March’s KFM Teacher of the Month is Alejandro Varela, a 3rd grade teacher at Steele Elementary School in Galesburg. Alejandro was nominated by Jamie Davis whose son Kaden is in his class. As KFM’s Teacher of the Month, Alejandro receives the Big Red Apple Award along with a $100 gift card and a dish garden courtesy of Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Galesburg Flower Company and Lacky Monuments. Here’s a little bit about Mr Varela:
Where did you grow up? Phoenix, Arizona
Years teaching: 4
Favorite Subject Growing Up: History
Favorite Subject To Teach: Science
Favorite Food: Pretty much everything
Least Favorite Food: Don’t have one
My Favorite Movie: Toy Story
My Favorite TV Show: Cutthroat Kitchen
My Favorite Book: A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
My Favorite Sports Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
During My Spare Time I Like To: Play Video Games
Here’s what Jamie Davis had to say about Mr. Varela:
What sets this teacher apart from others?
From the day my son, Kaden Davis, found out that Mr. Varela would be his third teacher he has been excited and interested in school. While all of his teachers at Steele have been very good, Mr. Valera stands out. He has encouraged Kaden to do his best and told his class that if they work hard rewards would follow. He has developed a reward system which has excited all of the children. My son has struggled with maintaining attention in class – hasn’t been the case this year. It has been a relief for me not to see Kaden struggle this year.
What is one thing this teacher does that is not in their job description but they do it anyway to help you or your child?
Mr. Valera does many things that are not in his job description to encourage the children in his class. He rewards the children with prizes for doing well. Most recently Kaden was rewarded (by saving points) with a pizza party for him and two friends. I’m sure Mr. Valera paid for his out of his own pocket. I also know he has told the children to let him know in advance if they are going to be involved in a sporting event. If it fits in his schedule, he has told them that he would make an effort to attend. That’s going above and beyond.
Give an example of a way this teacher has helped or impacted you or your child.
It’s obvious that Mr. Valera has impacted my son. Kaden enjoys getting up and going to school every day. He has encouraged Kaden to do his best and is building up his self-confidence (along with the other children in the class). As a result, Kaden’s behavior has improved this year. It’s been wonderful!!
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(Click on a photo to enlarge)
As KFM’s Teacher of the Month, Alejandro receives the Big Red Apple Award, a $100 gift card, and a dish garden. Congratulations and THANK YOU Mr. Varela for making a difference in children’s lives from Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Lacky Monuments, Galesburg Flower Company and 105.3 KFM.
