MUSD Teacher of the Year: Julie Bradshaw

Congratulations to Mrs. Julie Bradshaw, teacher at Estes Elementary School, who is the MUSD 2024 Teacher of the Year!

Mrs. Julie Bradshaw has been with Marana Unified School District since her student teaching days. For the last seven years, she has dedicated herself to teaching at Estes Elementary School, spending five years fostering young minds in kindergarten and the last two years in the third grade. Mrs. Bradshaw creates lasting connections with students and families, making a meaningful impact in their lives. Her genuine love for her students is evident, and she thrives on the joy of witnessing their excitement for learning.

Not only does Mrs. Bradshaw seek innovative ways to inspire students, she is also committed to her own personal growth in teaching and pursues ways to support the community, Estes Elementary and MUSD colleagues. Her innovative teaching expands to all subject areas and students are encouraged to take a hands-on approach to learning. She makes it a priority to apply life skills into her lessons and keep students engaged through real-world applications that connect directly to the standards.

Mrs. Bradshaw is exceptional at meeting students where they are at through fostering relationships with them and incorporating their passions into her lessons. A mom whose child has been in Mrs. Bradshaw’s class for both kindergarten and third grade describes her as, “one of those teachers that you wish every child could have! She puts so much time and energy into her classroom, but more importantly her students.”

Leading by example is what Mrs. Bradshaw does intuitively every day. She serves as a third grade lead on the Estes Leadership Team, researching ways to support school-wide literacy and PBIS efforts. She supports colleagues through professional development opportunities, helping new teachers develop classroom tools. As the student council advisor, Mrs. Bradshaw encourages students to take active roles in the community. Over the past five years, she has committed herself to be a leader on the Estes Beautification Team, garnering $35,000+ in grants and donations to build a beautiful outdoor learning space. Her servant leadership goes beyond the classroom and she often supports the PTO and Title 1 Parent Involvement Team.

She also has collaborated with the Pima County Superintendent’s Office STEMAZing program as a STEMAZing teacher leader in MUSD. She supported the rollout of the new science standards and presented professional development across the district. With her continued partnership and recent federal grant funding the Pima County Superintendent’s Office, she is currently teaching professional development throughout Arizona.

Without a doubt, Mrs. Bradshaw makes everyone feel special and loved. She advocates fiercely for students in need of support, enriches those that need to be challenged, and makes every parent feel valued! As a colleague, she inspires teacher learners with the same tenacity as she does in the classroom; taking great care to cultivate professional learning that inspires thinking and empowers teachers.

About Employee of the Year Awards

The Marana Unified School District annually recognizes dedicated employees, a teacher, administrator and support staff member who possess outstanding work abilities, motivate and inspire students and colleagues, possess leadership qualities, and contribute to colleagues and students in ways that go beyond the usual expectations of their job.

In addition to being recognized at their work site, Employees of the Year will be recognized by the Marana School’s 2340 Foundation during the Marana Schools’ 2340 Foundation Celebration of Excellence luncheon on Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.