Western Valley Middle School
Ignite. Unite. Empower.
Our educators and support team are passionate about what we do. We want every Wildcat to succeed and welcome your involvement to make that happen. Please feel free to reach out to our staff if you wish to discuss any questions or concerns.
Education
Experience
With twenty-four years of dedication to education, my journey has been both diverse and fulfilling. For sixteen years, I taught in Wisconsin, engaging with students across every grade level from one to eight. I then transitioned to a leadership role, serving as a principal in Wisconsin for five years. My career path led me to Arizona, where I became the head of school at a preschool through grade eight school in Ahwatukee. Now, I am thrilled to be a part of the Fowler Elementary School District and lead Western Valley Middle School as I celebrate a quarter of a century in education.
Why I Teach
The most rewarding aspect of being an educator is the opportunity to build relationships and foster a supportive community of teachers and learners. Every individual in the learning community, whether child or adult, should feel valued and cared for. My mission as an educator is to create connections that cultivate a safe and successful learning environment. I am committed to ensuring that both learners and teachers feel empowered to take risks and grow in their educational journeys.
Education
AA Associate of Arts
Experience
This is my 11th year in education and my fifth year teaching. My first year of teaching was in fifth grade. My other four years have been in sixth-grade science.
Why I Teach
Teaching is such a rewarding experience. I truly enjoy getting to know the children and helping them thrive. Teaching allows me to positively influence a child's way of thinking and make a difference in their lives. I enjoy hearing all their ideas and watching their minds work. I take pride in knowing I am helping to change the future. As a teacher, I hope to inspire my students to dream big, work hard, and never give up.
Education
BS Elementary Education Northern Arizona University MA International Diverse Education with an ELD Endorsement
Experience
I have taught second through sixth grade for the last 36 years.
Why I Teach
It is important to me to be a positive role model for young people. I love teaching and my students. I want them to be lifelong learners and for them to be the best person they can be. Your education is something no one can take away from you. I want them to follow their dream and be happy.
Education
BAE in Elementary Education with a Special Education Minor from ASU. 2 year MA in Special Education from GCU; Reading and ELL Endorsement from Chapman College. SEI -(Structured English Emersion)-District PD
Experience
Twenty years teaching special education, 13 years in resource, and seven years in self-contained.
Why I Teach
I teach because children need help learning from a professional that has had the education and experience to do so adequately. Our students today will be the building blocks for tomorrow, and we need to pass down our knowledge of the current academics used in schools to make them the best they can be. Your students will someday thank you for all the work you have done to make their school experience successful.
Education
Western New Mexico University
Experience
17 years
Why I Teach
"This is why I teach music not because I expect you to major in music, not because I expect you to play or sing all your life, not so you can relax, not so you can have fun, but so you will be human, so you will recognize beauty, so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world, so you will have something to cling to, so you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness, more good. In short, more life." ~ author unknown
Education
BS P.E. K–12 Bowling Green State University
Experience
Thirty-eight years in Education (15 years in Elementary, 23 years 6–8 P.E.)
Why I Teach
To help students grow physically and mentally. Furthermore; provide the most rewarding experience for each student to develop a healthy lifestyle for life.
Education
BA Education, MA Curriculum and Instruction
Experience
Twenty years of experience in education. This is my 19th year at Fowler as a teacher and a mentor.
Why I Teach
Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. When I was a kid, I would play school in my playroom with my friends. We'd take turns being a student and a teacher. Teaching and helping others are part of my life's mission. I love seeing that light bulb moment when a concept comes alive for students! Through learning, we can learn about ourselves and the world around us. I teach to help students find their voice. I teach to inspire students to become the best version of themselves. I teach to empower others to make this world a better place.
Education
B.S. Organizational Studies - ASU Master Administration - NAU Master Education School Counselor - NAU
Experience
This is my second year as a school counselor. This is my second career. I retired from the City of Phoenix Water Service Department after 22 years. Left as a Water Asset Manager.
Why I Teach
I like to let my action speaks louder than words. If you want to see change, you have to be part of that change. I want students to be successful in their life after they have finished their school years. I have seen too many employees fail because they were missing something that they did not learn during their educational years. I like to teach students how to overcome obstacles that are part of life. Every student has the potential to be successful. I enjoy supporting and guiding my students.
