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My students inspire
me every day! BY JULIE GULLEY
I
s it cliché to say that my students are my purpose in my work? As an educator it has always been my purpose to be my students’ supporter, cheerleader and mentor. I have always loved my students with my whole heart whether as their teacher or as their principal. My interactions with my students whether it is on the playground, classroom, hallway, cafeteria, after school, or at a district activity are intentional, purposeful, and meant so that each student knows that he or she is special, loved, valued, and capable of accomplishing anything. One way I make intentional and purposeful connections with my students at Richfield Elementary is being the supervisor of our student leadership team. Two years ago we added a student leadership team as part of our after school activities. I decided to be the supervisor of the team to have more time with students directly.
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The student leadership team runs itself. By believing in the magic of our students, they quickly began to work collaboratively, taking ownership of what they are working on as a team. They have become tour guides, lost and found ambassadors, greeters, positive message makers, and student voices for our cafeteria improvements. When students are provided with a problem to solve and time to collaborate with each other, it is magical to see what they can create and an amazing reminder of why I do this rewarding work. My Richfield students inspire me every day to look for the magic in all of us!
“When students are provided with a problem to solve and time to collaborate with each other, it is magical to see what they can create.”
The staff and I quickly learned that this team was helpful in gathering students’ input, addressing school issues, assisting with projects, and building the self-confidence of our students. Our student leadership team is made up of students in grades K-3, and the main goal of the
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leadership team is to build leadership skills in our students through student collaboration, input, and school projects.
Julie Gulley has been a principal for the last 5 years at Richfield Elementary School in Revere Local Schools, as well as 6 years in a previous district. She also has over 18 years of classroom experience as a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade teacher. She is passionate about her involvement in many community organizations that benefit her students and families. Julie can be contacted via email at jgulley@revereschools.org or via Twitter at @gulley_julie.
