Mr. Manuel Valderrama

When he joined FYHS in September 2023, Mr. Valderrama had taught selective enrollment and highly advanced students in-person and online for over 25 years. He brings expertise in teaching rigorous coursework on literature and writing that synthesizes history, art, music, and foundational principles. Mr. Valderrama remains dedicated to driving student engagement and comprehension through thought-provoking discussions and sophisticated literary analysis. Mr. Valderrama’s lifelong commitment to professional development led to him to complete additional training to maintain professional growth through graduate course work in English, philosophy, and special education—all at DePaul University, AP College Board English Literature conferences, Teachers As Scholars seminars at Newberry Library, The Terra Foundation for American Art, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Museum of Contemporary Art, Jack Miller Center at Newberry Library, and The University of Chicago Graham School.

Mr. Valderrama earned an M.ED. in Teaching and Learning Secondary School English with extensive hours in Graduate English and Graduate Philosophy from DePaul University. For his undergraduate education, he attended The University of Chicago, DePaul University, and Columbia College where he earned his B.A. in English Literature & Music Performance