Staff Profile

Mrs. Valerie Taylor

Faculty Information

Title(s)
Administrative Assistant for Admissions & Testing

Contact Information

Email
(Primary)
School Phone
703-938-3600   x333

Other Information

Biography

Degree(s)

Masters in Middle Education, George Mason University
Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, University of North Carolina

Professional Background

I grew up in Northern Virginia, attending St. John's grade school in McLean and O'Connell High School. Heading down south, I attended the University of North Carolina where I pursued a BS degree in Business Administration and was a member of the varsity dive team. Returning to NOVA, I worked for First Virginia Mortgage Co. as a loan officer for several years. During that time, I met my husband, John, and proceeded to have 3 children, Jessica, Chelsea and Jack. I left the mortgage industry to pursue my true calling which is to teach. I completed the Masters of Education program at George Mason and taught in Loudoun County Public Schools for a few years. I took time off to stay home and raise our children for about 10 years. During that time, I did a lot of part-time work that included tutoring and coaching both diving, at PVI and Marshall HS, and basketball for VYI and OLGC house league. I started back to teaching in 2007, when I became the part-time aide in 2nd grade for Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Francese. Over the past 10 years at OLGC, I have fulfilled different jobs including aide, substitute teacher, resource teacher and now (my favorite!) middle school math teacher.

Faith in Action

When teaching math, I put my faith in action by using patience and persistence! Math at times takes both of these virtues. "Patience is the guardian of all the virtues, for there are obstacles to be encountered in any good work, and they can be overcome only by patience." It takes patience and hard work, for most, to learn math and to teach math. I feel I have put my faith in action when both patience and persistence accompanies students' learning.

Favorite Teaching Moment

My favorite teaching moments are when students have been struggling with a concept and then they finally get it! I can see the light go on in their heads and we both get that feeling of great achievement!!

Favorite Food

Sadly, doughnuts!

Favorite Activity Outside of School

Watching Tarheel basketball! Spending time in Ocean City, MD.