December's WWEA Educator Spotlight

The Wheaton Warrenville Education Association (WWEA) would like to introduce Mrs. Erica Valenti, a 22 year educator with 20 years experience in District 200. Mrs. Valenti has taught a wide-range of courses within the Physical Education, Health, and Driver’s Education Department at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. Currently she is teaching 10th grade Health and 11th grade Responding to Emergencies. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of Illinois. Her Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology was earned from University of Illinois at Chicago. She earned her teaching certificate at Elmhurst College.

Mrs. Valenti is a proud member of a very dynamic Physical Education department and takes great pride in their achievements. In 2014, their Health Team received the Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence. Together, they worked for several years to create a curriculum that would qualify for this prestigious recognition. She voluntarily participates in numerous activities, committees, and programs to enhance the academic experience for all students. These voluntary activities include sponsoring the Gay Straight Alliance club, participating in a Cross Curriculum Group, facilitating the Health Professional Learning Community Group, and mentoring students in an Early Intervention Study Skills course.

It seems as though Mrs. Valenti was destined to become an educator, but she began her college career as a pre-med/biology major. During her third year at the University of Illinois, she volunteered at a high school to complete observation hours for her Athletic Training Certification. While volunteering she found that her heart belonged in the classroom. After graduation, she enrolled in graduate school to earn her teaching certificate while working at Rush Hospital and as a high school Athletic Trainer. As Mrs. Valenti put it best, “The rest is history.” She loves working in the classroom with students while encouraging them to focus on health and well-being.

Thank you, Mrs. Erica Valenti, for choosing education as your profession. Your academic background and experience provides our students with real world scenarios where they may appreciate the importance of health and well-being.