Kirkland, WA – On Tuesday, December 5th, morning show hosts Jen Pirak and Curt Kruse made a surprise visit to Henry David Thoreau Elementary School to honor Mr. Sean Valley as STAR 101.5’s Teacher of the Week.
Mr. Valley is a 4th-grade teacher at Henry David Thoreau Elementary in Kirkland. Alongside being named STAR 101.5’s Teacher of the Week, Mr. Valley and his students were presented with gifts from the Washington State Potato Commission and McDonald’s. He also received an award plaque and a $101.5 check to help pay for classroom supplies. He was nominated for this honor by a mom whose daughter, Kadence, is currently in Mr. Valley’s class. Kadence said, “The students in his class work hard to make him proud, and in return, he works hard to teach us math and how to be great humans. He also sings to us each day and makes us do music videos to show our parents.”
Mr. Valley creates a unique learning environment for his students by incorporating music into his curriculum. Despite teaching for over 20 years, he previously worked as a disc jockey in Shelton. He mentions that music helps maintain a fresh and spontaneous classroom, ensuring his students have a memorable day every day at school. His inspiration to teach stemmed from his father, who was his 7th-grade art teacher. Although his father recently passed away, Mr. Valley describes him as “the most important teacher of my life,” and he frequently shares stories about his father with his students. While receiving this honor was challenging due to personal circumstances, Mr. Valley was so grateful to know that his students appreciate his teaching every day in school.
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