LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Julie Neal

Position: Teacher, Grades 9-12
School: CES Therapeutic Day Program
School District: Cooperative Educational Services
City, State: Trumbull, CT

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Music that Describes Julie


Julie Neal was nominated by a friend, Michelle Catucci.

"If I had to describe Julie in three words, it would be dedicated, selfless, and inspiring. Julie is one of those educators who is truly in education to improve students' lives. At her teaching position in the Therapeutic Day Program at CES, Julie works with a cohort of students each year who have a variety of emotional and behavioral disabilities - ranging from anxiety to oppositional behavior and everything in between. Her students have been referred to her program from their local school districts because they have been identified as needing a more specialized approach. Some school districts and educators might label these students 'unteachable,' but not Julie," said Catucci.

"Julie truly believes that all her students can learn and be successful and, perhaps even more importantly, she lets them know that they can learn and be successful so that they believe it, too. She finds ways to connect with her students and make them feel valued and like part of a family in her classroom. Every year, Julie cooks them a giant turkey with all the fixings to celebrate Thanksgiving. She connects with them over music (especially Dave Matthews Band). Julie challenges them academically. She encourages them to take care of their own mental and physical well-being by doing things such as incorporating fitness into their classes (she will do things like monthly plank challenges!) and introducing them to aromatherapy for stress management. Julie constantly has students thanking her for teaching them, caring about them, and wanting to get to know them. Parents reach out to her to express their gratitude," said Catucci.

"Graduates come back to visit her and remind her that she made a difference in their lives. I know few educators who love teaching as much as Julie does. Her passion shows in her students' success and gratitude. She changes lives daily but never asks for praise for it. So I will ask for her because she deserves to be recognized for being a LifeChanger for the students who need someone like that most," said Catucci.

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