Glendale Elementary School 1st Grade Teacher
Ten years ago, Julie Dos Santos purchased a book to read with her then 10-year-old daughter, which would change her view on teaching and learning forever. It was written by Malala Yousafzai about her experience as a child living in Pakistan. The heart-wrenching story mesmerized them as they read about Mr. Yousafzai’s school in which all students were welcome to attend, including girls. Malala’s account of her aspiration to be educated, despite oppression and violence, motivated Julie to continue her own studies and to realize her dream to teach. She became the first in her immediate family to graduate college at the age of 42.
This story reminded Julie of just how blessed we are to live in a country where everyone has a right to an education. It also moved her to never take that right for granted. It is Julie’s hope, each day, to be able to impart that same reverence for education and the beauty of learning in her own classroom, and in our community.
Julie, currently a first grade teacher and grade chair, has taught at Glendale Elementary School for 8 years. Before teaching public school, she worked in children's ministry, storytelling, and in preschools. For many years, she was the storyteller at The Vero Beach Book Center, so some people may know her as Miss Julie! She was honored to serve as a SDIRC teacher of the year finalist in 2018.
To nurture respect for learning and education, Julie encourages her students to reflect on the emotions and thoughts they experience as they navigate through new skills, content, and goals. Simply thinking about how we overcame a challenge provides inspiration for the future. She is also inspired to encourage other teachers to reignite their sense of awe and respect of the right to be educated as they go about their daily practice of teaching.
To make a donation helping Julie provide the best learning experience for her students, go to https://www.teacherneeds.org/donate and send us an email at info@teacherneeds.org letting us know you would like to support Julie.
I truly appreciate the support of our community and the kindness shown by What a Teacher Needs, What a Teacher Wants. There are so many tools and supplies that we as teachers WISH we could purchase for our students, but we personally do not always have the extra funds. The donations I have received from this organization through the kindness of strangers and friends/family has been truly a gift and much appreciated! Thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting my public school classroom full of amazing students!