Valerie Nesmith-Arechiga

Valerie Nesmith-Arechiga has dedicated over a decade to the field of education, having served as a classroom teacher, instructional advisor, and administrator at both elementary and secondary levels. Her expertise in conducting professional training through a relational approach enables her to effectively foster relationships and address the needs of emerging educational leaders. As the Director of Partnerships at Highfive, Valerie leverages her extensive background to drive impactful collaborations and support educational leaders as they cultivate a culture of belonging.  

Valerie brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, having served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Instructional Coach across multiple school districts. Her tenure in administration has led to significant improvements in school culture, curriculum, and instructional support. Valerie excels at integrating pedagogy and content while prioritizing staff support and addressing the needs of the whole child, resulting in enhanced student achievement. She has consistently spearheaded initiatives to advance educational delivery, fostering a rich and engaging environment where all students can thrive. Her exemplary modeling and emphasis on best practices equip her to drive meaningful and impactful changes in educational settings.  

Valerie is currently a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Her research centers on Latina K-12 principals and the impact of their cultural backgrounds on their leadership styles. She also holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, both from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Valerie is driven by a commitment to advancing educational excellence, aiming to uncover the factors that empower educators to achieve greatness and ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. 

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