Who's Who: Jeanette Wachter

Business education and computer teacher with Chaffee High School

WHERE SHE'S BEEN: Wachter, 51, was born and raised in Chaffee, Mo., where she now lives with husband Scott. She has a son, Zach, and received her master's degree in business education and her bachelor's degrees in teaching and in psychology from Southeast Missouri State University.

"I teach very 'hands on' activity-oriented business classes. Teaching business classes is rewarding because I provide the training and skills students use in preparation for entering today's business world," she says. She is also the school district's webmaster and assistant technology coordinator, as well as working with the Future Business Leaders of America program. She has been an educator for 28 years.

WHERE SHE'S GOING: "I actually will be retired in five years. After retirement, I would like to teach night classes or part-time at SEMO or one of the local junior colleges. I want to travel with my husband and follow my son, who is aspiring to be an actor," she says. On future growth in business education: "The business education classroom is constantly evolving because of rapidly changing technology. Thirty-three years ago I learned to 'type' on a manual typewriter. Most students today have never used a typewriter and learn to 'key' on a computer. The business education field has had many changes and challenges because of the advances in technology, and it is imperative to stay up-to-date and current," says Wachter. On giving back to her community, Wachter says, "I believe strongly in giving back to the community and lead my students to do the same. I instill in my students the importance of being involved and supporting the community. The gift of time is a gift that anyone can give. Our local FBLA is very active with the Chaffee Chamber of Commerce and sponsors and supports numerous school and community service activities."

WHY SHE WAS CHOSEN: "Mrs. Wachter is not only was a great business teacher but also a great FBLA advisor," wrote former student Sarah Reischman. "While I was in high school she had lists upon lists of things she said she needed to do. Most of those things on her lists were tasks people ask her to do for them. She never had to do them; she did them because she wanted to and wanted to do something nice for that person. Whether it was helping out in the concession stand at a football game or making programs for the spring concert she would always be there when they needed her. She never says no to anyone."

Professional organizations she's involved in: Member of National Business Education Association, Missouri Business Education Association, Association for Career and Technical Education, Missouri State Teachers Association (auditing committee), Chaffee Community Teachers Association, Chaffee Chamber of Commerce, Chaffee Alumni Association, and Chaffee Booster Club. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Adviser for 28 years, Cooperating Teacher for SEMO Student Teachers and class sponsor. Past Southeast District Missouri Business Education Association President; MBEA Public Relations Committee, MBEA Southeast District Chairperson, MBEA Auditing Committee; committee member for National Standards of Excellence in Business Education, task force member for SEMO Student Teaching Program, and chair of the Chaffee Professional Development Committee. Community volunteer programs she is actively involved in: Chaffee Chamber of Commerce; American Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator for Chaffee High School FBLA (sponsor 3 drives a year);

Wachter's FBLA chapter has been actively involved and supported a wide variety of projects, including a Camp Quality Relay fundraiser for children with cancer; collecting canned goods for the local food pantry and delivering holiday cards to nursing home residents.

She has been named a VFW Teacher of the Year, been part of Who's Who in Missouri Business Education; named an Outstanding Business Educator for Southeast Missouri District; Outstanding Graduate in Master of Arts in Teaching in Business Education.