Alex T. Valencic is an educator, former small business owner, Boy Scout, volunteer drug prevention specialist, unrepentant bibliophile, and a geek of all things. He began working in public education twelve years ago with a three-year stint as a substitute teacher before achieving his lifelong dream of teaching fourth grade, which he did for seven years in Urbana, Illinois. He is preparing to enter his third year as the Curriculum Coordinator for 21st Century Teaching and Learning in Freeport, Illinois, where he not only supports innovative educational practices in the classroom but also oversees the social studies, career and technical education, physical education, health, art, and music programs in the district. When not immersed in education, he can be found reading, playing tabletop games, and hiking at any of Illinois’ amazing state parks.