Akane Valenciano, Yale Elementary School
Many new faces are joining the Aurora Public Schools family for the upcoming 2021-22 school year! APS recently welcomed more than 300 new teachers and mental health professions to the district during New Educator Orientation.
Some are new to the district but have considerable background in education, while others are fresh out of college and excited to begin their first year as aspiring educators.
The new staff members had an opportunity to visit their schools, meet with their school leaders and participate in a pep rally style district-level welcome. As part of the welcome, they enjoyed a bus tour of the district.
“I am excited to welcome you to the APS family because we are exactly that,” said APS Chief Personnel Officer Damon Smith. “We are a family.”
Caleb Robbins, Aurora West College Preparatory Academy
Akane Valenciano, a new art teacher at Yale Elementary School, said, “I’ve been part of the Aurora community for a while now, but this will be my first year as a full-time teacher and I am really excited to give back in this way.”
“I chose APS because of its commitment to support students in their emotional learning,” said Caleb Robbins, a new school counselor eager to open his door to Aurora West College Preparatory Academy students. “I am looking forward to working with like-minded mental health professionals who prioritize students’ needs.”
We look forward to working together to ensure every student shapes a successful future!
Click to view slideshow.