Julie Harris’ Positive Attitude Is a Lesson for All Willow Grove Students

Ever since she was a little girl, Julie Harris knew she wanted to be a teacher. Harris said when she was very young, her grandmother would take her to play on the playground equipment at their local elementary school.

“I saw all the other children there having fun, and I wanted to be with them,” Harris said. “Later, I was the kid who would commandeer all her friends at her birthday party to ‘play school.’ I've always loved to learn. This is truly a calling—my vocation.”

Harris, who has been teaching fourth grade at Willow Grove Elementary since 2008, was named one of three Teacher of the Year award recipients, alongside Twin Peaks Middle’s Jo Ann Cooper and Poway High’s Lisa Casey-O’Brien.

Harris started her teaching career with the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1976. She began teaching with the Poway Unified School District 25 years ago at Westwood Elementary School. She also served as the first Poway Unified School District teacher to be honored with a two-year appointment as Distinguished Teacher in Residence at California State University San Marcos.

Though she has 35 years of teaching experience under her belt, Harris said she did not expect to win the Teacher of the Year award.

“I don't think you ever expect to be recognized in such a special way. Actually, it’s difficult for me to have all this attention,” Harris said. “For me, it’s the work that is so rewarding.”

Harris said her 10th-grade world history teacher excited and inspired her with her enthusiasm, and she tries to pass that enthusiasm on to her students.

“Without a doubt, the very best part of teaching is working with young people,” Harris said. “I love to see them gain confidence in themselves when they work hard and ‘get it.’ ”

Harris takes a hands-on approach to teaching. She said she knows that in order to ensure her students’ success, she has to teach them how to learn before she can teach them to learn new things.

She does this by designing a curriculum that guides students beyond the regular standards and helps them learn organizational skills, a strong work ethic, interrelationship skills and how to study. Harris also promotes one-on-one interaction between herself and her students to set, and then achieve, academic and social goals.

Harris’ commitment to helping her students achieve each of their goals inspired her to become a facilitator of Teaching Children to Care, a class focused on helping district teachers foster positive relationships in schools.   

And even through hard economic times that greatly affect schools and their budgets, Harris stays positive about the work she does.

“So much of what the general public hears about education is negative and depressing,” Harris said. “I would encourage people to stop by their local school for a visit. Learning is dynamic and fun these days!”

Her positive attitude extends beyond the classroom into her relationships as well. Harris said she was surprised and happy to win Teacher of the Year, but she also recognizes all of the hard-working teachers around her.

“I am honored and very humbled to be recognized, especially since I appreciate the caliber of teachers on my staff,” Harris said.

Check back with Poway Patch on Wednesday to read about Jo Ann Cooper. Also read and