Valerie S.

Valerie Segerson is a truly amazing educator whose vigor and excitement for learning emanates throughout her classroom! Mrs. Segerson teaches an upper-level Montessori class at Johnson Elementary School in Mesa. Her class consists of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders which can be quite a juggling act! Even though she teaches within a public school, Val Segerson is the epitome of knowledge when it comes to Montessori learning. The compassion she displays for her students, and the zeal that encompasses her daily routine is testimony to the time and energy that she embodies into each day's lessons! One of the most amazing things about Mrs. Segerson is that she is constantly teaching "Life Lessons" to the students, believing that her role as a teacher goes beyond just textbook instruction. Her classroom hums with efficiency, as she works to put each child on a path to being self-motivated, self-disciplined, and self-directed. She is always smiling and in an upbeat, positive state-of-mind that encourages students to do their best every day. As a parent, I applaud how proactive she is with keeping us parents informed and up-to-date on our children's performance. Mrs. Segerson also believes that learning should never stop - even for teachers! That's why she is presently working on becoming "National Board Certified," an accreditation that fewer than 3% of all teachers, nationwide, have achieved. This process of becoming National Board Certified is a difficult and time-consuming process. Mrs. Segerson believes that this continual process of critiquing and assessing her teaching methods will aid her in becoming an even better teacher! Val Segerson is truly worthy of the Excellence in Education Award! Sincerely, Lynn Cormier

Signed,
Lynn Cormier