Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers throughout the district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives. Throughout the next school year, their answers will be published in the newspaper that serves each school district.

Name:  Julie Isabel

School: Niles Senior High

Grades/subjects taught:  Math & Social Studies 9th -11th

Where did you attend college?  Indiana University

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school? This is my 23rd year teaching, all in Niles Community Schools.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to help children and make a difference in their lives.    

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? I enjoy spending time with my family and friends — cooking, vacationing, exercising and loving on my grandbabies.

What is one thing your students may not know about you?  My students know so much about me because we spend so much time getting to know one another and bonding. 

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? One of my favorite fictional characters is Happy from “Snow White.” I love that he’s so jolly and always has a smile on his face even when things don’t go his way.  He’s optimistic and believes that happiness is a choice. 

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies?  When I was in high school, I worked a couple of jobs and enjoyed going to the beach and concerts with friends. 

How would your co-workers describe your teaching style and personality? My co-workers describe me as caring, nurturing, wanting what is best for kids and having high expectations for my students.

Who is your biggest role model and why? My sister, Jamie, has always been one of my biggest role models.  I admire her for all of her wonderful qualities.  She is positive, caring, helpful, family oriented and works hard to achieve her goals.  

How has education changed in the last 10 years? The world keeps changing around us and we continue to focus on our students — helping them achieve success. 

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? My advice to parents is to stay involved and spend time with your children as often as you can.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is… how to be the best person that they can be.