Meet a 2022 School Teacher of the Year: Julie Miles of Ball Ground ES STEM Academy!

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school's Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2022 Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Julie Miles!

Ball Ground Elementary School STEM Academy Teacher of the Year Julie Miles found her career path as a college student volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club.

There she met a young boy who was deaf and didn't have peers there who could communicate with him. Ms. Miles decided to start a sign language class at the Club, and made the child her assistant.

Not only did his confidence soar, she found her destiny: to be a teacher who specializes in supporting students with special needs including deaf or hard of hearing learners. And she has soared herself for the past 20 years, establishing herself as a leader in her field who now trains and mentors other educators.

In addition to her teaching role, Ms. Miles also serves as the Special Education department chair at her school and recently earned her education specialist degree in Special Education. She had previously earned both a bachelor of science degree in communication sciences and disorders and a master in education degree in education of the deaf, both from the University of Georgia.

"Julie knows how to engage special needs kids and make learning fun," a parent shared. "She's also selfless with her time. She is the type of teacher every student would be lucky to have. We're so fortunate that she's had an impact on both of my children's lives - and impact that will carry through for the rest of their lives."

In her own words: "Having the right growth mindset is essential to overcoming roadblocks on your journey. I have a quote above my promethean board that is as much for my colleagues and myself as my students, and it reads: 'Yes you can. End of story.'"

Special thanks to our 2022 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration's Presenting Sponsors: Cherokee County Educational Foundation, Credit Union of Georgia, Northside Hospital Cherokee and Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Canton.
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