Valley teacher honored for 50-year career at Grand Forks middle school

“It's so rewarding when a student says, 'I get it now. Thank you for explaining to me, '”said Peake, who has taught English literature at Valley Middle School for five decades.

"I love your reaction to your success."

Peake was honored on Friday May 28 for the impact she has made at the school during her 50-year career. At the special event attended by current and former colleagues and staff, school district administrators and former students, the admiration and respect of many people for them was evident. Several speakers praised her qualities as teacher and friend, and shared fond memories and some personal stories that made the knowing audience laugh.

Another English teacher, Kristin Smith, who spoke during the program, said, "Thank you for touching so many lives."

Peake received plaques and recognitions from Mayor Brandon Bochenski presented by Todd Selk, principal of Valley Middle School, and Superintendent Terry Brenner. She's not retiring, however, and plans to return to the classroom in the fall, Selk said.

In her classes, Peake “laid a foundation of principles that served children in 1971 and served children in 2021,” Selk said during the program.

Several speakers mentioned how often people they met - mostly alumni - asked, "Is Mrs. Peake still there?" And added, "She was one of my favorites."

Peake "is a mix of old school and new school," Selk said in an email to the Herald. “That is what makes them so effective in the classroom. As a seasoned teacher, she is still looking for innovative ways to deliver teaching and application. ”She has also adhered to some gold standard practices that will benefit today's students as well as those of the past.

"It's all in relationships," he said. “Plain and simple, she connects with children. She sets the bar high and works with students to make it happen. It teaches responsibility for one's own decisions. But because of the fundamental relationship she has built with the students, most children want to achieve something in their classroom. "

First and only school

Peake began her teaching career at what was then known as Valley Junior High School. This school is the first and only one she has taught at.

“I never thought of another school,” she says. "I love the school and the staff so much and never wanted to be anywhere else."

Born in Dickinson, ND, Peake joined Valley's staff soon after graduating from Dickinson State College, now Dickinson State University, where her studies focused on teaching English and language.

As a teenager, she wanted to be an archaeologist but apprenticed after learning that Dickinson State didn't offer a program in the field. She pursued a teaching career because “I like to learn and I like to help people,” she said simply. "I thought these two things go together."

Peake came from a family of educators, she said. Her father was the Dean of Studies at Dickinson State for 30 years.

In the spring of 1971, her then-fiancé Pat Peake accepted an apprenticeship at Grand Forks Central High School on the condition that there would be an apprenticeship for her too. A job has been created for her, she said. She and Pat married in August.

Connects with students, employees

Not only does she have a great relationship with students, Peake connects with younger employees as well as she does with older employees, Selk said.

Another colleague, Lisa Vojacek, who has been with Valley for 15 years, most recently as a mentor for teachers, said: “Vicki has given me a sense of stability, determination and promise from the first day I started here. She does everything to build teachers and students alike. It's firm, but it's fair. She is flexible, willing and invests in this profession.

"One of the things I love most about Vicki is her ability to connect with students," said Vojacek. “Children smile when they say their name. They know it will provide them with a safe and engaging learning environment - one where they will be challenged, celebrated, held accountable and valued. "

Selk also admires Peake's willingness to embrace new technology and explore new teaching methods. She continues to study and refused to let herself into her habits, he said.

“At first I was intimidated by the technology,” Peake said, “but I thought the technology would stay and I would get on with the program better.” She was helped by younger employees who were more technically proficient.

“All of the staff here is very helpful. You won't find better staff in Grand Forks. ”The customer review has been automatically translated from German.

In turn, she has also helped young teachers by responding to requests for information or advice and, if they are teaching in their field, sharing teaching materials with them.

"Children are basically good"

When asked if students have changed in the past 50 years, Peake said, “I don't think children have changed. Children are basically good. Sometimes you make bad decisions. "

She did notice, however, that students "seem more open when they talk," she said.

“I spend a lot of time in my class talking about respect,” she said. She tells students that when they show respect for themselves, their books, and others, "everything else goes together."

"I just love the kids," said Peake. "You get some tough people and I try to help them too."

She enjoys dealing with middle-aged students; they are in the sixth through eighth grades.

“It's a fun age. They'll tell you what's on their mind, ”she said. "I taught the eighth grade, but the seventh is my favorite grade."

Her students are "pretty honest," she said, "and that's what I like about them."

"Some are brutally honest," she said. "Some are really needy and just need a hug."

It was her practice to ask students at the beginning of a course how much they read - a lot, some, or not much, she said. “A lot of people don't like to read - I think that's the influence of electronics.” Some students prefer to interact with a device rather than reading a book.

Peake wants her students to leave their class “with the joy of learning,” she said. "That is always a goal of mine."

She has been a pillar of the Valley Middle School community for the past 50 years.

Peake "is a wonderful colleague," said Selk. “Your love for Valley and our employees is immeasurable. Our employees love them back. Her loyalty is second to none and she will do everything possible to challenge the thinking of outsiders who have a less positive view of Valley. "

"Vicki Peake represents everything that is good in Valley," he said. "She is Valley."

https://dailytechnonewsllc.com/valley-teacher-honored-for-50-year-career-at-grand-forks-middle-school/