Avon’s 2023 Teacher of the Year Named Top 25 Finalist for Indiana Teacher of the Year

Avon, Ind. – Sarah Valentin, Pine Tree Elementary Multilingual Learner Teacher and Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) 2023 Teacher of the Year, was informed by the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) that she is one of the Top 25 Finalists in the state’s annual Teacher of the Year program. 

“Being a DOE Top 25 finalist for Indiana State Teacher of the Year makes me even prouder than I already was to be an Avon Oriole,” says Valentin. “This accomplishment is a true testament of what it means to teach in Avon. This is a school corporation in which all of us are working together to make everyone feel valued and able to learn.”  

Valentin’s dedication and talent have been on full display in recent months. She has embraced the opportunity to secure additional credentials that allow her to transition out of her 2nd-grade classroom to begin working full-time with Pine Tree Elementary’s multilingual learners at the start of the 2023-24 school year. “Sarah earned the honor of being ACSC’s Teacher of the Year with her work as a 2nd-grade teacher,” says Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham. “Her passion for her students and her skill as an educator are going to propel her toward success in this new role. She’s perfectly suited for helping this rapidly growing population of students excel academically as they learn English as a second or even third language.” 

“Sarah exudes what it means to be students first,” says ACSC Director of Teaching and Learning (PreK-6) Carrie Alday. “She creates meaningful relationships with students and adjusts her instruction to help all students learn. Sarah is deserving of this recognition.” 

Valentin is quick to share the credit for the honor she has earned – first as ACSC’s Teacher of the Year and now as a Top 25 Indiana Teacher of the Year. “I couldn’t have done this without the wonderful staff, students, and families who make Avon Schools so great!” 

DOE will communicate with Valentin and the other members of the Top 25 later this month. The state’s Teacher of the Year selection process will conclude in the fall with the selection of the 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year.