Clone Royal Oak Teacher of the Year: Former Student

ROYAL OAK, MI – One of Valerie Ault’s former students thinks she should clone herself.

Ault, a second-grade teacher at Keller Elementary, was named Royal Oak Schools’ 2015-2016 Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching in Royal Oak schools for 14 years.

“If I could have Ms. Ault every year as a teacher, I would,” one of Ault’s former students said, according a nomination submitted by Keller principal Marcie Dryden.

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“Ms. Ault uses all information available to plan activities that will tap into students’ fun, serious, energetic, social, inquisitive minds,” Dryden wrote in her nomination. “When you enter her classroom, you realize something unique — a sense of family. Her students are busy (and) engaged in activities that capture interest and wonder.”

Her colleagues also point to her community involvement in the Salvation Army food drive, Cystic Fibrosis Walk and fundraising efforts for Beaumont Children’s Hospital. She also collects supplies for a women’s shelter, donates food and toys to an animal shelter, and volunteers for the “Socks for Souls” program for the homeless community.

Ault, who received her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Michigan State University, also mentors students through C.A.R.E. (Caring Adults Are Everywhere) and teaches summer school for Title 1 students.

As Royal Oak’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Ault is a nominee for Oakland School’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year program which honors and recognizes teachers who have achieved, through their effort and example, the highest standards of excellence in their profession.

» Photo of Valerie Ault, left, and Keller Elementary Principal Marcie Dryden courtesy of Royal Oak Schools