The Teaching Cafe- Julie Smith

Unlike many teachers, who come from a long line of teachers and were destined to be in the profession, I never wanted to be a teacher. My mom was a teacher’s aide, my grandmother taught nursing, and my aunt and uncle were both elementary educators, who all encouraged me to enter a teaching program, but I was bound to follow my artistic path. That all changed after I had my own kids and found myself assisting in their classrooms on a daily basis. After deciding to become a student, once again, I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University in General and Special Education. From 2015 to 2017, I continued my education through the University of Phoenix, earning my Masters in Administration. I am currently in my 6th official year of teaching and would definitely consider myself a lifelong learner, as I love soaking up new research and strategies that may assist my students in their academic and social success. During the past 6 years I have taught 4th through 6th grades, and have had the opportunity to teach a variety of special education classes during summer school sessions. I also have experienced rolling up from 4th to 5th and from 5th to 6th grades, which has proven to be highly beneficial to both myself and my students. Prior to officially becoming a teacher, I worked as a long-term substitute in both 2nd grade and Special Education, and last summer I was blessed to take on a leadership position as a Site Coordinator for the Extended School Year (ESY) Special Education summer program with my school district.

As a 6th grade teacher, I am passionate about Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and the power it has on students of all ages. I find joy in building positive relationships with my students and feel blessed to watch them grow as individuals. I believe that learning is a team effort and my students and I navigate through each school year together. Extra support is needed by many students, so I offer a Reading Club after school to assist in nurturing their developing reading skills. I also believe in the power of extracurricular activities, so I started a Spirit Squad at our school to encourage physical fitness, develop confidence, and support all students and school activities through cheer and dance. Wow, we have so much fun! I am also a very creative individual and believe that students need to enjoy their learning experiences in order to truly be successful in transferring and applying their knowledge into the real-world. All of my materials are created with an open and artistic mind for the success of all students.

Yet to be added

*Special Education/General Education degree -Western Governors University 2013 *Masters in Administration- University of Phoenix 2017

Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family! Our perfectly blended family includes my handsome and talented son, who is in his first year of college, my kind-hearted teenage daughter, my supporting partner, and his very sweet daughter (which we believe comes from all the candy she loves to eat). We enjoy the outdoors, and can often be found snowboarding or skiing on the nearby slopes, camping, or on a road trip heading toward some new adventure.