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Mrs. Valendza
Intervention Specialist

Laura Valendza is an experienced, enthusiastic, and caring teacher who is committed to promoting the education and well-being of all children in an inclusive environment that celebrates each student’s individual strengths. She has been teaching for Akron Public Schools for 18 years as an intervention specialist. Mrs. Valendza has a Masters of Education from The University of Akron. Mrs. Valendza is committed to educating the whole child based on their individual needs. The arts are an integral part of how she approaches education because the arts speak to all populations regardless of age, gender, race, or demographics. She believes that the arts can create a community, give a voice to the voiceless, and develop creative thinkers. Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Valendza was a professional actor performing in Cleveland, Chicago, and touring the country. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Case Western Reserve University. Mrs. Valendza is the co-founder of The Center for Applied Drama and Autism where she uses drama and improvisational skills to develop social skills in children and teens that are on the Spectrum.