Fred Rodgers said, “Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.” Teachers are people who pour into the lives of children every day, and in so many ways, they are real life heroes. In May, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month and acknowledge those who selflessly and sacrificially invest in children. Learn more about six local teachers, including a little insight into their classrooms and their roles as educators.
Linda Valenti
Streetsboro City Schools
4th Grade and Special Education
“I am in my 30th year.of teaching and still love being in the classroom. It’s where I’ve laughed, learned and grown right alongside my students. I love teaching because of the relationships I have built and for the privilege of being even a small part of each student’s story.”
Raeann Campayne
Garden Christian Academy
Kindergarten
“I see teaching as a calling and a gift, that’s why I love it. Every school day, I have the beautiful opportunity to see a love for learning grow in the hearts of students. Teaching matters to me because I know the children I pour into every day will one day become adults that have a foundation of more than just knowledge. Especially working at GCA, a school that offers classical, Christian education, I am able to set the table for children to learn not only about knowledge, but also what is virtuous, good, true and beautiful.”
Dr. Jason Valley
Heritage Classical Academy
7th and 8th Grades
Jason Valley has spent the past six years serving as an Upper School teacher, teaching seventh grade humanities and eighth grade composition/capstone. He describes his time at HCA as one of God’s greatest gifts, cherishing the daily opportunity to share with students about the King, His Kingdom, and His immeasurable love. Valley finds the greatest joy in building meaningful relationships with both students and colleagues, whether through deep conversations or moments of shared laughter. His passion for connection and faith-filled teaching continues to leave a lasting impact on the HCA community.
Kris Sutton
Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools
Fifth Grade
“I love teaching because it is a way to invest in the future by working with students. The kids are amazing, and they inspire me to learn new ideas and be my best in order to get the best out of them. We work hard together, and we practice living with integrity and building one another up. I love when, as a class, we go from a group of people to an integrated community of learners. The rewards in teaching are immeasurable and more than I ever could have hoped for in my career.”
Bryan McKenzie
Kent City Schools
Elementary Teaching Librarian, K-5 at Davey and Walls Elementary Schools
“This year marks my 30th year in education, and the thing I love the most about teaching is seeing my students excited about learning and their reactions to great stories. As a special area teacher at two buildings, it makes my day when the kids see me in the morning and ask if it’s their library day.”
Dr. Neena Goel
Gilmour Academy
Upper School Science Instructor and Director of the Catalyst Program
Dr. Neena Goel, a member of the Gilmour community for nearly 20 years, inspires students through her engaging and rigorous instruction as a human anatomy, physiology and biology teacher, while also serving as director of Gilmour’s esteemed Catalyst program. Through immersive, research-based learning, she helps students build critical thinking, confidence and real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
“Teaching allows me to spark curiosity and help students discover their potential,” she says. “Watching them grow into better versions of themselves and gain confidence is the most meaningful part of what I do.”