Julie Ahern
Position: Technology Specialist Teacher
School: Andrew Cooke Magnet School
School District: Waukegan Public Schools #60
City, State: Waukegan, IL
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Music that Describes Julie
Julie Ahern was nominated by her colleague, Kathleen Dudley.
"Julie Ahern makes a huge difference in the lives of her students here at Andrew Cooke Magnet School," explains Dudley. "She is an innovator and a leader. Julie encourages students to reach for the stars and become the best they can be. I have known Julie for nearly 30 years, and in that time, she has nurtured many young people, teaching second and third graders in the elementary classroom. She is kind and nurturing, but she also helps students to discover their potential by teaching them the importance of excellence and perseverance."
Ms. Ahern currently teaches technology skills to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She challenges her students to strive, providing them many opportunities to work with innovative, cutting-edge technology. Through her teaching, students discover the joy of creating with technology, and they develop an entrepreneurial spirit. Ms. Ahern is extremely resourceful, finding opportunities to provide exciting new technology to her students through outside grants and donations. Many of her students come from low-income, trauma-filled backgrounds, and they woulnd't be able to take advantage of these special opportunities without her efforts to go above and beyond. She opens their eyes to an entirely different and exciting world through technology.
Whether Ms. Ahern is fostering the love of learning, expecting excellence, and enabling young people to rise to their highest potential in the elementary classroom, or opening students' eyes to the exciting world technology can provide, she is truly a Life Changer in Waukegan.
"Julie Ahern makes a huge difference in the lives of her students and all around her," said Dudley.
Mrs. Ahern is the best teacher my son has had. She is patient, loving and caring. Mrs. Ahern truly makes a lasting impact because she stays in touch with students long after they leave her classroom. All of this is the reason why she is so loved and fondly remembered by all of her students. Mrs. Ahern is a goddess amongst mortals. I would support an Ahern cloning program so that every school could have one of her available to nurture a successful generation of well educated and loved children.
Mrs. Ahern is the teacher you never forget. Her kind and gentle spirit, along with her love for educating children is greatly appreciated. Our daughter is a now a Senior in high school and she is still talking about Mrs. Ahern’s impact. She is the definition of an earth angel.
Mrs. Ahern is a superb teacher !!!! I am so thankful that my grandkids got/have the chance to learn all of what she brings to the classroom. She is always teaching them the latest technology out there mat it be on hand or by videos. Let's not forget to mention all she does to try and get funds to bring so many new teaching tools to the classes. She by far deserves all the acknowledgements she can get. By far one of the greatest teachers ever.
Mrs. Ahern brings joy with her sweet spirit. She is always smiling and has a kind word to speak even when the situation is less than desirable. Cooke is so fortunate to have her.
I worked with Julie Ahern for over 20 years. So much of what she does is to improve the educational experience of the students and to make the school a better place. Her knowledge of technology and desire to share it with her students made her classroom one of the most up to date in the school. She has always been aware of outside opportunities and applies for numerous grants and awards. Some of the ways the school has benefited from grants she has receved include the Pepsi refresh project to help the school greenhouse, the Kris wines project to benefit the fine arts program, and children's author visits earned by a students participation in a contest she encouraged. Bravo Julie.
Ms. Ahern is one of the most committed and caring teachers at Andrew Cooke Magnet School in Waukegan, IL. Ms Ahern has been involved in organizing many grants for the school that provide money, resources and opportunities for the students. Ms. Ahern is also involved in bringing various donated items to the school for staff and the families of the Cooke students and is highly involved in the Donors Choose program. Thank you Ms. Ahern for all your hard work, dedication and creativity in enhancing the lives of the Waukegan students and helping their families.
Mrs. Ahern is a very hard worker. She is very dedicated to her students, colleagues and friends, not to mention her family. She has done and continues to do a lot for her students and her school. It is a pleasure working by her side. Thank you for ALL you do Mrs. Ahern!
I am so grateful that I get to witness the work that Mrs. Ahern does. She works hard to bring meaningful lessons to the scholars by providing necessary skills that our students use now, but will continue to use throughout their lives.
Not only have I seen Mrs. Ahern's interaction with students, I have also seen it with staff. You can tell Mrs. Ahern truly cares about the people she is put in front of, both inside and outside the tech
classroom.
Mrs. Ahern is not only amazing as a teacher but as a whole individual. She was the best most patient and understanding teacher my son has ever had. Years after he moved on to another school she will still email us from time to time to say hello and wish us well. She deserves every acknowledgment available!
Ms. Ahern continues to be a role model and inspiration for our Cooke Cougars! Thank you for the difference you make in their lives. We appreciate all that you do for our children!
Sophia Martinez's mom 3rd grade Arizmendi
Great teacher great person keep her great my 2 douthers get prabalge to know her sweet on our heart ?
Hi Have known Julie Ahern since 2005, when she took me under her wing as her mentee, my first year teaching. All these years later, although I am in another district, we keep in touch, AND, she still has a tremendous impact. As Annie Hellickson stated in her support, also a former student of mine, Julie Ahern is indeed, a monumental woman, a monumental teacher, and monumental for Waukegan. Countless children have reached dreams far outreaching the ones they achieved even as 3rd GRADERS, (thinking of specifics like a drawing contest winner sponsored by Mike Thaley/Black Lagoon author), grants providing items like 3D printers for her classroom (well before they were a thing) and having it used to print a hand for a violin player!
I honestly try conduct my teaching career, to emulate that of Julie Ahern. In many ways. Be it through her teaching me the art of grant writing, the positive effects of establishing and cultivating loving relationships with students, parents, colleagues, friends, and, really, everyone, and in so many more ways.
I say this honestly. Julie is a LIfe Changer. Not of "a" or "the" year, but of lifetimes. Plural. No one is more deserving of this.
I relentlessly advocate for Julie Ahern as Life Changer of the Year- as this nomination perfectly exemplifies the magnitude of her work.
As a senior in college, I am grateful to say my third grade teacher will remain the most monumental woman ever apart of my educational experience.
In fact, to say changed my life would be an understatement and an injustice. The trajectory of my career can be amounted to Julie Ahern believing in me, many years ago.
She was the first, and only, teacher to sincerely and undyingly have faith in me.
Not only does she provide and serve for her students- at both school and home, present and former students alike-
But she reminds them of their worth.
Their boundless capabilities.
I am undyingly grateful that a mind, heart and soul like hers can inspire and ignite the young minds of our future.
Almost twelve years later, I stand behind myself and my abilities.
And I owe that to her. Waukegan needs her.