Julie O'Connor

Mrs. O’Connor’s goal is to heighten learning by providing an environment where students feel comfortable and safe.

Impacting Students
Our social studies curriculum on Colorado History is closely connected to our service learning project (immigration and the Naturalization Ceremony). Students learn why they live where they live and how geography impacts them, and then we transition our focus to how they can influence where you live (impacting others). Students learn civic responsibility and empathy through our lessons and discussions.

Lifelong Learner
I am currently in a math coaching cycle with Nikki Spiers, math instructional coach. I am learning the importance of student exploration in place of direct instruction. My students are learning to think deeply and how to handle struggling by valuing their mistakes and trying again.

Favorite Teaching Moment
When I begin teaching the struggle between native and non-natives, I see my young students develop strong opinions, ask valuable questions, and passionately express their ideas. This usually begins to happen when I teach about the White River War.

Feels Rewarded When...
I see the light bulb come on for a student. That aha moment is so beautiful.

Life Goals
I would like to go to a different country with my family on a missions trip.

Outside the Classroom I’m...
Reading or playing with my girls.

Also Known As...
Admissions Committee Member, Social Studies PLC Member, Grade 3 Team Leader, Risk Assessment Task Force Member, Music Enrichment Teacher, Hiring Committee Member

Joined Graland In...
2006

Education
Master's in Education from University of Colorado
Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Psychology from Northwest Nazarene University