Celebrating the Good: José Valerio Leads with Compassion

For all the professional educators, teacher’s assistants who became de facto teachers, and principals who went back to the classroom, we see you. We deeply honor your fierce commitment to your students, our babies, during this unprecedented year. EduLeaders of Color member Evelyn Liriano reached out to honor her principal, José Valerio, who has shown up powerfully for his community at Lillian Feinstein Elementary School at Sackett St in Providence, RI.

In lieu of a May meetup, we are proud to share his story and honor him. EduLeaders of Color celebrated José at a special ceremony at the school complete with balloons, donuts, and a touching tribute from Evelyn.

Borrowing from Evelyn’s words, here is how José has led his community this year.

“He is the principal that is outside during arrival to greet students and parents. He is the principal that is outside during dismissal. He is a principal who speaks the community language (Spanish).”

José Valerio has worn many hats this year. He delivered chromebooks and books to students throughout the year. He taught when teachers were running late or substitutes were unavailable. He acted as a front office staff member when administrative assistants or clerks were absent. He covered lunch duty to ensure teachers got their lunch breaks. He stayed after with students when parents were running late. He has been “the social worker/psychologist many times!”

Evelyn continues, “At the beginning of the school year, he would come even on the weekends so that teachers get their rooms ready for their students. Whenever we have had activities during the school year (pre-Covid), he would be at the school until whatever time, every time. He is always present!”

Being a data-driven leader allowed José to maximize learning opportunities for every child at every grade level. He used data to determine his strategies to better the school performance.

Evelyn concluded, “I have mentioned many qualities and capacities, but what I think makes him even greater is his humanity and his compassion. Since last year, we have suffered many difficulties…challenges. We have had teachers who had to temporarily absent themselves from their jobs due to cancer; we lost a former teacher to COVID-19 and a few teachers have lost a parent. Throughout all these difficult times, he has shown his humanity and compassion. He has shown his emotions with tears. He has shown that he cares by offering coverage for colleagues to pay their respects to others. He has shown that he cares by being considerate. He has been very supportive!”

For going above and beyond the principal job description, for being a humane leader, a visionary, and a pillar of your community, Equity Institute is honored to celebrate and recognize Mr. José Valerio.