LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Joseph Vallone

Position: Aerospace Engineering Teacher
School: Plantation High School
School District: Broward County Public Schools
City, State: Plantation, FL

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Joseph Vallone was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.

Everybody has that one teacher during their educational career who stands out among the rest. The teacher who goes above and beyond for their students, school, and programs. That teacher who is willing to take on 5,000 extra responsibilities and expects nothing in return. The one who works on Saturdays to ensure his students are on the path to success. For one family, that teacher is Mr. Vallone.

"Mr. Vallone is the one reason my son goes to school," the nominator said. "His class, teaching style, extra efforts and stories have caught my son's attention and are the reasons my son goes back for more."

Mr. Vallone gets to school early, leaves late, and opens up his classroom during his free periods for students seeking help. He facilitates student exploration and teaches through hands-on experiences. He creates a welcoming classroom environment for all students to learn, engage and grow.

"From the time my son comes home until he goes to bed, he shares his thoughts about what he learned and experienced in Mr. Vallone's Aerospace Engineering class," the nominator said. "Coming from a student who used to beg and plead with me to be home schooled, it is music to my ears to hear his returned happiness for learning due to Mr. Vallone."

"Teachers do so much for their students; whether it be mentally, physically, emotionally or financially," the nominator continued. "I wanted the opportunity to publicly recognize and thank Mr. Vallone for everything. I wanted him to see a parent's perspective and appreciation for him, and all he has done for my son. Thank you Mr. Vallone - you are a true LifeChanger of the Year."

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Comments (10)

Ken Green Posted over a year ago

I took my 5 year old grandson to the park one bright and sunny day, looking up we saw rockets being launched into the bright blue sky. Of course being a space crazy kid, he ran over to see what was going on. What we saw was a high school rocket team launching rockets that they built and were practicing for some national contest that they were trying to qualify for.The teacher saw how excited he was, came over kneeled down and explained to this five year old what was happening. From that moment on a friendship was born that has lasted more than thirteen years. Even though he went to a different school he was made a member of the Plantation High Rocket Club, attending competitions in SLI and TARK. To say that a teacher [ Joe Vallone ] has changed his life and mine, is a grand understatement.I now hold a level 2 certification with the National Association of Rocketry and try to help Joe as much I can. When you think of what a great teacher should be, Joe Vallone is the shinning example. What has impressed me is his devotion and dedication to his students,and after graduating coming back time and again to give their help to the new kids and the love they have for their favorite teacher .The unending hours, spending his own money for supplies, an understanding wife who's support is unbelievable. That five year old is now eighteen graduating this year, with a 4.3 average. Joe Vallone has been and will continue to be an important part of his life.... LIFECHANGER and much,much more

Abby M. Freedman Posted over a year ago

As a LifeChanger of the Year Nominee, you exemplify hard work, dedication and commitment. It is an honor to have a teacher such as yourself, who is willing to go above and beyond to enhance the educational environment. The students of Broward County are fortunate to have you.

Nora Perez Posted over a year ago

Joe is a teacher who devotes himself completely to the students, sacrificing countless hours outside of the school day to guide, mentor and make extended opportunities available to them. i have watch his program grow exponentially, and students return year after year well past graduation to work with him. Joe is truly a changer of lives for the better in every way.

Marissa Hoffman Posted over a year ago

Aerospace is an intriguing subject and one that students find relatable. Students are not drawn to the class for the math and science involved in aerospace engineering but rather because of Mr. Vallone. The atmosphere of his classroom is inviting as he sets high expectations and helps build equally high confidence in his students to overcome challenges, work as a team, and develop rockets that compete against some of the best colleges in the nation. He has changed the life of students who live in the neighborhood around the school as well as the NASA employees he hosts teleconferences with during the academic year. Mr. Vallone is the teacher every student and colleague remembers not because he teaches such a specialized course, but because of the encouragement and advice he willing gives.

Parent Posted over a year ago

Your unique approach to education keeps your students hooked and requesting to be in your 4 year program year after year! Your willingness and encouragement of having students learn by trial and error builds their confidence as well as an understanding and acceptance that they might not be successful the first try. Thus allowing students to apply problem solving skills. These skills when applied appropriately to life experiences promote independent thinkers. Thank you Mr. Valone for being the type of teacher who is a trendsetter, our students are academically and emotionally successful when you lead the way!

Micah Moreno Posted over a year ago

As a former student at Plantation High School, I used to hear my peers speak about Mr. Vallone's class with an intense passion and enthusiasm. 13 years later, as one of Mr. Vallone's colleagues, I hear my students speak about Mr. Vallone and his class in that same way. His efforts make an invaluable impact on our school and surrounding community.

Erika Posted over a year ago

I have worked alongside Mr. Vallone for over 12 years. His desire to learn and share his knowledge is infectious. He is a hard worker, who spends hours of his personal time ensuring his students success. He has built and maintained a stellar Aerospace program for our students and continues to foster his passion for engineer and design with Elementary and Middle school students. Mr. Vallone's dedication has not wavered in all the years I have known him, if anything his passion has only grown. We are lucky to have him here!

Robin Sabourin Posted over a year ago

My nephew spent his four years of high school in Mr. Vallone's AEROSPACE program. He participated in SLI and TARC all four years. Many Saturday mornings were spent at the rocket launches, getting ready to compete on the national level against other high schools, as well as colleges. He will tell you that it was because of the Aerospace program that he is now a STEM/Math Major in his fourth year at UCF. My niece has also been involved with the Aerospace Program through Mr. Vallone's open lab evenings for elementary students mentored by the high school students. Before school, after school, Saturday's... Mr. Vallone is there !

Marianna Cardenas Posted over a year ago

Mr. Vallone is a life changer. Students beg to get into his class...students that may have never considered engineering as an option, or never had an interest in it. He goes above and beyond for his kids. His class is real world, hands on projects, where the kids have a purpose to what they do everyday. We know for a fact that he has changed or helped guide the paths of countless students. He is the teacher we all try to be like.

Donna Dietz Posted over a year ago

You are the best!!!! My own children that are 11 and 12 request to go to your classroom anytime they are on campus !!!! Way to go!