I met Valerie in my freshman year of high school. She was a new teacher in our district, and I was enrolled in her Fashion Illustration course at the time. Without any career intentions or interest, I entered the class as, what I believed to be, a simple elective being taken for the purpose of fulfilling credit requirements. However, the first day I walked into Valerie’s class, I was immediately inspired. Her expertise, commitment to her craft, guidance, and kindness is exceptional. It did not matter to her whether or not you knew how to draw or had any prior knowledge of the fashion industry.
Her focus was and has always been inspiring younger generations to love the fashion industry and develop a keen interest in its properties. It is through the first year of that course that my interest really developed, and my love for her progressed to the point where I was registering for the second level of her course, Fashion Illustration II. I stayed with her and continued with independent instruction for my last two years of high school where she taught me how to sew garments, develop an expert portfolio for college applications, and simple life and organizational skills that would stretch my ability that much further. Therefore, my skill set was extended far beyond anything I could’ve imagined and my portfolio became pages in length and kept looking very professional.
Because of Val’s kindness and expertise guiding me through these last four years, I have decided to pursue a career in the field and I am now a Fashion Design and Merchandising major at Montclair State University. Valerie is one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of working with and forming a connection with throughout these last several years. There is no end to the support she has offered through both the high school and college process, and I have no doubt she will continue to inspire many for years to come.
Samantha DellaTerza, student,
West Essex Regional High School
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Valerie Romano for any teaching position in the field of Fashion. I had the privilege of working closely with Valerie at Wayne Valley High School, where she demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and creativity in the field of Fashion Design and Technology. At Wayne Valley I acted as her direct supervisor in the role of Assistant Principal and Supervisor of Science and Technology.
Valerie consistently exhibited a passion for teaching and an unwavering commitment to our students' success. She possesses an in-depth knowledge of fashion design and technology, and her ability to effectively convey complex concepts in a manner that engages and inspires students is truly remarkable.
One of Valerie's most notable achievements during her tenure at Wayne Valley was the development and implementation of innovative courses aligned with colleges. These courses offer high school students the opportunity to earn college credits in a competitive field of study. She took the initiative to establish partnerships with esteemed institutions, ensuring that students receive a rigorous and comprehensive fashion education that sets them on a path toward future success.
In addition to her exceptional curriculum development skills, Valerie possesses a unique talent for creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. She fosters a sense of community in the classroom, encouraging students to collaborate, explore their creativity, and push the boundaries of their artistic abilities. Her dedication to the growth and development of her students extends beyond the classroom, as she has consistently volunteered to mentor students and guide them in their pursuit of fashion-related projects outside of regular school hours.
Based on my extensive experience working with Valerie Romano, I have witnessed firsthand her outstanding teaching abilities and dedication to providing students with a comprehensive and meaningful education. Her commitment to excellence and innovative approach to education make her an exceptional candidate for any teaching position.
Brian Faehndrich, Assistant Principal,
Wayne Valley High School
It is my pleasure to recommend Valerie Romano, who has been a computer tech with the Summit Public Schools. Valerie worked diligently with all students to help them maneuver the computer lab as well as the demands of Summit High School.
Valerie approached each day with a caring and kind manner. She exemplified an educator with practical experience coupled with a personality and team approach. Many days Valerie was found working one-on-one with her students on her own time. Time is purposely spent with her students to encourage them and motivate them. She strives to instill the motto that through hard work great success can be achieved.
I have had the honor to work with Ms. Romano as her assistant principal and I have seen first-hand that she works to create a classroom environment that is collaborative, supportive, and enriching. My endorsement of Valerie Romano is with the greatest degree of respect.
Lorena Dolan, Vice Principal,
Summit High School