Julie Farrell

I can’t remember a time in my life that I didn’t know that I wanted to be an educator. I am thankful to have had many teachers, mentors, and positive influences who have shaped my outlook on education and placed an emphasis on the necessity to have strong educators at the core of a community. I attended the University of Cincinnati in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio and earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education. During my time at UC, I became a social and academic mentor for college aged students with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities in the Transition and Access Program (TAP). These experiences affirmed my belief that teaching and learning would always be a two-way street. My philosophy of teaching revolves around inclusion and providing equitable learning opportunities to a diverse population of learners. I want every student who enters my classroom to believe they are capable and deserving of learning, growth, and success. 

I began my career with OKCPS in the same year that I became an Oklahoma resident. In 2017, I accepted my first teaching job as a self-contained Pre-K special education teacher at Wheeler Elementary School, and transitioned into teaching elementary lab for math and reading the following year. While teaching, I attended a graduate studies program at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and earned my master’s in special education administration. From the moment I walked through the doors at Wheeler, I knew that I had found my home in education and I strive for my students to feel the same. Through changes implemented during Pathway to Greatness, Wheeler became a middle school. I trusted in the strong community, passionate teachers, and supportive staff to continue my journey at Wheeler Middle School teaching 5th Grade Special Education ELA. I have spent the last three years as the Cross-Country Coach, Girls Soccer Coach, and Special Education Department Chair. I am fortunate to work alongside a strong ELA team dedicated to implementing a rigorous curriculum for enhancing literacy, a passionate 5th grade team who constantly creates engaging learning and memorable experiences for students, a resilient special education team that serves our school population with a “student first” mentality, a team of coaches to motivate our students through leadership and athletics, and a team of department chairs who have instilled a foundation for expanding upon the expertise that already resides in our school building.

 I truly believe that teaching is an act of love. Our students reflect that belief everyday as they grow socially, emotionally, and academically inside our school building, participate in extracurricular activities, athletics, and enter our community with confidence. I am honored for the opportunity to represent Wheeler as their Teacher of the Year, especially in a building full of dedicated teachers and staff who deserve all the praise in the world!