Julia Memoli in her classroom. PROVIDED<\/p>\n
A J. Colin English Elementary school teacher has been named New Teacher of the Year for 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing named 2026 Teacher of the Year means everything to me. I am so grateful to be recognized for such an amazing achievement in my first year of teaching. I have put in so much time and effort to get where I am today, and it is such a blessing to see how I am being rewarded. I believe my passion for this career is a true testament to my commitment to my students and helping them grow and learn each day,\u201d said Julia Memoli, who teaches kindergarten.<\/p>\n
The inspiration to become a teacher sparked and the dream took hold when she was a little girl.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been inspired by my calling to help others and be a light to the world,\u201d she said. \u201cConnecting with children has always created such special moments in my life and showed me the impact I could make,\u201d Memoli said. \u201cI continued to follow my passion all throughout my school experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n
That passion continued throughout her school experiences, as she immersed herself in every opportunity to be involved in schools and working with children.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the moment I stepped into my first internship classroom, I knew teaching was where I needed to be. The relationships and trust I have built with my students continue to remind me that this is the moment I\u2019ve been waiting for,\u201d Memoli said.<\/p>\n
The New Teacher of the Year award recognizes newly certified personnel for their significant contributions to both the School District of Lee County and their schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cMs. Memoli deserves recognition for APPLES New Teacher of the Year due to her dedication to learn and grow as a teacher,\u201d said J. Colin English Elementary Principal Misty Smyrnios in a prepared statement. \u201cMs. Memoli is eager to improve instructional practices by taking observation feedback and implementing new techniques in her classroom. In addition, Ms. Memoli radiates positivity, motivating students and families to work hard. Parents are thrilled to be part of the kindergarten experience, shining a light on Ms. Memoli\u2019s dedication to her instruction.<\/p>\n
Those nominated for the New Teacher of the Year demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their roles, which earned them respect from teachers, administrators, coworkers, parents and their committee.<\/p>\n
Principals, teacher representatives, and district staff made up the selection committee that reviewed nominations and identified, interviewed, and selected the finalist.<\/p>\n
Memoli said her first year of teaching was both the most challenging and rewarding experience. She was hired last January as a second-grade teacher while completing her final semester of her bachelor\u2019s program.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn August, I started my dream position as a kindergarten teacher. From being a student teacher to teaching students is truly one of the greatest accomplishments. Each day in my classroom, I see so much growth in my students, not only in academics but as humans learning to navigate the world together,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy students and I have built a family in our class, and I will cherish our bonds forever. I will never forget how far we have come from learning how to walk in a line and hold a pencil, to reading and writing like first graders. Although my first year was not always smooth sailing, it is a perfect reminder that even we as teachers have to learn, adapt and grow each day alongside our students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her first year in the classroom was successful because of her goal \u2013 creating a respectful, caring classroom where every student felt excited to come to school. She wanted to ensure every student was in an environment where they felt safe, supported and loved like family.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the beginning of the school year, I focused on getting to know my students and building relationships with each of them. By learning about their interests and backgrounds, I was able to see how they learn best and ways I can target their needs to help them succeed,\u201d Memoli said. \u201cI also prioritized our routines and procedures to create consistency and structure in our learning environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
A large part of the modeling stemmed from the same kindness and respect she wanted her students to mirror. She also wanted students to feel supported by teaching them to lift each other up and celebrate achievements.<\/p>\n
\u201cI determined these methods were successful by watching my students over the year and noticing the increase in their small kind gestures, eagerness to help a friend, using their manners, waiting their turn, and treating others with respect,\u201d Memoli said.<\/p>\n
She thanks her family for the overwhelming support through it all.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have always been there for me, cheering me on through my teaching journey. I am so grateful for my amazing volunteers, my mom and my sister, that they get to see me and my students in action,\u201d Memoli said.<\/p>\n