Julia Holsey

Tell us why you became a teacher

It’s been a dream since I was 7 years old. I would do imaginary play with teaching my “class” my second grade homework. Later in high school, I was pushed by people to pick a career that made more money, but nothing ever called out to me as much as teaching did. I didn’t have the greatest engaging experience in school and always thought I’d be able to make learning fun. Bill Nye the science guy was my favorite science teacher, even though it was a show.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Social emotional: I was working with a second grade girl on her behaviors , I always use reason when redirecting and I am very consistent with my high expectations of the children. I also always advocated for her when I could to let her feel safe and build her confidence. The day before spring break she had lost her free choice and was writing me a letter, the letter said (and I still have it) “ Dear Ms. Julia, you have A LOT of rules, Thank you for that, I hope you have a nice spring break”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off debt to help contribute more of my income to helping my husband offload some of the financials especially daycare that he provides for our son Rhett; I’ve been grateful that he supports me to do the job I love even when I have already hit my ceiling in my career. I also have an opportunity to advocate for my Pk-8 Montessori school that has been successful going on 25 years next year and I’d love to share Free Horizon Montessori in Readers Digest.