Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Paudel

By VCS Senior N’yla Nieves

For Mrs. Paudel, teaching is more than just a profession—it’s a calling rooted in a deep passion for learning, sharing knowledge, and helping others. Inspired by a desire to make a positive difference in students’ lives, she has dedicated over two decades to education, impacting learners across multiple grade levels and roles.

With more than twenty years of experience, Mrs. Paudel has built an impressive and diverse career. She began by teaching elementary school for five years before transitioning to high school, where she spent seven years as a math teacher. Beyond the classroom, she served as an after-school lead teacher for five years and worked as a preschool administrator for two years. She also spent three years as a Behavioral Intervention Specialist, supporting and counseling students from elementary through high school.

One of her favorite parts of the school day is intervention time, where she focuses on building meaningful relationships with students. She finds joy in helping them grow more confident in math—especially when they begin to believe in their own abilities.

Students might be surprised to learn that Mrs. Paudel values growth and effort far more than getting the correct answer right away. She encourages students to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, creating a classroom environment where trying, struggling, and trying again are all celebrated.

When describing her teaching style, Mrs. Paudel uses three words: supportive, approachable, and focused. These qualities shine through in the moments that make her most proud—when students trust her enough to take risks, make mistakes, and persevere, even when math feels challenging.

Her advice to students is simple but powerful: ask questions, give your best effort, and practice consistently. She reminds them not to give up when things get difficult, emphasizing that growth takes time and that she is always there to support them along the way.

Outside of school, Mrs. Paudel enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active through exercise, and taking time to recharge. These moments help her maintain the energy and positivity she brings into her classroom each day.

Reflecting on her own journey, Mrs. Paudel credits a math and science teacher who had a profound impact on her life. Through kindness, consistency, and encouragement, that teacher inspired her—a legacy Mrs. Paudel now strives to pass on to her own students.

If she could leave students with one lasting lesson, it would be this: mistakes are a natural part of success. Struggling does not mean failing—it means learning. In her classroom, progress will always matter more than perfection.