April’s KFM Teacher of the Month is Julie Purl, a 5th grade teacher at Costa Catholic Academy. Julie was nominated by Lindsay Bailey who has a child in Julie’s class. As KFM’s Teacher of the Month, Julie receives the Big Red Apple Award along with a $100 gift card and other gifts courtesy of Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Lacky Monuments, Cooks & Company, Art Defined and 105.3 KFM. Here’s a little bit about Julie:
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Where did you grow up? Galesburg
Years teaching: 31 (30 at Costa)
Favorite part of teaching:
Favorite Subject Growing up: Math
Favorite Subject to Teach: Social Studies
Favorite Food: Italian
Least Favorite Food: Creamed Spinach
My Favorite Movie:
My Favorite TV Show: Last Man Standing
My Favorite Book: To Kill A Mockingbird
My Favorite Sports Team: Chicago Cubs
During My Spare Time I Like To: Flower Garden, Photography, Reading, Cooking, Scrapbooking
You may be surprised, but I’m really great at: When I was in 5th grade I won the Pass, Punt & Kick contest
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Here’s what Lindsay had to say about Julie:
What sets this teacher apart from others?
Mrs. Purl is always taking pictures of the kids in their daily activities and sharing them with us. She makes sure each student is getting help exactly where they need it. She is always wonderful about sharing when our kids have done something especially well, or they displayed an extra show of manners or helping another person or student.
What is one thing this teacher does that is not in their job description but they do it anyway to help you or your child?
Honestly, she prays for us. She checks in on how we are all doing, and offers up prayers for our family. She guides our student when he is struggling (not academically) and offers him an environment where he knows he is loved and understood even when life is crazy. She offers comfort and strength in everything she does.
Give an example of a way this teacher has helped or impacted you or your child
We are a very busy, very large, family and have had some serious medical conditions with kids in and out of the hospital. Our middle child of 7 had huge blowouts in both his shoes. We’re talking more seams were gone than still attached. Because of time and needs of others, and waiting for pay day, I just hadn’t had a chance to get them replaced. Mrs. Purl took her own time and money and bought him a new pair of shoes. She messaged and asked what size shoes he wore and I explained I would get them replaced that weekend, feeling awful that I hadn’t been able to yet as he’d been wearing them that way for a full week or more. He got to school the next morning and she handed him these wonderful new shoes, just for him, no hand me downs. I’m still honestly speechless at how caring and wonderful she was in this act of kindness. I offered to repay her and she wouldn’t let me, telling me she wanted to do this for him, and us.
Congratulations Julie Purl, April’s KFM Teacher of the Month from Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Lacky Monuments, Cooks & Company, Art Defined and 105.3 KFM.
Listen to the presentation:
