Spotlight: Mr. Valazza

By Jelani Koloko

A Career Rooted in Inspiration
Mr. Valazza began his career at Clarence High School in 2003, making this his 22nd year of teaching. His journey into education was largely influenced by his freshman-year social studies teacher. "He actually inspired me and challenged me to do well in global studies," Mr. Valazza recalled. "Because I never did homework when I was a freshman, I realized that what I wanted to be was a social studies teacher."

Overcoming Challenges in Education
Like any profession, teaching comes with its own set of challenges. For Mr. Valazza, the biggest hurdle early in his career was student behavior. However, as he gained experience, he discovered that managing a classroom was about more than just discipline. "A lot of it in the beginning was what I perceived to be student behavior, but a lot of it was my reaction to behaviors," he explained. "As I started to develop more of my management, it became more about me being proactive and changing my behaviors, which in turn helped me change the behaviors of students."

The Best Part of Teaching
Despite the challenges, Mr. Valazza finds immense joy in his work, and it is his students who make teaching rewarding. "You guys as students, you're the reason why I still love to teach because you folks are the ones that bring me here every day," he said with enthusiasm.

A Passion Beyond the Classroom
Beyond his role as a teacher, Mr. Valazza is also a small business owner, a passion that aligns with his expertise in Government and Economics. "If I can teach students how to operate and run a business, that would be something where I think my outside experience could help students," he shared. His real-world knowledge of business provides students with valuable insights into entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

The Evolution of Clarence High School
When asked about the changes at Clarence High School, Mr. Valazza believes they have been positive. "I think it's good. I think we're adapting our ways of teaching and what we do to help students in the future," he said. "You’re the ones who are going to be leaving into a world that’s different from what I’m used to, so I have to prepare you for that world."

A Career Dedicated to Education
Could Mr. Valazza ever see himself working elsewhere? "Honestly, no. I think I’d be more afraid to leave and go do something else because I have been doing this for so many years," he admitted. However, if he were to change careers, he would consider healthcare or finance, areas that once piqued his interest. "I just decided not to pursue those interests at the time because I was focused on teaching in education."

A Lifelong Passion for Teaching
Reflecting on his career, Mr. Valazza credits his ninth-grade teacher for sparking his passion for education. "My first job happened to be a special education position. I didn’t even realize it at the time, but I fell in love with the environment," he said. "Since then, I’ve been working with students who have needs."

Mr. Valazza’s commitment to teaching and his students is evident in every aspect of his career. With his blend of real-world experience and educational expertise, he continues to inspire and prepare students for the challenges of the future.