About The Storyline Authors

Colleen Vallerga worked as an elementary school teacher for 25 years.  In 1993, her teaching was transformed when she took a Storyline class and began to implement this creative method of integration in her classroom.  In 1995 she began working as a Storyline trainer for Storyline Design.  In 1999 Colleen collaborated with a colleague to establish Highland Storyline Magnet School in Bend, Oregon, which has been operating successfully for ten years.  Throughout this time, Colleen enjoyed creating Storylines with students for 17 years.  Now retired, she continues to instruct teachers in the Storyline method as a trainer for Storyline Design and as a consultant for teachers and schools.

JJ. Howard has been teaching elementary students for sixteen years.  He was about ready to give up on teaching when a group of teachers at Evergreen School in Redmond introduced him to Storyline in 1997. J.J. was hooked when students began asking if they were really going to Mars during one of his first topics. He currently teaches a second and third grade blend at Highland Storyline Magnet School in Bend, Oregon.  J.J. has taught, using the Storyline method, for 13 years.  He has also worked as the Storyline director at Highland School, supporting staff and parents on Storyline projects. Visit JJ’s class webpage.