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she went into education was the inspiration that she received through her own education experience. 'From Kindergarten into college, I was inspired by fabulous teachers and coaches who believed in me, encouraged me, and made me want to be the best that I could be. The only occupation I ever considered was teaching.'
The mother of two (Zoe 12, and Levi, 7), Caraballo is married to Jose Caraballo and said that the ability to 'touch a child's life' was her motivation. 'Knowing that I could be the one to touch a child's life, to help them realize their potential, and make them believe in their dreams is the only motivation I have ever needed. I have always wanted to make a difference in the world, and I needed an occupation that would give me an opportunity to pour into others.'
J.R. Trippe Principal Dr. Sandy Reid said that Caraballo has a 'servant’s heart' and cares about the kids in the classroom and they know it. 'She has developed relationships with the kids that enable her to require high levels of engagement and high levels of work in her classroom. Students work hard for her because of the relationships she has built with the students.'
Reid went on to say that Caraballo is a 'teachers' teacher' and is one of our mentor teachers. 'It's not uncommon to find Julie working with teachers who are new to the profession or to the school. She does a great job with that, and she actually has helped us hammer out a lot of the protocols that we use for mentoring teachers. A lot of the structures that we have in place, she was critical in creating those.' Reid said that Caraballo is 'kind and compassionate,' and that helps her with her role in mentoring others. 'The teachers respond very well to her and she may be one of the most patient people I know, so she works really well in the role of mentoring others.' Reid added, 'We have a building full of great teachers and it's really hard when you try and determine what characteristics would allow one to be recognized in this role, and at the end of the day, she just has all of those characteristics. She is a 10 out of 10 in every area and very much deserves this recognition.'
In years past the TOTY was voted on by their peers in the individual schools but because of the change to a cash award for the honor, Vidalia Assistant Superintendent Ginger Morris said the process needed change. 'Teacher of the Year is an exciting time in our school system as administration and staff once again reflect on the attributes of what makes a great teacher! This year's process was different as this is the first time our teachers received a monetary award at both the school and system level.”
The process begins with administration using the TOTY criterion to narrow the field of possible recipients. Once that is done, peers voted on the list of teachers who meet the criterion to represent them.
Morris added, 'The judges told us it was a hard decision this year and they complemented each teacher chosen at their respective schools. As the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, I couldn't agree more! I am excited for our 2023 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Julie Caraballo. Her passion for the students in her class and school are evident in and out of the classroom. To know her is to see someone who is passionate about her vocation and exudes her love of teaching to students and staff. An 'Indian' from birth, she is a culmination of all that is good and right with public education. I applaud her for her dedication to her beliefs and for continuing the legacy of excellence in the system!' Caraballo and the other finalists will be recognized at the December meeting of the Vidalia Board of Education, where they will be presented with a cash award and plaque honoring their selection. Below are the Teachers of the Year from each of the four Vidalia City School System schools.
Wade McLeod, Vidalia High School
McLeod has been teaching for 4 years and 4 months in the Vidalia City School System. He taught adults for 32 years at Southern Nuclear Company/ Plant Hatch. McLeod and his wife, Luanne, have six children: Joseph, 37, Ben, 35, Stephen, 33, David, 31, Anna, 29, and Nathan, 26.
In commenting on his reason for becoming a teacher, McLeod said, 'I found a number of years ago that the only life worth living is one that's given away. The question then was what from my life could I give away? It was my love for teaching others — to see someone learn something new.'
He added, 'Then there is love, compassion, patience, and kindness. I could always give those away and teaching provides the pathway. Of course, I miss the target often, but I'm still aiming. Next to that, I'm also blown away by the world God made. Learning about His amazing creation—the order and beauty are exciting and never grow old. It's a joy to see someone's eyes light up when you see them catch the wonder of this world.'
Kristen Palmer, Sally Meadows Elementary School Kristen Palmer has been teaching for 30 years and has been in the Vidalia City School System for 23 of those years. She and her husband, Jeff, have two children: Jodi Tharpe, 22, and Sara Kate Palmer, 19.
Palmer said she chose a career in education because that 'that is what I feel I was meant to be.' She added, 'I cannot remember a time that I didn't want to teach. I love being able to help students grow into lifelong learners and productive citizens.'
Valerie Tapley, J.D. Dickerson Elementary School Valerie Tapley has been teaching for 16 years, with the last 6 in the Vidalia City Schools. She and her husband, Jay, have two children: Abigail, 19, and Emma, 16.
Tapley says the reason she became a teacher was because of her 'love of children, their well-being, and their learning.' Tapley went on to say, 'I have always enjoyed interacting with children and believe I can make a difference in their lives. I hope to make an impact on each child I teach and hope they leave me knowing that I love them.
OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR — Kristen Palmer was named Teacher of the Year at Sally Meadows Elementary School. Palmer has been teaching for 30 years and has been in the Vidalia City School System for 23 of those years.
JDD TOP TEACHER — Valerie Tapley, a 16-year veteran educator, was named Teacher of the Year at J.D. Dickerson Elementary School. She has been with the Vidalia School System for 6 years.
