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Words can’t express how much Mrs. Val has impacted my career and made me a better educator. She has left a special place on my heart. She has always been there to support me and encourage me to be the best that I can be. She is one of a kind and I consider myself very blessed to know her.

Kristina Stephens

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I'm at a loss for words on how to express the impact Ms. Val had on my journey as an educator. Her positive feedback and supportive nature were pivotal in guiding me through the transition into a more challenging role as a Math instructor. I am deeply grateful to her and will always cherish her influence. At times she seemed to be my biggest cheerleader. Sometimes, I reread the emails she has sent me to regain a positive state of mind. Even though I'm no longer teaching in the classroom, I still use her suggested strategies and feedback when conferencing with other teachers. Her influence will remain a part of our school for years to come. Thank You, Ms. Val!!

Missie Cravens

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Mrs. Val,

I can't say enough about how wonderful and great a person and educator you are. You have made such a remarkable difference in my teaching career that words just can not express. Whenever I needed anything, you were always there to give beyond extra things of curriculum or extra encouragement to get everything done to help a student or me to better instruct the curriculum.

I believe Mrs. Val's dedication to our district, each school, and each individual has been remarkable! Our school system will be left with more resources and just overall positive remarks which will give us a step on all the other school systems that have not had an opportunity to learn from her experiences and expertise.

She has always showed us with genuine care and regard to us being better educators and knowing we had a support team that was always with us in our classrooms.

I appreciate you as an awesome educator and a wonderful lady! I will miss you greatly! God Bless! Peggy Cooper

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Ms. Val,

Words cannot express my gratitude for all you have done for Fentress County over these last few years. Your hard work and dedication to the staff and students is to be commended. You have always been a phone call or email away and have been there for us at every turn. We will never be able to replace you and thank you enough for everything. On a personal note, thanks so much for all the words of encouragement and prayers during my recent illness and surgery. You have no idea how much that has meant to me. Please know that you will always be in my prayers. Gina Buckner

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Ms. Val's influence on my journey as an educator has been profound, touching every aspect of my teaching, learning, and reflective practice. Her strategies gave me a lens to scrutinize my math classroom, discerning the nuances of success and areas for improvement. Through her guidance, I learned the art of fostering student discourse, understanding when to listen intently and when to step back, and allowing students to take the reins of their learning. But perhaps most profoundly, Ms. Val instilled in me a sense of self-belief, nurturing my confidence as a teacher and showing me the inherent value I bring to the educational landscape. Her unwavering support has been a beacon in moments of doubt, reminding me of my worth and potential.

In those precious moments within the math classroom, I witnessed the power of engagement and collaboration sparked by Ms. Val's teachings. Each interaction, whether a breakthrough in understanding or a stumble along the way, became a thread woven into the fabric of my growth. I vividly remember a time when a group of students warmly welcomed a new student to their group, explaining to him that in our math classroom, we don't just accept answers - we have to prove and defend our points of view. It was a testament to the culture of discourse Ms. Val fostered. Another instance is where I observed students working in groups with defined roles and individual expectations. Each student had to actively participate to progress through the activity, which directly resulted from Ms. Val's emphasis on collaboration and accountability.

Through the highs and lows, Ms. Val's wisdom guided me, her encouragement bolstering my resolve to strive for excellence. She continually reminded me of the importance of challenging students and holding them to high expectations, instilling a commitment to push boundaries and foster academic rigor. She showed me that being a lifelong learner isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's about embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow and improve. Her mentorship transcends mere guidance; it is a testament to the profound connections she has made through the years.

Ms. Val, I can't express enough how deeply grateful I am to you. Your kindness, support, and guidance have touched my life profoundly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, not just for what you've done but for who you are. Your impact will stay with me forever.

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Reflecting on the past 11 years with Ms. Val is overwhelming in the best way possible. Her influence has extended far beyond the classroom, pushing us to become not just better mathematicians, but better people, constantly striving to improve. She valued the daily effort we poured into our students' success, not just in math, but in life itself.

Ms. Val's dedication to our district is unparalleled. Her tireless support for teaching and learning went above and beyond. She generously donated her time, expertise, and even personal funds to ensure teachers had the resources they needed. She was always readily available, a mere email, Google Meet, or phone call away, whenever we needed anything.

Over the years, Ms. Val has become a cherished member of our professional and personal families. Her genuine care extended beyond the classroom. She remembered our celebrations and offered support during difficult times, always inquiring about our families and how she could assist.

