8th year teaching as a 4th or 5th grade teacher, with 4 years at Viewlands. I love working at Viewlands (and teaching) because I learn every single day. I’m a student of life. I love reading, running, and writing where I can escape since my family and I are not really travelling these days (or years really). Nah humbug. COVID, will we defeat you one day?
Octavo ano enseñando como profesora de 4º o 5º grado, con 4 años en Viewlands. Me encanta trabajar en Viewlands (y enseñar) porque aprendo todos los días. Soy estudiante de la vida. Me encanta leer, correr y escribir donde puedo escapar, ya que mi familia y yo no estamos viajando realmente en estos días (o años realmente). Que pena! COVID, ¿desapareceras algún día?
Hi! My name is Lauren Bangasser and I am the Physical Education teacher at Viewlands. Outside of work I can be found biking, skiing, dancing, hiking, walking my dog around Greenlake, and playing soccer and Ultimate frisbee. I look forward to working with our students and sharing my love of physical activity with them. I believe that movement is for everybody and it is my goal to help all of our students find different ways of moving that bring them joy, allow them to connect with their peers, and build their skills and confidence for an active life.
I started working at Viewlands in 2021 and am thrilled to continue on again this year! I feel lucky to work with this amazing community of staff, students and families. As a half-time counselor, I work one-on-one with students who need extra support, run small groups, and teach classroom lessons on problem solving and SEL (social-emotional learning). I serve all students at the school and any student can contact me to check-in as needed. Feel free to contact me by email with any questions or concerns you have about your student!
I’m thrilled to join Mr. D and Ms. Trisha as the new instructional assistant, after having previously worked here as contracted ABA support. With experience in fields like behavioral therapy and assisted living, I’ve unexpectedly found a home in the Distinct classroom at Viewlands. As much as I adored my two-on-one case, some of my favorite days were spent with the educational team and getting to know the rest of our students. I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones as we work together to empower our students and support their growth.
I am the visual arts teacher for all students at Viewlands. I have been teaching art over a decade, everything from kindergarten up to 12th grade, but I have spent the last 6 years at Viewlands. I have a family of my own here in Seattle after moving here 8 years ago and it’s a community I am proud to be part of! I feel that my role here at Viewlands is to provide our students with an outlet to best express themselves and give all students frequent exposure to the many tools and mediums of art. I make art myself and know firsthand how it has made my own life better and look forward to sharing that with all the students at Viewlands.
Clay Valentine grew up attending Seattle Public Schools and returned to them 5 years ago to be a teacher. He has taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades and now works as a reading and math support specialist. When he's not teaching, you can find him on the disc golf course, reading a science fiction novel, or coaching ultimate frisbee.
Hi, My name is Dexter Diehl. I am excited to be your teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. This will be my 9th year teaching, but 1st year in Washington schools. I have two rowdy puppies, Roscoe and Sterling. I enjoy reading, crafts, being in the outdoors and spoiling my dogs. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Exceptional Education from The University of Central Florida. In addition, I have my Masters in Elementary Education, specializing in Exceptional education.
I have been a nurse since 2001 and a school nurse since 2018. I’m honored to partner with students and their families in support of their health. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and our pets. We enjoy sports, camping, travel, walks, and good food.
Please contact me any time if you have any questions or concerns about your student’s health.
I received my bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Washington in 2001 and worked in public health nursing before joining SPS. I also have a master's degree in anthropology with an emphasis on medical anthropology. Going way back, my high school gymnastics team won Minnesota's state gymnastics championship in 1989. No, I cannot still do the splits.
My passions are mental health, immunizations, and working with diverse populations. Above all, I am here to help keep students safe, support their health needs, and promote understanding of the connections between health and education.
Brandon is thrilled to join the Viewlands Elementary community, bringing over two decades of experience in early childhood education, primarily in preschool through 2nd grade. With a deep commitment to nurturing young minds, Brandon is passionate about fulfilling the school's mission to ensure every student is known, valued, and empowered. Beyond the classroom, he is a doctoral candidate at the University of Wyoming, where his research focuses on implementing democratic practices in elementary schools. Brandon is eager to contribute his expertise and enthusiasm to foster a thriving and inclusive learning environment at Viewlands Elementary.
