Julie Laflen

Tell us why you became a teacher

To be honest, I never wanted to be a teacher. I knew I loved communicating with people and a conversation with my high school debate coach completely changed my life. He encouraged me to become a teacher, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Becoming a teacher has felt natural since the day I decided it was what I was going to do. I became a teacher because I wanted to teach others how to communicate, find their passion in speaking, and share the love of debate that I had in high school.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When my Debate Seniors won the State Debate championship, that is something that I will never forget. They worked so hard to achieve this and overcame so much adversity when Covid hit in order to keep doing the activity they love. To see their hard work, determination, dedication, and drive end on the highest note possible in their debate careers, I’ll never forget this.

What would you do with the $25,000?

This isn’t a very fun response, but it’s an honest one: I would take a dream vacation with my husband and pay off debt.