What an impact she has made! It's been a true privilege to know and work with Ms. Val. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and guidance throughout the years. We love and appreciate you!

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Mrs. Val has brought a lot of insights to my teaching. She helps me think about math in an entirely different way than when I first started teaching. I love how she always thinks of life in a positive way. She has a great memory and always seems to try to remember the important details of someone's life. My sister for example, lol.

Thanks Mrs. Val for all your help and support!

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Ms Val,

You have inspired me from the first moments we spent together. You are one of the most selfless and thoughtful people that I have ever had the BLESSING to know. You always ask our teachers about how they are, share connections from K standards to college in a way that makes sense, and give, give, give. Thank you for always fighting for our students learning through challenging us to give our best effort. I want to be more like you when I grow up. ALWAYS thankful that you were sent to be part of our lives.

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Mrs. Val is compassionate, knowledgeable, authentic, and full of zest!! Thank you Mrs. Val for believing in me!

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Ms. Val

Thank you for all of your support this year. You have given prompt, useful feedback that has helped me grow this year. You have listened to concerns and struggles as well as victories. Thank you for challenging me to look differently at my teaching and math itself. I appreciate everything you've done for me this year!!

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I have appreciated each time Ms. Val has come to my classroom. She was thoughtful and prompt in her feedback, and she challenged me to think about math in a new light. Ms. Val also is supportive of other teachers and classes and understands how classes go.

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Ms. Val,

For the 3 years I have been here you have also been supportive and encouraging to me. You have always been there through many different avenues. I will always remember what you have done for me and try to strive to be the teacher you tell me I am.

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Ms. Val,

Thank you for supporting me through the common core years. You made me a better teacher by challenging me. I am grateful that you showed me the importance of data and how to use it to benefit each student. You are an amazing person, and I will be forever thankful for you.

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Ms. Val has helped me become more confident in an uncomfortable position. She has stretched me to grow, supported me on aspects I struggled with, and cheered me on when I was down. She challenged my thinking and corrected what was needed. She provided suggestions, that to me were unfunctional, but worth it. When I emailed her about a standard or a section in the book, she was quick to respond and lend a hand. I appreciate her support as she made me want to be a better math teacher.

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Love Mrs. Val’s “on your team” push to better our instruction at whatever stage of teaching experience we find ourselves. From the 1st year to the 5th, the one thing I always hear her saying in the back of my mind while I’m teaching over and over again is — let the students be in the driver seat! That has really helped me throughout the years. I want to see my students be successful, so much so that sometimes even I can step in their way of productive learning! Letting them make mistakes and fix their mistakes through problem solving — it’s the good stuff! Thanks for all you do for us!

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When I was an assistant, Mrs. Val was very adamant that I needed to go back to school to finish my teaching degree even though I felt way to old. She would consistently tell me her story any time I would state my fears. Thankful for her gentle push to help get me here today!

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Ms. Val has always been so friendly towards me and has given great tips. She always ask how my family is doing. She wants what is best for our students and teachers and that is a huge deal.

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Ms. Val made the transition from our "old way of teaching math" to common core much more bearable. She has such a mathematical mind that amazes me at each visit. I'm so appreciative of Ms. Val's encouragement and support that she has provided throughout the years.

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While in the classroom Ms. Val always required deep thinking and reflection on my part as the educator. She is a wealth of knowledge, has the most sincere thoughts and advice. She cares about our students, faculty, and schools. I always look forward to her visits.

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Ms. Val has been so supportive throughout the years. I am back in second now and she is still a strong consistent help in math. Her knowledge in math is outstanding and I love the activities she gives us for our standards. She sent me the nicest email before TCAP, it touched my heart. She truly cares for us and our students.

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I haven't known Val long, but I have known her long enough to know that she's an asset to this county. I came from a county that didn't value me, so I began to believe it and didn't do my best. I was broken. Coming here, it was hard to trust administration and Central office staff. It concerned me that it would be the same, and I would break more. But it was the opposite. Val believed in me and gave me advice to help make me a better teacher. I'm only doing as well as I am because of Val and many others who have helped and advised along the way. Thank you, Val!!!!

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Ms. Val has given me many tips that I have used in my classroom. Her advice is solid and helps guide my instruction.

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Ms Val has challenged me through the grade levels to become a better teacher in each grade level I have taught. Starting with 6th, going into 4th, and now in the dreded 3rd grade. Thank you for always having confidence and pushing me to be better each year.