Indy Standard

The IPS Employee Spotlight recently featured Valerie Summerlot, the Senior Manager of Professional Learning. Summerlot is responsible for coordinating professional development within the district and oversees onboarding for new staff members. Her efforts include organizing the annual New Teacher Induction and New School Leader Onboarding programs.

Valerie also leads the Aspiring Leaders Program, designed to help IPS staff transition into leadership roles through monthly professional development aligned with IPS leadership competencies. She collaborates with an external organization to provide this support.

Her work extends to supporting six Digital Learning Schools in the district, which focus on blended digital learning environments. Educators in these schools can participate in a program that offers lessons on educational technology tools, earning badges upon completion.

Valerie shared her personal journey and motivations during a Q&A session. Reflecting on her career path, she stated: "I grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Franklin Central High School and went on to study Art Education, graduating from then IUPUI’s Herron School of Art." She began her teaching career at IPS before transitioning to Emmerich Manual High School.

Regarding her choice to work at IPS, Valerie expressed: "iPS has the opportunity to serve so many different families around the city and they want all to succeed no matter where the families come from." She appreciates how diversity opens opportunities while ensuring equity across the district.

When asked about rewarding moments at IPS, Valerie highlighted her involvement in developing a new onboarding process: "That first onboarding day in January 2024 was a moment that I was proud of."

Discussing strategies for motivation, she emphasized staying grounded in purpose: "I like to say that I stay grounded in the 'Why'. When I can get behind the 'why' of any task or work, I am all in."

Valerie praised the Rebuilding Stronger initiative for providing equitable opportunities: "As a former art educator, the fact that students will now have access to programs they did not previously have easy access to is a game changer."

For new educators joining IPS, she advised maintaining a "Why" folder as a source of inspiration during challenging times.