Timmo and Shelby                                    We love the Texas Rangers!

 

ABOUT ME

My name is Valerie Aja and in order to have a better understanding about me, you need to know about some of my experiences in life.

After high school, I attended Sam Houston State University as a Music Therapy major. After 2 years of not taking college seriously, I decided I needed to get out on my own for a while. So, I joined the U.S. Navy in order to gain independence from my parents as well as to become more disciplined in my life. While in the Navy, I traveled overseas to Japan and Korea working on aircraft electronics. I also met my husband while stationed in California. After 4 years, I was ready to try college again. Once discharged from the Navy, I returned to Texas and started attending Stephen F. Austin. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a specialization in Music. I am certified to teach general classroom, music and physical education.

For the next four years, I taught Elementary Music and general classroom in East Texas. In 2003, we moved to the North Texas area and I taught second grade in Denton for one year. However, having started my teaching career in a small town, I discovered that Denton was not where I wanted to be. I came to Ponder ISD in 2004. I taught 3rd grade for 7 years and have now been given the chance to move back to my passion - teaching Music!

I come from a long line of educators, and spent a good deal of my childhood on stage with my family. I have learned a lot through my family about teaching. I also like to call upon my military training and experiences in order to keep my classroom a fun, and well managed place to learn. I strive to enhance each student's education in a positive environment that will allow each learner to perform at the best of his/her ability. My hope is that studnets will develop a life-long love of music.