Julie Ahern
Position: Writers Workshop Teacher
School: Andrew Cooke Magnet School
School District: Waukegan Community Unit School District #60
City, State: Waukegan, IL
Support Julie
Leave a comment
Get Updates
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 with many opportunities to work with innovative, cutting-edge technology. Through her teaching, students discover the joy of creating with technology and 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 wouldn't be able to take advantage of these unique 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, 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 genuinely a LifeChanger in Waukegan.
"Julie Ahern makes a huge difference in the lives of her students and all around her," said Dudley. "After 30 years of service to Andrew Cooke School, Julie will be retiring. Her impact on our students and school community is unmeasured."
Mrs. Ahern was my 3rd grade teacher about 15 years ago and I vividly remember so many of the things that I learned in her class. She has all of the qualities that make an amazing teacher, in my humble opinion - a truly kind heart, a passion for teaching, and dedication to learning. I have been able to keep up with her over Facebook through the years and it’s clear to me that continuously strives to and succeeds at ever-increasing her own knowledge so that she can pass it on to her students. In my case, she’s also the reason I still listen to classical music when I need to focus, and was a large part of cultivating my love of reading. I’m truly grateful for my time in her class. I can think of no better person who fits the bill of a Lifechanger.
Ms. Ahern is very kind & gentle and one of the most committed educators to our Waukegan students. Ms. Ahern’s teaching skills always make for each student to achieve to the best of their ability, not only academically but as people in our community. Yes, Ms. Ahern has won numerous teaching awards and needless to say, her students have won many academic awards. But what makes Ms. Ahern special, is that she cares about each student at Cooke individually to reach his or her potential. This is what makes the Life Changer nomination most appropriate for Ms. Ahern. On a side note, she also finds creative ways to find supplies and support for her classroom through the Donor’s Choose Program. Further, she receives overstock from Joanne Fabrics and brings it to the school for staff and parents as a donation. Thank you for all your generosity, Ms. Ahern. Best to you always!
She is the best!!!
We will miss you ??!!
Thank you Mrs Ahern for showing our kids the value of technology and encouraging them to follow their interests. You will be missed!
Mrs.Ahern thank you for encouraging and believing in Cooke Magnet students. Both my son’s have had the pleasure of being your pupils and you will be greatly missed. Wish you the best in retirement and please know your hard work and dedication is valued ??
I met Julie when I started teaching 20 years ago. Julie has consistently and continuously been a multilayer support system for the students and staff at Andrew Cooke Magnet school in Waukegan. She has obtained many different types of donations to the school and has brought many different types of technology to Cooke. She shares that technology and teaches staff and students how to use that technology to be more effective staff and students. She is going to be very difficult to replace when she retires. She has changed many many lives over the 30 years she has been teaching at Andrew Cooke Magnet school. I whole heartedly endorse her nomination.
Hello all, Mrs. Ahern has literally been a proven example of a life changer. She was my 3rd grade teacher 20 years ago. The foundation she laid in my learning as well as other friends and classmates have led us to many successes in our lives. We come from a community where this is not the norm, and through perseverance from Mrs. Ahern and others in our community, have given us a chance in this world. Thank you, Mrs. Ahern you will forever be one of my favorite teachers :)
I am JP Sosa's mother and you are such a dedicated teacher with lots of passion for teaching technology!!! God bless you for what you do!!!!!!
Mrs.Ahern is one of the most exceptional and extraordinary teachers I’ve met. My daughters were so lucky to have Mrs.Ahern as their teacher. Her teaching has enhanced learning for kids especially in the technology aspect. She taught students in a unique way that made learning interesting and fun! I believe she truly cares for her students always pushing them to excel. Her presence at Cooke Magnet made the environment a happy place to be for not only the students but parents as well! Alexy and Amaya will miss you, but will forever carry the knowledge they gained from you. Wishing you all the best Mrs.Ahern!
I really enjoyed your article about technology in education! You are a visionary in the best sense of the term! My son, Hyrum has learned so much from you and by exploring the ideas you have sparked in that awesome brain of his. During COVID, I think I enjoyed your classes as much if not more than my son! We owe you a world of gratitude for all you do and have done for our son and for all of the kids (and their grown-ups) at Cooke.
I am one of Mrs. Ahern’s former 2nd grade students. As a mother herself, she has a very intuitive way of connecting with students and letting them express themselves in a safe manner. She has amazing learning alternatives & she has WONDERFUL teaching skills. She always took an extra moment to teach us something if we needed it. And as she developed a close bond with my sister (also a former student), me, & my family, she understood my needs as a kid who was sort of different from the rest. Conclusively, when I think back on my time in 2nd grade I really think about how Mrs. Ahern helped me & changed my life in great ways. Thank you so much Mrs. Ahern; I’m still thinking of you 10 years later!!!
My daughter had Mrs. Ahern in second grade and she was an amazing teacher. Mrs. Ahern has a great way of connecting with her students and my daughter learned a lot that year. Our family was going through a hard time that year and Mrs. Ahern made sure my daughter was adjusting and handling changes well. She cared about her as a student but more importantly as a child who needed extra care. We were blessed to have her be her teacher that year where she really did well academically and emotionally. Mrs. Ahern really is a Lifechanger!
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.
Hi all,
I am a bit despondent. I meet Julie for the first time just recently as I toured with my daughter Amy. As we spoke, I could sense her passion, her zeal and supportiveness for my daughters learning and appreciation for science. I guess it takes one geek to appreciate another geek. Ho-Hum. My daughter and I will miss you. Nevertheless, take care of yourself. Happy trails to you.
Amy, Ray and Di
I am a former Cooke student. I studied at Cooke from kinder to 5th grade and i will tell you that Ms.Ahern has been one of the sweetest ,most caring, patient, and loving teachers here. I was shocked and so sad to learn that she would be leaving. Ms.Ahern, hope everything goes well for you!
Lost of Love
Sara
Ms. Ahern is an incredibly exceptional and inspirational teacher and person. She has taught my children so much and will be greatly missed.
She’s the best the kids are going to miss you.
