FRANKLIN TEACHER TO RECEIVE STATE HONOR

Missouri Statewide Parent Advisory Network has named Valleroy Teacher of the Year.

Franklin Elementary School teacher Diane Valleroy will receive statewide honors today during a private ceremony held in Gov. Mel Carnahan's office.

Valleroy was selected to receive the Missouri Statewide Parent Advisory Network (MO-SPAN) Teacher of the Year award for her advocacy on behalf of students.

MO-SPAN is a group of parents, professionals and educators who work together to improve student success. The group annually recognizes educators, youths and professionals during Children's Mental Health Week who demonstrate outstanding skills and advocacy.

Valleroy was nominated by Trae Huey.

"I just like her," said Huey, a student in Valleroy's sixth-grade classroom. "She's always helping us out whenever we need it."

Valleroy, in her sixth year of teaching, said the nomination took her by surprise. Huey is a reserved student who doesn't talk much in class, so the fact that he took the time to nominate her made the honor even more special.

"This was completely out of the blue," she said. "When he (Huey) came and told me I'd won, I didn't even know what he was talking about."

Franklin Principal Julie Davenport said Valleroy's recognition was well-deserved.

Teachers seldom are praised for the work they do, she said. Valleroy's work with sixth-graders is even more difficult because of the many changes students that age undergo.

"I think it's her sensitivity to the students and parents and being able to incorporate that caring attitude into everything that she does," said Davenport. "Her special talents are well-suited for that age child."