LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Robert Valdez was nominated by Alira Medel, the parent of a student, and other parents and colleagues.

Mr. Valdez is an amazing algebra teacher at Highland High School. He possesses human qualities such as honesty, empathy, positivity, optimism, integrity, and compassion. He's motivational and naturally caring for his students and their families. His capacity to promote a nurturing environment for his students has earned him much admiration among students and parents alike. He is always available for anyone who needs assistance with mathematics, college planning, personal issues, or any other school subject they may have difficulties with. He encourages and educates his students on the benefits of attending college and the impact on their futures.

Mr. Valdez's professionalism in dealing with administration and parents is excellent, and he is a great example to his peers. He contributes to a positive atmosphere by maintaining his students' interest in mathematics and keeping them motivated to learn. He is always quick to identify problems with students, and he intervenes to help and ensure that students return to the right path so they may succeed in high school.

Mr. Valdez always keeps parents aware of their child's progress, not only when he has concerns, but when the student excels in his class. He maintains great communication with parents and keeps them updated on different topics that affect their children, both in terms of academics and their overall well-being. He has been recognized publicly by parents on many occasions during meetings with the high school principal.

Mr. Valdez has shared his personal and academic challenges with his students to show them they can overcome any obstacles in life. He demonstrates to his students that perseverance and having teachers and other supportive individuals in their lives can help them succeed in school and in life. 

Mr. Valdez was assigned to be the girls' junior varsity tennis coach, despite having no previous experience. He accepted the assignment and challenge without hesitation. He learned the tennis rules, coached the girls, and always encouraged them to be great players, try their hardest, and demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship with their opponents/peers. This earned the players and Highland High School the respect of opposing schools in the area. His positive attitude and cheerfulness served as great motivation for his athletes at every game. His professionalism in dealing with other coaches earned him the respect and admiration of the team and parents. 

Me. Valdez has been instrumental in guiding students into their next educational path by assisting them with any questions they may have about financial aid, applying to the CSU’s and UC system, how to request letters of recommendation, establishing a Calgrant account to be updated on grants and any aid offered by the universities, college registration dates, deadlines, questions on Universities, financial aid questions,  scholarship opportunities and notices. He utilizes a system called REMIND to stay in touch with parents and students, currently he has been sending messages and posting AP exam times, he also offers food and snacks to those students who need to eat before their exams. He has sends reminders to students and parents using Remind. Parents have reached out to him asking questions on high school transcripts, and UC questions. He has setup a site where students can view different information about colleges and financial aid, local and many scholarships https://www.mrvaldez.org/financial-aid-scholarship-info/applying-for-scholarships#h.4stg4um8lwe5

"I got to know him personally, and I realized the wonderful human being he is and how much he cares, not only for the girls' tennis team, but for all his students. His open door policy is for any student who needs help with any subject. He is an amazing human being, a wonderful teacher, and a great role model for high school students," said Medel.