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Schools

Meet Weller Elementary's Julie Rody

This week's column features a first grade teacher from the Ashburn school.

Name: Julie Rody
School: Steuart Weller Elementary
What you teach: First Grade
College: Florida State University
Home: Ashburn
From: I grew up in Florida and lived there until I married my husband in 1989. My husband was in the Marine Corps, so we moved six times until we settled in Virginia nine years ago.

Is teaching your first profession?
Teaching is my first profession. 

Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I have always loved working with children. In high school and through college I worked at after school programs and summer camps. I wanted to be a role model and help make a positive impact in their lives.

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Did you have a mentor or favorite teacher that inspired you?
As far back as I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher. There were many teachers I was fond of but Mrs. Tyson, my first-grade teacher, had the most impact on me wanting to become a teacher.

What do you love most about teaching?
I love working with the children, helping to guide them as they grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. I enjoy stimulating the minds of children and helping them learn. It can be a challenging task that constantly requires new ideas. I try to make learning fun for all my students. Watching as a child is able to master a concept being taught is the highlight of my job.

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What is your favorite book?
I don't have a favorite book. I enjoy reading books by Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury. I would have to say my favorite book I read this summer was The Help.

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