance, but always looking for the silver lining, in situations and in others, is what matters the most," Chartier said.
