Foundation Honoree: Julia Brotko, Brookside Kindergarten Teacher

Kindergarten teacher at  Julia Brotko is one of six school district staff members who  at the annual Foundation for Excellence in Yorktown Education fundraiser next week. 

In his nomination John Wells, principal of Brookside Elementary School, said it is a "pleasure" to work with the teacher who exemplifies the character education program and instills character in everything that she says and does. 

"Julia is a wonderful early childhood educator who genuinely appreciates that the development of children proceeds at varying rates, that children demonstrate different modes of knowing and learning, and that children bring diverse background experiences to school," Well said. "Julia’s outreach and compassion to students and families who are in difficult situations is outstanding. Her ability to extend herself and go beyond the call of duty in order to help others is simply tremendous."

Brotko has been with the school district since 1994.

Patch caught up with her to ask about the honor she is receiving from the school district.

Patch: What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Julia Brotko: What I enjoy most about my job is seeing my students each day as they come in. They are eager and ready to learn. I work hard at putting excitement into my lessons and creating an environment where everyone feels safe and happy. I also want to give lots of credit and thanks to Sharon Wenderoth who has been the "second" teacher in my room and my friend since I began teaching in Yorktown.

Patch: What have been the highlights of your experience at Yorktown?

Brotko: My highlights of working in the Yorktown schools are the many friends I have made and the opportunities that I have had learning from others how to improve myself and my craft. Thank you John Wells for granting me an interview and wanting me on his team, Ron DelMoro for hiring me, Rick Fisher for the chance at 2nd grade in Mohansic and of course, , who I partnered up with for many, many wonderful years.

Patch: Why do you think you were chosen as a representative from your school and what does this honor mean to you? 

Brotko: I am truly honored by this nomination. Connecting school and community is very important to me. Our success works with everyone working toward the same goal: making sure our children have a truly inspiring learning experience. I have dedicated my time in working hard for this to happen.

Patch: Anything else you would like to add? 

Brotko: Thank you to Dr. Nap, Florence O'Connor, John Wells and everyone involved in the process of nominating me. I am truly honored. Thank you to my children, David, Jennifer and Kelly who inspire me again and again. To my husband, David, thank you for your patience and love. Thank you to my mom and dad, my brothers, sister-in-laws, in-laws, grandchildren and friends for coming tonight. I love you all.

__

Do you like Patch? "Like" us on Facebook and join the conversation there. Thank you for reading!