LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Julian Barcelo was nominated by a parent of a student.

Señor Barceló, as the kids know him, is a beloved community builder and an inspiring educator in Tucson, Arizona. He has created a space for children, teachers, families, and community folk to gather, share a meal, harvest, and make food as they grow bonds and create memories for years to come. His ability to bring people together extends from the family-like connection his students have towards each other into the local Tucson community. His open door to parents shows his students that what their families know and do is of value and worth learning about, leading to cultural and identity pride in the students. Families and students see themselves as co-creators of knowledge and become more invested in their learning and education. 

Señor Barceló's contribution to creating a positive school culture is present in the spirit of hope and joy the school's community garden space exudes. His leadership in using local agricultural practices and traditions as a source for teaching mathematics, literacy, science, history, and geography has inspired other teachers to follow suit. You can see his influence and inspiration as a mentor in the work the student teachers do post-graduation in their own classrooms. The success of his lessons in the garden is positively known and respectfully borrowed by fellow educators. 

Señor Barceló is an advocate for education, children, and families at school, in the community, and even at the state level. His love for children finding joy in learning drives him to go above and beyond his teaching duties to ensure the right to public education continues.

"He is a person of integrity, respect, and great wisdom. His commitment to children's right to learn in a caring and dignified classroom shows in his daily teaching practices, welcoming smile, and community engagement endeavors he undertakes. These qualities and practices make him the perfect LifeChanger, for he changes the lives of his students and their families by making them feel valued, welcomed, and loved, even in the face of great adversity," said the parent.