Gene Valles
E-Mail: gvalles@mail.sdsu.edu
Assistant Professor in Special Education Department, Co-Director, Bilingual Special Education Teacher Training Program.
- B.A. Special Education, University of New Mexico
- M.A. Special Education, Learning Disabilities, University of New Mexico
- PhD Special Education, Learning Disabilities, University of New Mexico
Background
I was born, raised, and schooled in southwestern New Mexico. I attended the University of New Mexico after serving in the US Army. Prior to serving in the military, I worked as a volunteer for two years in a school for the handicapped. At the University of New Mexico I decided to pursue my education in Special Education because of my previous experiences as a volunteer. Upon completion of my B.A. I returned to southwestern New Mexico where I taught in a Special Education Work-Study Program at the high school level. Four years later I returned to the University of New Mexico on a Bilingual Fellowship, and after completing my M.A. I went back to the classroom as an elementary school special education teacher. During my tenure at the elementary school I became interested in the function that language plays in the learning processs, more specifically the language of instruction. After working at the elementary level for five years I was given the opportunity to work as a Clinical Supervisor assisting first year teachers in special education classrooms. This joint program between the University of New Mexico and the Albuquerque Public Schools provided the impetus and time for me to pursue a Doctorate at UNM. Taking the knowledge I had learned about teaching and the learning process combined with my interest in the language of instruction I was able to complete my Doctorate in 1992. During the time that I pursued this degree, I went back to the classroom and taught in a special education setting and worked with students at the middle school level thereby completing my teaching experiences in grades 3-12 in the public schools.
Interests, Activities & Plans
In 1993 I moved to San Diego, CA to assume the positon of Project Coordinator for the Bililngual Special Education Teacher Training Project, a federally funded, four year project at San Diego State University. The following year we received funding for a similar project working with five south San Diego County school districts.
Currently, I am a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and two of its divisions and the California Association of Professors of Special Education. I also serve on San Diego Unified's Bilingual Special Education Task Force and the Bilingual Special Education Cross Cultural Conference Committee at the San Diego County Office of Education.
My interests include second language acquisition and literacy skills as they relate to the bilingual handicapped learner, as well as the language of instruction that bilingual educators use. I hope to incorporate my interests in special education and math education in the near future.
Other Interesting Things
Outside of my professional world I enjoy, most of all, being outdoors. I enjoy camping, hiking, bird watching, sailing, and traveling to wilderness areas and lakes around the country. In the winter I continue my outdoor activities by looking for new places to cross country ski. Gail and I hope to further our sailing adventures by purchasing our own sailboat. That acitivity has certainly been promoted since moving to San Diego, which has exceptional weather and water for sailing.
My indoor activities include listening to music and getting lost in a good book. Children's literature has provided me with some of my best adventures, although a good western novel will also provide me a place to hide. Home brewing has also joined the ranks of my indoor activities but that hobby has not been able to find the time that it requires.
Last updated on Thursday, June 6, 1996.
This is a personal home page and does not represent the opinions of San Diego State University.
Return to the Education Faculty/Staff page.