A family of four died on Christmas Day in New Hampshire due to apparent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Among them was Valerie Goldstein, a beloved 22-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Baskerville Elementary in Edgecombe County.
She only worked at the school for four months, but those who knew her say that even in that short time, she built a legacy that will last forever.
“She was an educational gem,” Baskerville Elementary Principal Brandan Lucas said.
Known as “Miss Goldstein” to her students, Valerie was a Teach for America Fellow teaching English and social studies.
Lucas says the loss is particularly difficult and comes just months after one of Goldstein’s students passed away in the fall.
“You could hear the drive she had for education during her job interviews,” Lucas said. “It became very clear that that drive was part of who she was when she came here. We were just amazed at the success she had in the relationships she built with her students.”
Lucas says she always did her best and even went to student sporting events to support them.
“She had big plans,” he said.
Her classroom reflected her vibrant spirit, a bright pink door and walls decorated with encouraging notes.
Principal Lucas shared that she dreamed of working in education policy, but chose to start her career as a teacher to have a direct impact on students.
Goldstein was a native of New England and a graduate of Syracuse University.
Plans According to her former professor at Syracuse, she was well on her way to achieving them.
“She was an enormous talent, but more than that I called her an angel,” said Bill Coplin, a former professor.
Coplin says, simply put, Goldstein was the best and brightest TA he ever had.
“The other thing that was incredible about her was that all her peers loved her and followed her,” Coplin said. “I have a lot of smart students and I would say, ‘Valerie is smarter than you.’ And they said, ‘Yes, we know!’
Her loss is deeply felt by the Baskerville Elementary community and beyond.
When students return Monday, administration says grief counselors will be available and Goldstein’s class will be temporarily covered by a long-term sub.
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