Hello and welcome to my web page. My name is Mrs. Valerie Alves and I am very happy to welcome you to my classroom. At this time I would like to tell you a little something about my background. My love for education began many years ago as I became a Whaler myself. Yes I am a very proud alumni of New Bedford High School and hope that you will grow to share my enthusiasm for this great school.
My educational journey
As a student at UMASS Dartmouth, I majored in Human Resource Management, the study of people in business. After graduating I entered the world of work by stepping into the banking industry where I worked for 4 years in the commercial and residential lending department at Shawmut Bank. I then ventured into upper management as I began working as a property manager for Claremont Corporation where I became a Certified Property Manager specializing in government subsidized housing. Claremont became my home away from home for 11 years and although I greatly enjoyed all the years of experience I gained, I was working towards my goal of becoming a certified business education teacher by attending college yet again to reach this goal. In May of 2000 by journey into the field of education began here at New Bedford Public Schools and I have never once been more happy. Choosing your life's passion is a journey. Some journey's take longer than others. It is not the length of your journey but that you reach your destination that is important. I have enjoyed this journey but never imagined what was waiting for me.