Faculty Feature | Clare Valentine

Name: Clare Valentine
Current role & department: Kindergarten Teacher
Started at Albany Academy: 2010
Alma mater(s) and area of study: The College of Saint Rose Master of Science in Education, State University College at Plattsburg Bachelor of Science Elementary 

What inspired you to become a teacher?

"My passion for teaching began at a young age. As a young child, I would often play pretend school, lining up my stuffed animals and acting as their teacher. That spark continued to grow in high school when I was a Girl Scout and had the chance to plan and lead activities for younger Girl Scouts and Brownies. I loved helping them and seeing their excitement. That same feeling is what makes teaching kindergarten so special today. No two days are ever the same, and the energy and positivity they bring each day is inspiring. I was also fortunate to have wonderful teachers throughout my own school journey. Their kind and caring approach inspires me to strive and be a teacher with similar qualities."

How do you engage students and encourage curiosity in your classroom?

"Engaging curiosity in kindergarten is all about sparking wonder, encouraging questions, and creating a safe, playful environment where kids feel excited to explore. Time is built into the day for students to play, collaborate, and reflect. We often start a lesson with the 'what do you wonder or notice?'”

What's one thing students might be surprised to learn in your class?

"Kindergarteners might be surprised to learn that mistakes are not only okay, they're actually celebrated in my classroom! In our classroom, we talk about how every mistake is a chance to learn something new, and even the teacher makes them all the time. It helps create a space where trying, failing, and trying again is part of the fun."

Favorite book or movie?

Movie: Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring

Children’s Book: How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

"My kindergarten class gave me this book in 2012. Now, I read it every year to my kindergarten students. We talk about how learning to read takes practice and effort, but it can also be fun!" 

What is your favorite Albany Academy tradition?

"Kindergarten Graduation has quickly become one of my favorites, even though it’s a newer tradition. The kindergartners don caps and gowns and proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the year and is absolutely adorable to watch!"

How do you see students growing or evolving during their time at Academy?

"It’s truly incredible to watch students grow from their first days in kindergarten all the way through to their high school graduation. I recently experienced this milestone when my very first group of kindergarteners graduated a few years ago. One memorable moment was a few years ago when a former kindergartener returned to my classroom to complete his May project as a senior. He was a great help in the classroom and even brought in the animal research project he had done in kindergarten to share with the class as they prepared to do the same project. Witnessing this full-circle moment was incredible and I think is unique to Academy."

Interested in learning more about Lower School at Academy? Join one of our upcoming Assembly & Coffee visits! Experience our students in action and connect with current Academy parents. 

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