Guided by a Catalyst

Choosing science classes in junior and senior year can feel like navigating a maze—exciting, but daunting. When it came time to make my decision, I chose AP Chemistry, fully aware of the challenges that came with it. But I wasn’t stepping into the unknown alone. I had a secret weapon: Mrs. Valentine.

It’s clear to her former students that she stands out as an incredible person. In 2024, she won the white coat, a representation of her teaching and the appreciation for her. This is voted for by all of the senior class for the most loved teacher. She makes chemistry more approachable and easier for her students to comprehend.

“Chemistry can seem pretty overwhelming at first, but once students start connecting it to real life, like baking or how a phone battery works, it starts to feel more real and way more interesting,” says Mrs. Valentine. 

I first had Mrs. Valentine as a sophomore, and that experience made it easy to continue with her an easy one. Her passion for chemistry, paired with her unwavering patience, turned even the most complex topics into lightbulb moments. She wasn’t just a great teacher—she was the reason I believed I could rise to the challenge.

What makes Mrs. Valentine truly exceptional is her dedication. Despite juggling a busy life outside of school, she still finds time to stay after school, offering extra help and encouragement to any student who needs it. That level of commitment doesn’t just teach chemistry; it teaches compassion and resilience.

“AP Chemistry can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” states Mrs. Valentine. 

The more I learned about her, the more I connected with her. Her love for chemistry is infectious, and her presence in the classroom makes even the toughest days feel a little easier. With Mrs. Valentine by my side, AP Chemistry became more than a course—it became a journey I was proud to take.

Many of her graduating seniors look back on this class and see how much of a great experience it truly was. Teaching them valuable life lessons as well as preparing them for difficult college courses. 

 “A lot of my classmates scored a 3 or higher on the exam, which was also a result of her preparation and teaching skills,” states senior Calleigh Foley. 

From Lab to LHS

Throughout high school, Mrs. Valentine was always drawn to math and science. She discovered a passion for problem-solving—something these subjects allowed her to explore deeply. After graduating, she pursued her interest in chemistry, majoring in the subject at Smith College. While she initially envisioned a career in pharmaceuticals or research science, her path began to shift when she volunteered as a tutor and discovered her love for teaching.

Determined to follow this newfound passion, Mrs. Valentine earned her teaching credentials and later completed a master’s degree in education. She went on to work as a lab instructor for three years, gaining valuable experience in both teaching and scientific practice.

In 2013, she was offered a teaching position at LHS—a role she accepted with great excitement. Since then, she has been inspiring students with her enthusiasm for chemistry and her dedication to education.

“I’ve never looked back,” she explains. 

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Valentine enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter Siena, and her dog. She loves solving puzzles, listening to podcasts, and sharing fun science experiments with Siena and her friends—bringing the joy of discovery into everyday life.

Reactions in Every Lesson 

While many students find that some teachers don’t adapt to everyone’s unique learning style, Mrs. Valentine goes above and beyond. Whether it’s hands-on learning techniques, visual images, or an explanation, she can give you whichever one you prefer. 

“I try to keep a good mix of fun and structure so students stay engaged but also feel like they’re really learning something solid,” explains Mrs. Valentine.

No matter the topic, Mrs. Valentine makes chemistry come alive. From colorful experiments to real-world applications, she ensures each lesson is both informative and exciting. Her enthusiasm makes even the most challenging concepts feel approachable and fun.

Students appreciate how she takes the time to check in and adjust her teaching to fit their needs. Whether you’re a visual learner or someone who needs to talk things through, she finds a way to make the material click. Her classroom is a place where learning feels personalized and supported. 

“One way I would describe Mrs. Valentine to others is a teacher who genuinely cares about her student’s learning.  She has a sense of humor and kindness that makes you want to be around her,” says former student Calleigh Foley.

Passion Powered by Chemistry

Something everyone wishes to have in life is a job that they wholeheartedly enjoy every day. Mrs. Valentine is the type of teacher who makes it clear that she thoroughly cherishes her job and purpose as a teacher. 

“One of the things I enjoy most about teaching chemistry is seeing that “aha” moment when a concept finally clicks for a student,” she explains. 

The biggest reward Mrs. Valentine receives is when students understand the difficult chemistry concepts she presents. She shows her students how chem is around them daily—not just lessons in a textbook.

Pouring Out Student Advice 

Going into any AP science class can be intimidating, which is why Mrs. Valentine has loads of advice for everyone. To all underclassmen she explains how you don’t need to be a science genius, you just need to try hard each day you’re in the classroom. 

“Chemistry is all about building up your understanding little by little, so don’t stress—give yourself time to get the hang of it,” she adds.

To her upperclassmen, she always mentions how we are setting up for our future, and in a way she’s like our loving mom in teacher form. She always reminds us to challenge ourselves and always ask questions. 

“We love when she gives us motherly advice and connects with us on a personal level,” states junior Gabriella Fernandes.

Before entering AP chem, Mrs. Valentine explained how students that get straight A’s regularly aren’t going to continue with that due to the difficulty of the course. While this may be hard for some students to accept, it’s a reality. 

“You are not going to get everything right away, and that is OK,” adds Mrs. Valentine.

Memories Bond Like Molecules

When juniors and seniors look back at AP chem they don’t immediately think about all the stress and challenges. They think about the memories. 

Once the AP exam is over Mrs. Valentine gives her students snacks, candy, fun experiments, and a variety of movies to choose from. She makes it clear that all the hard work we did throughout the year truly pays off. 

“I genuinely enjoyed our post-AP exam classes, particularly the tie-dye activity,” states Faith Keroak.

Everyone loves the joy, fun, and welcoming feeling Mrs. Valentine offers. Whether it’s helping us get through the year or setting us up for success in college we can always count on her, no matter what. 

“She’s approachable, easy to talk to, and creates a comfortable learning environment,” says Faith Keroack.