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| Veronica "Roni" Cook |
One scholarship is awarded to a teacher in each each state or province. That award is $700 in Washington. Recipients move on to the Regional level. Washington is one of 7 regions throughout the U.S. That award is $1000. Regional winners are sent to the International level, where the award is $5000.
Veronica Cook (Roni) received the Washington State Excellence in Education award in April, advancing to the Northwest level in July at the Las Vegas Conference. Roni was honored at the Tri-Conference with the Northwest Scholarship and will advance to the International Convention in 2026.
Roni is a passionate advocate for inclusive education and a lifelong learner with more than 30 years of experience teaching students with significant disabilities.
Roni is a passionate advocate for inclusive education and a lifelong learner with more than 30 years of experience teaching students with significant disabilities.
While she taught for many years in the Shoreline School District, she currently serves as Lead Teacher for Students with Significant Autism at Harbour Pointe Middle School in the Mukilteo School District.
Roni is actively involved in professional leadership through the Washington Education Association and her local chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, Alpha Delta, where she serves as Treasurer.
Roni is actively involved in professional leadership through the Washington Education Association and her local chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, Alpha Delta, where she serves as Treasurer.
Beyond the classroom, she mentors educators in assistive technology and communication supports. She also serves as a board member for the Shoreline Robotics Society, expanding STEM access for K–12 students. Her dedication has earned numerous honors, including the Shorewood PTSA Golden Acorn Award and induction into the WSBPA Coaching Hall of Fame.
Roni’s career reflects her unwavering belief in the dignity, potential, and inclusion of every learner.
In her acceptance speech via Excellence in Education Chair Melanie Kelly, Roni said,
Roni’s career reflects her unwavering belief in the dignity, potential, and inclusion of every learner.
In her acceptance speech via Excellence in Education Chair Melanie Kelly, Roni said,
“I begin by apologizing for not being able to be with you in person. As an active teacher, I had already committed to representing my union brothers and sisters at the NEA and could not fit attending the AΔK Conference in before leaving for NEA. Although I am not there, I am beyond honored to be chosen by my sisters as the Regional Excellence in Education recipient. It means more to me than I can possibly explain.
"For 32 years, I have served some of our most vulnerable students. Many times, people do not even know these students are in our schools, much less understand that what I do every day is education.
"So, to be chosen by you not only honors the work I do but also recognizes who my students are. I pride myself on always fighting for my students. Part of that fight has been advocating for their right to appropriate public education and ensuring they are seen, valued, and given the opportunities they deserve.
"By choosing me for this award, you are recognizing that fight. Thank you for seeing me, but even more importantly, thank you for seeing my students.”
--Story by Mary Jo Heller
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