On Monday, The Island School on Gasparilla Island welcomed students for the new school year, marking a significant milestone for Valerie Cotton as she began her role as the on-island art teacher. After a year of volunteering, Cotton officially transitioned from a part-time volunteer to a full-time educator, eager to inspire creativity in her students.
Reflecting on her previous experience, Cotton noted, “Last year, I was here once a week. I was the art teacher, but I wasn’t an employee. The P.E. teacher accompanied me, which helped me integrate into the school.” Her journey into teaching began after studying illustration at the Ringling College of Art and Design, where she earned her degree in fine arts illustration. Originally from Long Island, Cotton moved to Florida in 1981 with her family, driven by her parents’ dream to settle in the Sunshine State.
Cotton’s passion for art was ignited during her own school years, particularly after experiencing a strict Catholic education devoid of artistic expression. “I was really timid and shy,” she shared. “I always thought, ‘When I grow up, I’m going to be a nice teacher.’” This desire to create a supportive learning environment motivated her to pursue teaching.
Before joining The Island School, Cotton spent 24 years teaching art to kindergarten through fifth graders at Vineland Elementary in Rotonda West. “I retired thinking I would never work in a school again,” she admitted. However, the prospect of teaching at The Island School, introduced to her by colleague Tonya Huber, reignited her enthusiasm. “I volunteered for a whole year, and it was a blessing because I absolutely love it here,” she stated.
In addition to her teaching duties, Cotton has explored various outdoor activities, including kayaking, which she enjoys on her days off. “I like to kayak. I do it mostly in Venice,” she noted, indicating her commitment to maintaining a balance between work and personal interests. Her artistic endeavors extend beyond the classroom; she collaborates with her husband, who is a welder and mechanic, to create unique pieces of art. “He can make anything out of steel. We draw out designs together and use fire to change the color of the steel; it’s like painting with fire,” she explained.
Cotton is also a proud mother to three adult sons: James, Billy, and Colton, and she recently became a grandmother to a girl named Adeline. She shared that her sons live adventurous lives in the Florida Keys, engaged in various marine activities. “Billy is a mechanic on motorboats, and my oldest son is a captain who spends months diving in the Caribbean,” she said.
As the school year commenced, Cotton introduced a flamingo-themed arts and crafts project to her students. She expressed excitement for the intimate classroom setting, noting that small class sizes allow for individual attention. “It’s like you’re sitting in with your family. There are maybe 10 kids in a room, and if somebody needs a little help, you can get right to it,” she explained.
In her previous role at Vineland, Cotton led outreach programs, including Helping Hands and Relay for Life, and she hopes to bring similar initiatives to The Island School. “I’m a big nature lover,” she remarked, indicating her plans to incorporate environmental education into her curriculum. Cotton is already organizing a field trip to the Everglades, aiming to teach her students about the local ecosystem. “These kids should know about their environment. I really feel they should know where they live,” she emphasized.
Valerie Cotton’s journey into teaching is one of passion and purpose, driven by her own experiences and a desire to support and inspire the next generation of artists. As she embarks on this new chapter at The Island School, her dedication to fostering creativity and appreciation for nature promises to enrich the lives of her students.
