I am honored to nominate Aubrea Grundstad, a 3rd grade teacher at Valley Park Elementary, for her extraordinary dedication to her students and her exceptional impact on their growth, confidence, and love of learning.  Ms. Grundstad always puts her students’ needs first. She creates a classroom environment that is caring, respectful, and supportive, while also holding high expectations and believing deeply in every child’s ability to succeed. She doesn’t just teach to a curriculum; she teaches to the child in front of her. Each student is seen, valued, and encouraged for their individual strengths, while also being guided thoughtfully in areas where growth is needed.  What sets Ms. Grundstad apart is her deep understanding that every student learns differently. She proactively adjusts her approach to meet a wide range of learning styles, abilities, and needs, ensuring that no child is left behind and every child has the opportunity to thrive. She is attentive, responsive, and intentional about providing the support each student needs to do their absolute best.  Ms. Grundstad is also committed to professional excellence. She stays informed about current learning trends and best practices, continually refining her teaching so she can connect with her students in the most effective and meaningful ways. Her classroom is a place where students feel safe to take risks, grow, and believe in themselves.  Because of Ms. Grundstad’s dedication, students are not only learning academically, but also gaining confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Valley Park Elementary is incredibly fortunate to have such a compassionate, skilled, and committed educator shaping the lives of its students.

Valley Park is proud to celebrate Mrs. Aubrea Grundstad, one of our incredible third grade teachers, as this month’s Teacher Proud Tuesday honoree.

Mrs. Grundstad is known for her genuine love for her students. She collaborates closely with colleagues, shares ideas freely, and is always ready to step in and help. Inside her classroom, that same spirit shows up in the way she builds relationships and sets high expectations. It’s a place where students feel cared for and challenged at the same time.

One parent shared, “Second year with my child, amazing teacher. Caring, loving, sweet, smart, but at the same time, she doesn’t let the kids pull anything. She knows her job, she knows her work, she’s soooo good with the kids, and she goes above and beyond to assure your child is taken care of and learning at the correct pace. One of the best teachers this school has ever employed.”

Additionally, another parent stated, "I am honored to nominate Aubrea Grundstad, a 3rd grade teacher at Valley Park Elementary, for her extraordinary dedication to her students and her exceptional impact on their growth, confidence, and love of learning.

Ms. Grundstad always puts her students’ needs first. She creates a classroom environment that is caring, respectful, and supportive, while also holding high expectations and believing deeply in every child’s ability to succeed. She doesn’t just teach to a curriculum; she teaches to the child in front of her. Each student is seen, valued, and encouraged for their individual strengths, while also being guided thoughtfully in areas where growth is needed.

What sets Ms. Grundstad apart is her deep understanding that every student learns differently. She proactively adjusts her approach to meet a wide range of learning styles, abilities, and needs, ensuring that no child is left behind and every child has the opportunity to thrive. She is attentive, responsive, and intentional about providing the support each student needs to do their absolute best.

Ms. Grundstad is also committed to professional excellence. She stays informed about current learning trends and best practices, continually refining her teaching so she can connect with her students in the most effective and meaningful ways. Her classroom is a place where students feel safe to take risks, grow, and believe in themselves.

Because of Ms. Grundstad’s dedication, students are not only learning academically, but also gaining confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Valley Park Elementary is incredibly fortunate to have such a compassionate, skilled, and committed educator shaping the lives of its students."

Mrs. Grundstad's students leave third grade not only stronger readers, writers and mathematicians, but more confident and resilient learners. Her impact extends far beyond her classroom walls and helps shape the positive, supportive culture that defines Valley Park.

We are grateful for the heart, skill, and dedication she brings to our school community each and every day. Congratulations, Mrs. Grundstad, on being named our Teacher Proud Tuesday honoree.

On the second Tuesday of each month, Missouri school districts recognize a Teacher Proud Tuesday honoree who is making a difference in the lives of students.