Mrs. Valerie Ogami

Hello Dear Students and Families!

Many of you have known me as the perennial Rocky Ridge 3rd grade teacher. I cannot believe this will be my third year of teaching mighty 2nd graders. My career in education has, indeed, been an adventure. It all began 30 years ago in the Puyallup School District as a school secretary. After 14 years, I decided to become a teacher. I have taught 6th grade at middle school, 1st grade, and 3rd grade. Once again, I have the privilege of teaching and learning at the 2nd grade level.

When I am not teaching, I am planning new adventures and traveling to far off places. My hobbies include riding horses, skiing, kayaking, sewing, gardening, environmental science, and playing music on my piano and guitar. As well, I love adventuring with my four grown children and four energetic grandchildren. Another area that fascinates me is written and spoken language. In my life, I have enjoyed learning bits of French, Japanese, Spanish, and Lashootseed, which is the language of the Puyallup Tribe.  Also, I love to teach writing as a means of playing with words and creative ideas. Science is another passion of mine, but it would take too many pages to expand upon.

My philosophy of teaching is to educate the whole child; socially, emotionally, and academically. My goal is to inspire the young ones to become active agents in their own education. I want them to love the adventures of teaching and learning as much as I do.

Mrs. Ogami can be reached anytime at: vogami@bethelsd.org