Teddi K. Culiver (Valeski)

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
― Plutarch

  • Masters Degree in History, University of North Carolina Wilmington (2022)
  • Bachelors (B.S.) in Social Studies Education, Minor: International Studies,  Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2012)

  • Delta State University: Earned nine graduate credits in Education including “Literacy Development”, “Classroom Management and Culture,” and “Instructional Planning and Delivery” (non-degree seeking. 2013)

  • Education Certification (Florida): Social Studies (7-12), English (7-12)

Awards:

Key West High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year (2016)

David Wolkowsky Teachers of Merit Award (2015)

Pennsylvania Student Teacher of the Year Award, Awarded by the Pennsylvania Council for the Social Studies (2013)

Link to Article (Indiana Gazette)

Teaching and Educational Leadership Experience: 

  • Social Studies Department Chair (2017-2018) – Key West High School
  • Advanced Placement United States History (2014-2019) – Monroe County School District, Florida
  • Class Sponsor (Class of 2017) – Monroe County School District, Florida
  • 2013 Teach for America Corps Member * (2013-2014)
  • 11th Grade United States History Teacher  –  Holly Springs School District, Mississippi
  • Substitute Teacher: Blairsville -Saltsburg School District – Blairsville-Saltsburg School District, Pennsylvania (2012-2013)

Student Teaching: (August 2012 – December 2012) Blairsville Middle and High School

Pre-Service Teaching Experiences: (2010-2012)

  • I: Homer-Center High School, 9th-11th grade Civics and US History- Homer City, Pennsylvania
  • II: Apollo-Ridge High School, 9th grade United States History- Spring Church, Pennsylvania
Aspirations:
I aspire to be a teacher that inspires and gives all students an excellent education. I wish to help students succeed not only academically but also in life.

I have a high respect for all people and believe that every child deserves an excellent education. I believe in dreaming, creating, and exploring the world around us. I believe in life-time learning, in new ideas, and in life-time growth. I am fascinated with different cultures around the world and believe  in a holistic approach to learning and teaching.

My ultimate career goal is to promote inquiry-based learning in Social Studies, particularly within the field of History, and to train Social Studies teachers on developing and creating diverse learning modules that allow for student-centered engagement and learning. I want to alter the traditional view of teaching Social Studies and inspire a nationwide movement that emphasizes historical thinking skills and student-led education. I believe it is crucial to develop a curriculum to include all perspectives and viewpoints with culturally responsive pedagogy. Ultimately, I want to change how students learn History and make it more applicable, diverse, relevant, and rigorous to prepare them for a world where they can use critical thinking to solve problems and advocate for a better future.

(updated August 2021)

 

“Ms. Valeski’s professionalism with students, parents, and staff, has made her a favorite within our school community.”  Mr. Lowman, Social Studies Teacher at Blairsville High School (2012)

“Teddi has a naturalness that you don’t often see in someone of her age, if she’s this impressive at this point of her education and career, I can only imagine what an inspiring and remarkable teacher she will be someday soon.” – Ms. Bruno, Social Studies Teacher, Homer-Center High School