Receiving this Presidential Award out of a large field of my distinguished colleagues is such an honor. Achieving this prestigious award would not have been possible without the support of family, friends, students, and parents. Being selected for an award of this magnitude is invigorating and shows that dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed. I am inspired to find new and challenging opportunities for both myself and my students, and excited to see what lies ahead.

Julia Young Chesapeake, VA | K-6, Science, 2016

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Julia Young is Nationally Board Certified, and has been teaching for the past 18 years. The first 14 years were spent in a Title One school. From 2013-2017, Julia worked at Deep Creek Elementary School. She now teaches fifth grade mathematics and science at E. W. Chittum Elementary School. Julia has worked diligently to maintain a high level of expectations for her students, while still meeting and addressing their individual needs. She integrates problem-based learning into her lessons, allowing for collaboration, real-world examples, and hands-on learning. Julia also integrates science and technology to help her students become critical thinkers as well as life-long learners. At a five week summer institute (the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement), Julia worked with local youth while learning to integrate problem-based learning into the curriculum. She is a member of the Virginia Association of Science Teachers, has presented professional development for her school system, and has worked as a cooperating teacher for undergraduate students. Julia has written and received several grants for technology and manipulatives for her classroom. Julia earned a B.S., cum laude, in elementary education from Longwood College, and a M.Ed, magna cum laude, in education from Old Dominion University. She is certified to teach prekindergarten through eighth grade.

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