From Teacher to Educational Sales Manager: A Conversation with Olya Valenta

Olya preparing hands-on play invitations during one of our educational partnerships events with MAGNA-TILES.

MAGNA-TILES relaunched the MAGNA-TILES LEARN series. They continue expanding their role in classrooms through hands-on, play-based learning experiences. Teacher perspectives help shape how educational partnerships and classroom resources evolve.

For Olya Valenta, Educational Sales Manager at MAGNA-TILES, that perspective is grounded in her experience as a former teacher.  Having spent time in the classroom, she understands the real day-to-day experience of teaching and what educators need most. That insight now informs how she approaches partnerships at MAGNA-TILES, helping keep them grounded in real classroom needs.

Olya shares how her education background influences her work. She discusses meaningful teacher partnerships. She also explores what brands can learn from teacher creativity and flexibility.

How has your experience as a former teacher shaped the way you approach partnerships today? 

My classroom time gave me a real understanding of what teachers juggle. They balance academics, behaviors, emotions, and classroom dynamics. They manage time constraints and the needs of 20+ children. They must adjust everything when the day changes. This requires flexibility and quick decision making.

That experience shaped how I approach partnerships at MAGNA-TILES. I respect educators’ time, expertise, and their meaningful daily work. We donate materials and share free resources. Our goal is to support real classrooms through thoughtful partnerships.

Olya with Bolingbrook Park District educators following a teacher training focused on hands-on learning and Meaningful Play.

I now view this through the lens of a parent. I have a toddler, preschooler, and first graders. I see how children engage with play at different stages. This adds perspective to the resources and activities we create. I understand the educator and parent sides of learning. It should be engaging, appropriate, and easy to integrate.

What does a "win" look like for a teacher engaging with a MAGNA-TILES partnership?

A “win” for us starts with authenticity. We are not looking for perfectly curated moments or scripted feedback. We are looking for real classroom experiences. Those real classroom moments give us insights we cannot get any other way.

Classroom observations provide valuable insight into how children engage with MAGNA-TILES building sets.

Another win is when partnerships feel collaborative instead of transactional. We want educators to be true partners. In our Facebook educator community, opens in a new tab, teachers share experience and feedback. They also contribute ideas for learning resources. This group helped inform play guides for the LEARN Series.

We also learn how play looks across different educational environments. We partner with Guidepost Montessori, opens in a new tab and the Bolingbrook Park District, opens in a new tab. We see how building sets are used across age groups and settings. Each partnership teaches us how children create and collaborate.

Success is about building genuine relationships with educators. We use shared insights to create better products. This leads to stronger resources and meaningful learning experiences.

Are there ways to bring a "teacher mindset" into how we plan and communicate?

Absolutely. Teachers are incredibly intentional. They think about the experience from the learner’s perspective. They consider what captures attention or feels overwhelming. This mindset pushes you to communicate clearly. It focuses on creating meaningful experiences instead of just visually impressive ones.

Teachers are also constantly adapting. Lesson plans rarely go exactly as expected. Educators read the room and respond in real time. Brands can benefit from this flexibility. They should listen rather than follow a perfectly planned approach.

Another thing teachers bring is creativity. In education, creativity is not just about making something look fun.  It is about creating connection, curiosity, participation, and deeper engagement.  That is something we think about often at MAGNA-TILES.  How to create experiences, resources, and partnership that genuinely invite people into Meaningful Play rather than simply marketing a product.

Be part of the next chapter of Meaningful Play

MAGNA-TILES has been in classrooms for nearly 30 years. Educators help the brand support children through Meaningful Play. Olya’s perspective ensures resources remain practical. They stay grounded in real classroom experience.

Interested in the conversation? Join our educator Facebook community, opens in a new tab. Connect with fellow educators and share ideas. Explore activities and future partnership opportunities.

You can also explore free play guides, classroom activities, and educator resources on the MAGNA-TILES Learning Hub.