Rural Elementary Teacher
Julie Forkner, Bronaugh R-VII
Outstanding Rural Elementary Teacher
Julie Forkner
Bronaugh R-VII School District
Julie Forkner is a teacher who does not take her duties lightly and gives 110% to her job. Now in her 17th year as a valued member of the Bronaugh faculty, Julie has served the last many years as a kindergarten teacher and for the last five years as the director of the districts after school program. The term “served” is used purposefully, because that is truly Mrs. Forkner’s attitude as she works with the students, parents, colleagues and patrons of the Bronaugh school community.
Her enthusiasm, her innovativeness, and her genuine concern for education are exemplary. Her flexibility in working with students, teachers, and the public has earned her an enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who truly cares about people. To Julie all of the students feel they are her favorite, they are eager to please her and respect her. As one former parent put it, “I didn’t realize it then, but my son was very fortunate to have such a caring person to start him on his path of lifetime learning.” Students are sent to first grade prepared to absorb the next step in their education.
Under Julie’s leadership as Director of the AfterSchool program, all grade levels have benefited. This program includes activities to meet the individual needs of all children. Every day, she is in charge of 50+ students that stay for afterschool activities. Each student who attends receives a healthy snack, a quiet place to do their homework, and time for social interaction through exercise, technology and many other group activities.
Another passion of hers and perhaps one that is closest to her heart is the districts Character Ed program. Julie started this program when she saw a need in the school and community for each student to be a caring person when they leave the school.
Mrs. Forkner’s wealth of experience, a true role model for students, and one that recognizes that teaching is NOT just a job sets her apart and makes it appropriate that we congratulate Julie Forkner as Missouri’s Outstanding Rural Elementary Teacher for 2012.