Educators nationwide continue to work tirelessly with efforts to better the intellectual development and well-being of students. Teachers are working extended hours, planning lessons with innovative approaches, and volunteering their time to help their students and their communities. One educator who has worked consistently to support our students’ safety, academics, well-being, and much more is Mr. Israel Del Valle.
Mr. Del Valle is Matthey Middle School’s 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year because of his continuous efforts to support students, staff, family, and community. Mr. Del Valle is a humble and hardworking teacher with a heart for our students. Every time you enter his classroom, students are engaged and intrigued because of his efforts to connect with students.
Mr. Del Valle supports teachers’ growth in other classes and actively creates a nurturing environment for his students. His colleagues have identified him as a “transformative leader, a selfless leader, and a leader that many admire” because of his efforts to support staff, students, families, and the Southside Community.
As a Department Chair, he goes above and beyond to support teachers. Mr. Del Valle provides honest feedback to assist teachers’ instructional growth and engages his teachers in reflective dialogue about instruction. He is a listener who seeks to understand staff perspectives and concerns while also identifying how to best support them.
Mr. Del Valle has been and continues to be an indispensable role model for many. We are grateful for his wealth of experience, dedication to our students, and commitment to our Southside community.