Here's how to figure that out:

* Electron Configuration: The electron configuration of sulfur is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴.

* Valence Shell: The valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell. For sulfur, this is the 3rd shell (3s² 3p⁴).

* Counting Valence Electrons: The 3s subshell has 2 electrons, and the 3p subshell has 4 electrons. 2 + 4 = 6 valence electrons.