Project Description
Paul Valanis, Fellow
Angel's Gate Continuation High School
Los Angeles, CA
Paul James Valanis is a dedicated educator of over 30 years, 28 with LAUSD. He is a former college athlete who found his ‘why’ teaching and coaching students of all ages, but found his niche in high school and especially at a Continuation High School working with at-promise students. Paul graduated high school from Iowa City High School and attended the University of Cincinnati. After college Paul worked as a head night custodian for two years which gave him a keen insight into managing a physical plant and supporting the building and grounds workers. Paul returned to Los Angeles in 1991 to begin his formal career in education. Paul worked at Harbor View Adolescent center as rehabilitation counselor’s aide teaching home economics, P.E. and poetry. Paul began his first full time assignment in 1993 with LAUSD teaching history. Paul was then afforded an opportunity to be part of a grant writing team that received monies and support from the National Guard to build a STEM HS on an existing K-8 campus. This propelled him and led him further into teaching, coaching, and administration. Paul has been a principal for nine years. Paul has earned recognition from the California Interscholastic Federation, the City of Los Angeles, the University of Southern California, the L.A. District Attorney’s office, the Association of California State Administrators, the State Senate, the LAUSD Board among others. Mr. Paul Valanis enjoys exercising, chess, writing and the beach.