Valley View Elementary Teacher Devotes Decades To Student Success

Livermore, CA — Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Livermore is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.

From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schools. To recognize their many contributions — big and small — Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to salute the unsung heroes of back-to-school.

This submission comes from Todd Carnahan, who nominated Christie Carnahan of Valley View Elementary.

What is the school hero’s name?

Christie Carnahan

Where does this school hero work?

Valley View Elementary

Please describe why this individual is a hero at your school.

Christie Carnahan is a dual immersion kindergarten teacher that works for the Pleasanton Unified School District. For over 30 years she has gone above and beyond the call of duty for her students and their families. She truly believes in the success of each and everyone of her students. One only needs to see her classroom in person to truly get a sense of her passion for children. While the typical school day is over at 2:50pm it is not uncommon for her to still be at school until 6:00pm on a nightly basis planning for the next day, helping students, helping parents of students, helping fellow staff members, or even running books and or supplies to her students homes. Over the years I have seen her hold evening zoom sessions with many of her students that were unable to attend class for numerous reasons. When I asked her why she does this she simply stated "I want my students to know that I love and care for them and their success". In addition to her teaching skill she has been fortunate to win many grants for both her classroom and her school totaling well into the hundreds of thousands range. Even though she is driven by the success of her students she teaches with a kind, loving, passionate, and humble heart. I can tell you from first hand experience that she has cancelled or changed many family (date night) plans when a student need arises. It takes a unique individual to truly put their students needs first. These are just a few examples that I have highlighted about Christie. I have over 30 years worth and could go one for days about her passion for the classroom. I would invite anyone reading this to stop by her classroom - watch her teach, see her passion, and take a few moments to look at how her room is decorated with love. Its truly amazing to see the eyes of her kindergartens open wide when they walk in the classroom.

How do you know the school hero you’re nominating?

Im her husband

What should your community know about this person?

Christie became a teacher in order to pass on her family's history of biliteracy and bilingualism to her students and to the future generations. She believes that education is one of the most valuable gifts she can give to her students and their families. She was very instrumental with the launching of Valley View Elementary's duel immersion program back in 1998, which consisted of one small class of 18 first graders who wanted to learn two languages. Since then, the program has expanded to at least 15 classes with over 350 students involved each year.

What three words best describe the school hero?

Loving Passionate Humble

If you know a school hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

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