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Teacher and School Leader Staff

Program Leadership:

Valencia Martin, Director

The Director of the Teacher and School Leader Program, which supports the Teacher Residency Program, is Valencia Martin.  Martin has  B.A. in Speech, Sociology, and English, an M.A. in Teaching and Learning, and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership.  She has 20 years of experience in English/Language Arts education, including 4 years as an ELA Instructional Coach.  Most recently, Valencia served as Assistant Principal at East St. Louis Senior High School.


Tracee Wells, Mentor Resident Leader

Tracee Wells serves as Mentor Resident Leader (MRL) for the East St. Louis Urban Education Teacher Residency Program.   Mrs. Wells has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Recreational Administration.  Wells is a certified COMP (Classroom Organization and Management Program) Trainer for the state of Illinois.  Mrs. Wells is a former AVID Coordinator and Elective Teacher at East St. Louis Senior High School.  Most recently, Tracee served as the English Language Arts Instructional Coach at the high school and is also currently the AVID District Director for ESL SD 189.


Both Martin and Wells, natives of the East St. Louis metropolitan area, are excited to be at the helm of this transformational work for the District.  Each of them has a strong belief in the importance of developing capacity in educators through intentional, quality, research-based professional development.  They are enthusiastic about and committed to the work it will take to inspire and encourage next level educators, students, schools, and the community of East St. Louis, Illinois.