My Philosophy of Education
Amy L. Valentas Reading Specialist [email protected] (316) 218-4720 Ext. 303
My Philosophy of Education My name is Amy Valentas and I have been an educator for fourteen years. Throughout these years, I have always believed that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. I have compiled all these believes from completing a Master’s Degree in Reading from the University of Saint Francis in August, 2003 and my completion of a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wichita State University in May, 2007. It has been my pleasure to have the privilege of working with highly diverse groups of students. Understanding both the learning style of individual learners and the cultural diversity of the class/group has helped me tailor effective instruction by implementing appropriate strategies. Although learners in any class/group likely represent a variety of learners, I routinely implement a variety of researched-based, effective strategies, which can both accommodate individual preferences and establish respect with each student. For me, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love for learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. In our competitive society, it is important for students not only to receive a rich education, but also to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator possible!
“All About Me” Reading Specialist Amy L. Valentas
[email protected] Hello! My name is Amy Valentas and I have been an educator for 14 years. Throughout the years, I have been a kindergarten, 5th and 2nd grade teacher. This will be my first year as a Reading Specialist. I am married to an amazing husband, Bill, who is a CFO at MoJack. We have three children. Will is 16 and a Sophomore at Andover High School, Scott is 14 and an 8th grader at Andover Middle School and Lily is 11 and a 6th grade at Andover Middle School. As a family, we enjoy doing a lot of things but our favorite is just relaxing at home and watching a movie together because we are always on the go attending sporting events and swim meets!
Reading Lab Classroom Needs • Clorox Wipes • Crayons • Expo Markers • Reading Games • Books! • File Folders • Pencils • Play dough Thank you! We appreciate any donations!
Reading Lab Aides Miss. Leah Cox My name is Leah Cox and this is my first year working at Martin. I received a bachelor’s degree from KU in Applied Behavioral Science. Since I started working with young children, I believe every child learns and develops in different ways.
As an
educator, I do believe teachers need to provide a nurturing environment for them to flourish in. So with these beliefs, I will encourage my students to become successful learners now and in the future.
Mrs. Virginia Kirk Hello! My name is Virginia Kirk and I have worked at Martin for 2 years. I received a bachelor’s degree in Education from Newman University. I previous worked as an elementary teacher for 34 years. While working with a variety of students, I believe they all have the desire to excel and also have the potential to reach their goals. I enjoy doing a lot of activities with my new husband and two children. Our favorite is to have family gatherings at our lake house. When I have time, I love to bake and read.
Mrs. Alicia Massingill Hello! My name is Alicia Massingill. I am from Panama (Central America). My husband, Larry, and I have been married for 23 years. We have 3 children; Brandon, Bryan and Kariana. I earned a bachelor’s degree for Wichita State University in Business and Administration. I enjoy volunteering at church, helping out in the community and at my kid’s school. I also enjoy speaking Spanish to my friends and my family. I’m excited to be working with the staff and students at Martin.
Mrs. Desiree Shellenberger Hi! My name is Desiree Shellenberger and I have worked at Martin for two years as a Reading Lab aide. I attended Wichita State University and received two bachelor degrees in Social Work and Sociology. As an educator, I believe all children learn in different ways. So, it is my job to figure out their learning method to help them become successful learners. Spending time with my 2 boys is what I love to do. They are both very active in sports and keep me very busy. When I have some downtime, I enjoy reading and bowling.
My Philosophy of Education My name is Amy Valentas and I have been an educator for fourteen years. Throughout these years, I have always believed that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. I have compiled all these believes from completing a Master’s Degree in Reading from the University of Saint Francis in August, 2003 and my completion of a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wichita State University in May, 2007. It has been my pleasure to have the privilege of working with highly diverse groups of students. Understanding both the learning style of individual learners and the cultural diversity of the class/group has helped me tailor effective instruction by implementing appropriate strategies. Although learners in any class/group likely represent a variety of learners, I routinely implement a variety of researched-based, effective strategies, which can both accommodate individual preferences and establish respect with each student. For me, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love for learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. In our competitive society, it is important for students not only to receive a rich education, but also to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator possible!
“All About Me” Reading Specialist Amy L. Valentas
[email protected] Hello! My name is Amy Valentas and I have been an educator for 14 years. Throughout the years, I have been a kindergarten, 5th and 2nd grade teacher. This will be my first year as a Reading Specialist. I am married to an amazing husband, Bill, who is a CFO at MoJack. We have three children. Will is 16 and a Sophomore at Andover High School, Scott is 14 and an 8th grader at Andover Middle School and Lily is 11 and a 6th grade at Andover Middle School. As a family, we enjoy doing a lot of things but our favorite is just relaxing at home and watching a movie together because we are always on the go attending sporting events and swim meets!
Reading Lab Classroom Needs • Clorox Wipes • Crayons • Expo Markers • Reading Games • Books! • File Folders • Pencils • Play dough Thank you! We appreciate any donations!
Reading Lab Aides Miss. Leah Cox My name is Leah Cox and this is my first year working at Martin. I received a bachelor’s degree from KU in Applied Behavioral Science. Since I started working with young children, I believe every child learns and develops in different ways.
As an
educator, I do believe teachers need to provide a nurturing environment for them to flourish in. So with these beliefs, I will encourage my students to become successful learners now and in the future.
Mrs. Virginia Kirk Hello! My name is Virginia Kirk and I have worked at Martin for 2 years. I received a bachelor’s degree in Education from Newman University. I previous worked as an elementary teacher for 34 years. While working with a variety of students, I believe they all have the desire to excel and also have the potential to reach their goals. I enjoy doing a lot of activities with my new husband and two children. Our favorite is to have family gatherings at our lake house. When I have time, I love to bake and read.
Mrs. Alicia Massingill Hello! My name is Alicia Massingill. I am from Panama (Central America). My husband, Larry, and I have been married for 23 years. We have 3 children; Brandon, Bryan and Kariana. I earned a bachelor’s degree for Wichita State University in Business and Administration. I enjoy volunteering at church, helping out in the community and at my kid’s school. I also enjoy speaking Spanish to my friends and my family. I’m excited to be working with the staff and students at Martin.
Mrs. Desiree Shellenberger Hi! My name is Desiree Shellenberger and I have worked at Martin for two years as a Reading Lab aide. I attended Wichita State University and received two bachelor degrees in Social Work and Sociology. As an educator, I believe all children learn in different ways. So, it is my job to figure out their learning method to help them become successful learners. Spending time with my 2 boys is what I love to do. They are both very active in sports and keep me very busy. When I have some downtime, I enjoy reading and bowling.
