Meet Julie Nolte, the recipient of an ACE master’s degree scholarship! We were excited to offer the award to an eligible educator who benefits from our nonprofit partner, Treasures 4 Teachers. Nolte has been an educator for 21 years and is currently serving as a K-8 STEM education teacher in Litchfield Park, Arizona. She is enrolled in the M.Ed. in Adult Education and Training program. We were excited to get to know her better.
ACE: Congratulations on receiving the Treasures 4 Teachers scholarship! What does this mean to you?
JN: Receiving this scholarship will make a huge difference in my teaching career. Earning my master’s has been a dream of mine for the last four or five years, and I can’t wait to see it come to fruition!
ACE: You’ve been an educator for 21 years. That’s amazing! What is your favorite thing about being an educator?
JN: My favorite part of being an educator is teaching my students to find their “why” in education. I encourage this by posting my personal “why” in my classroom and surrounding it with photos of students and teachers I’ve interacted with and who have impacted me over the years. Once students understand why they need education and why they need to put effort into becoming an independent learner, their view about school changes. They learn that they’re actually in charge of their education, and that is such a powerful thing.
ACE: We see you’ve enrolled in the M.Ed. in Adult Education and Training program. Why did you choose this program, and how do you see this scholarship helping you achieve your academic and career goals?
JN: I’m enrolled in this program because I want to educate the next generation of teachers about STEM education, and again, showcase the importance of having a clearly defined “why.” I want to show future educators how our focus needs to be on raising independent learners with strong decision-making skills. The world is in a constant state of change, and the U.S. education system must continue growing if we’re going to maintain our position as a strong leader in the world. It starts with empowering educators to lead the charge on positively influencing how and what is taught in the classroom.
ACE: We have proudly partnered with Treasures 4 Teachers to present this scholarship. How long have you been shopping there, and how have they made an impact on your life?
JN: I have been a Treasures 4 Teachers teacher for just over five years. So much of what I teach requires hands-on manipulatives and resources, and unfortunately, there’s no budget for a MakerSpace or STEM Lab. I truly couldn’t teach the way I want without Treasures 4 Teachers. They are such an amazing resource for educators of any subject.
ACE: What advice would you give to a new teacher or someone wanting to begin an education career?
JN: My advice for a new teacher would be to never stop learning! Learning gives you a chance to stay current, but to also make connections with like-minded people and your students. I’m able to talk to my students about cell phones and computers, as well as sports and activities they’re interested in. I like learning what my students and fellow teachers are learning. When you know more, you’re able to do more!
Learn more about the M.Ed. in Adult Education and Training at American College of Education.
