Dedicated to her students
Pictured with her first-grade pack, Timber Trail Elementary teacher Julie Schade is a dedicated Timber Wolf. Left to right: Evelyn Binder, Evan Atha, Jon Demetrion, Julie Schade, Atlas Calvert and Ophelia Clancy.
Teachers play an invaluable role in the lives of children: what they teach, their relationships with students and by creating a safe space for learning. For 18 years, first-grade teacher Julie Schade has played a significant role in the lives of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students and families.
Julie is known to be compassionate and kind. She is well respected by her peers, loved by her students and valued by parents.
“In Julie’s classroom, students are not only guided by her expert instruction but also deeply supported by her calm and caring presence. Her kindness, passion, and unwavering dedication to student growth create a warm and inspiring learning environment,” said TTE Principal Rob Thelen.
“Mrs. Schade was the nicest teacher I ever had. She puts her students before herself, and she wants to make an impact on her students,” said Garrett Matuszewski, a junior at Rock Canyon High School.
Working at TTE has been an honor for Julie. The circles of communication she has created between her students and their parents are active and ongoing. Her goal is for everyone to work together and toward the success and happiness of the student.
“It is not always easy and sometimes there are challenges, but the journey is so amazing,” said Julie, who is in her 28th year of teaching.
Having the independence to be creative and find different and new techniques that make learning fun for kids is what really drew Julie to teaching. She started college as a business major attending Metropolitan State University in Denver. During that time, she took a job as an education assistant at Christ the King Roman Catholic School in Denver where she worked with kindergarten students, as well as aiding in lunch and recess duties.
“I fell in love with teaching and changed my major to education,” said Julie. She finished college at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, earning her degree in education.
Julie and her husband, Tom, live in Highlands Ranch. Julie said on meeting Tom that it was love at first sight. Set up by Julie’s sister, the couple met for a date at Dave & Buster’s. Twenty-five years together, they have two children, Elisabeth (23) and Mathew (21). The family takes advantage of the school calendar each year to enjoy their traditional family trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World (or sometimes both).
Back at school, Julie continues to form lasting relationships. Thelen concluded, “Her impact on our students and school community is truly invaluable.”
Julie Schade and her family have fun with Pluto and Minnie Mouse during their annual summer trip to Walt Disney World. Left to right: Mathew, Julie, Elisabeth and Tom.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Julie Schade
