Alene Valdez

Career educator has taught at primary, intermediate and secondary levels (including online) in areas of Gifted And Talented Education, Regular Education, Remedial Education, English as a Second Language, Special Education, and Intensive Intervention. Has been responsible for curriculum design, daily standards based lesson plans, instruction, enrichment, assessments, data analysis, and state testing. Is research and data driven and employs best practices while striving in the classroom to motivate and reach students of diverse backgrounds from different languages and cultures. Incorporates technology in the classroom through direct instruction and independent practice and is proficient in numerous technologies and online learning platforms. Organized and aided in different language arts extra curricular activities including Spelling Bee and Oral Language Festival and has participated in various district and school site committees as well as being lead teacher in ELA department. Conducted M.A. action research on motivating reluctant ESL readers and has been trained in numerous English Language Development practices and methodologies, including GLAD and S.D.A.I.E, as well as brain based teaching and learning practices through the Center for Effective Learning. Co-taught with a special education teacher using a program to prepare struggling IEP students to be mainstreamed into the general education setting. Implemented AVID strategies at a national demonstration school preparing students for competitive college admissions courses while consistently maintaining excellent relations with students, parents, faculty, and administrators.