Julianna Martins

I became a teacher to support students the way my 2nd grade teacher supported me. I remember feeling unseen and less than my peers, until Mrs. Shapiro changed my world. She saw me for who I was, academically and emotionally met me where I was, and helped me grow as a learner and a person. It has always been my ambition to be a Mrs. Shapiro to my students! Each day, I strive to be someone who they know supports them, cares for them, and will help them achieve anything they set their minds to!

I have so many moments that have warmed my heart, brought tears to my eyes, joy to my life, & excitement to my classroom! Moments of when a student runs down the hallway yelling "I DID IT!" when they passed an exam we studied so hard for together; when the cheerleaders I coached surprised me at Senior Night with the most beautiful speech of how I have impacted them; when our class gets to "play hard" because they "worked hard"; when they get SO excited and start singing the Bill Nye theme song!

I would first designate funds for my students to enjoy a fun and hands-on experience - to have the opportunity to give to them as they have given to me would be an honor and privilege! I would choose a local charity in the school's community to donate to on behalf of our school district. I would invest in my husband and my future aspirations of owning a home, and take my family and friends to a thank you dinner for all of their love and support throughout my life!