Valadez, a Chadron State College music education major from Alliance, is scheduled to graduate in December after completing her student teaching in Bridgeport this fall. She plans to offer private lessons and substitute teach, while searching for a full-time teaching position.

Her decision to become a music educator was inspired not only by a deep love of music, but also by the support and compassion she received during a difficult time in high school.

“There was a teacher in 10th grade who saw that I was struggling,” Valadez said. “She walked with me when I felt most alone. It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it changed everything. I knew then that I wanted to be a teacher, someone who helps others feel seen.”

Valadez’s passion for teaching blossomed during her time at CSC. While she developed a strong foundation in theory, composition, and performance, it was the practicum and methods courses that had the most significant impact.

“The most valuable thing I’ve learned at CSC is how to teach music,” she said. “I’ve gained so much from my classes and performances, but learning how to guide others through music is what I’ll carry into my career.”

Although she originally planned to focus on piano, Valadez credits Dr. Joel Schreuder with opening her up to vocal performance.

“I didn’t want anything to do with singing,” she said. “But I joined vocal jazz, changed my instrument to voice, and found a new way to express myself.”

She also praised Dr. Michael Stephens, noting his energy and dedication made music theory engaging and jazz band rehearsals enjoyable.

“There are so many great professors here,” she said. “They challenge you, support you, and give you opportunities to grow.”

One standout experience was performing a composition entitled Mass by Steve Dobrogosz in Kearney, Nebraska, in 2023 with other college choirs, a high school choir, and a chamber orchestra.

“It was incredible,” she said. “The sound, the people, the music — it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had performing.”

Valadez’s journey is also rooted in family. Her grandmother, Dr. Peggy Marshall, a retired CSC Education professor, passed on her musical passion to Valadez’s mother, Sara Behrends.

“My grandma is a huge advocate for music, which has rubbed off on me. My mom surrounded me with music growing up. She was always singing, playing piano, or planning her next lesson or worship team practice. The sheer amount of commitment and love she had for music is one of the reasons I want to be a teacher. I think the dedication she has to her career is the kind of passion I want to have. I also admire her creativity in her lessons and the way she wants to try new things with her students,” Valadez said.

Sara Behrends eventually became Valadez’s elementary music teacher. Her father, Aaron Behrends, taught her in middle and high school.

“My parents gave me such a strong foundation in music,” she said. “They encouraged me, supported me, and gave me the confidence to pursue this path. I feel like I’m carrying on a family tradition, and that fills me with pride.”

Her future goals relate back to her experience as a high school student.

“I want to be the kind of teacher that makes kids want to show up every day,” Valadez said. “I hope my classroom is a safe, calm space where students can leave their problems behind and just make music.”

She envisions herself teaching high school choir, but feels prepared for any age group or setting.

“At CSC, I got to do so much, try different instruments, join various ensembles, and take diverse lessons,” she said. “That flexibility will make me a better teacher, and I hope it encourages my future students to try new things, too.”

As she prepares for the next chapter, Valadez is filled with gratitude.

“CSC has been a wonderful place to learn, and I’m sad to leave,” she said. “But I’m thankful for everything, the professors, the experiences, and especially my family, who showed me how powerful music can be.”

Ellis obtains additional certification

CHADRON – Dr. Josh Ellis, professor in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), recently earned the Certified Special Populations Specialist (CSPS) certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).