Darbie Valenti, fifth grade math and science teacher at Minnie Cline Elementary in Savannah, has been named the Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year for Missouri. She was chosen from a field of 12 highly qualified finalists. Ms. Valenti is a 1998 graduate of Pattonsburg High School.
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“After working with many teachers in the Northwest Region, I know how many truly excellent educators are working with the students in our schools. It is an honor to be recognized and to represent my fellow teachers at the state level. I’m proud to be a voice for the ‘Great Northwest’!” stated Ms. Valenti in reaction to her selection.
Ms. Valenti graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree and certification in elementary education and art. She has 14 years of experience at the third, fifth and sixth grade levels. Past honors include selection as a DESE Select Teacher As Regional Resource (STARR), Employee of the Quarter for the King City School District (where she taught previously), KQ2 News/Apple Market Teacher Who Makes A Difference, and 2015 Teacher of the Year for the Savannah R-3 School District. She has also presented at various state conferences including the NCTM State Math Conference and Interface. She is a Master Teacher for Science Pioneers through the Science City Outreach Program and serves as community liaison for district student council sponsored activities.
A colleague of Ms. Valenti stated, “No matter the child or their interest, Darbie makes it a personal mission to build relationships with students in order to reach them and enhance their learning experience.”
As Regional Teacher of the Year, Ms. Valenti will have the opportunity to compete for Missouri Teacher of the Year for 2016-17. The Missouri Teacher of the Year will be announced in September 2016 and will be honored at a ceremony in Jefferson City in October 2016. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education conducts the Missouri Teacher of the Year program with financial support provided by the Boeing Company and the Monsanto Fund.