Tracie Valdes
Eckerd College
BA in Psychology
Tell us about your family.
I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and will always be a St. Louis Blues fan. I have lived in Florida since 1999, and although I still enjoy the beach, my heart longs for falling leaves and snowy hills in the winter. I have two children -- a daughter who graduated from high school in 2025 and a son who is a grammar school student at SRCS -- and we love to travel together.
What were you like as a child?
My parents held very strong traditional family values and instilled in me the importance of doing things together as a family, working hard to support my family, and playing hard to make memories. Growing up I was fearless, often banged up and bruised from trying to keep up with my older brother. One of my favorite childhood memories is watching the Anheuser Busch Clydesdales. My elementary school was directly across the street from Grant's Farm where Clydesdales were raised and trained. We watched them daily and were allowed to feed and pet them. Their gentle majestic strength is something you don't forget.
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I love seeing the awe and excitement in children's eyes from learning. I love that I get to be part of their first experiences in formal education.
What do you love about SRCS?
SRCS has been such a source of strength, comfort, and solidarity for me since I've lived in Citrus County. At SRCS, I have seen God move in my life, as well as the lives of others around me. I love being within arm's reach of friends and staff that encourage, support, and push me to be a better person, mother, and teacher. SRCS changes lives in the best possible ways, and I am so very blessed to be a part of it.
SRCS has been such a source of strength, comfort, and solidarity for me since I've lived in Citrus County. At SRCS, I have seen God move in my life, as well as the lives of others around me. I love being within arm's reach of friends and staff that encourage, support, and push me to be a better person, mother, and teacher. SRCS changes lives in the best possible ways, and I am so very blessed to be a part of it.
Tell us a favorite Bible verse.
A favorite verse is Isaiah 40:31: "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
