Schools

Julie Devine Taught for Ten Years Between East View and Churchill

Patch will be posting profiles of retiring District 308 teachers, administration and staff up until the end of the school year. Were you a student of Julie Devine? Share your memories below!

The following retirement profile was provided by Oswego 308. Leading up to the end of the school year, Patch will be posting these profiles for all retiring teachers, administration and staff in the district. Congratulations to all on your retirement! Julianne Devine 10 Years in District 308, 37 Years in Education

“Julie Devine has been a true mentor and leader, assisting all staff members in their professional growth. Whether giving advice to her colleagues, sharing treasures from her classroom, or selecting just the right books to teach her lessons, Julie has always strived to move everyone forward in the learning process. Julie has been a driving force in creating the climate that many of us consider to be our family at Churchill Elementary School and for that she will truly be missed.”
-Principal Tammie Harmon

Julie Devine began her teaching career 37 years ago as a substitute for Chicago Public Schools. In 1973 she began a full-time position in a private school on the north side of Chicago, teaching fourth through eighth grades until 1985. In 1985, Julie and her three children moved to Michigan when her husband opened a family restaurant in East Lansing.

After working in the restaurant for one year, Julie decided to return to teaching. From 1986 to 2001 she taught second and third grade, moving from a private school setting to her children’s school district and also finding time to complete her master’s degree. Julie returned to the Chicago area in 2001 and taught in the Naperville and Plainfield school districts. In 2003 she began her 10-year District 308 career teaching third grade students.

She taught at East View Elementary until 2005 when she transferred to the newly-opened Churchill Elementary. As an experienced teacher, Julie served as a member of the Oswego District Mentoring Program and as the Building Mentor Representative for Churchill teachers. In 2008, Julie received an Award of Recognition through the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel program. 

“My fondest memories include the wonderful colleagues who supported and collaborated with me over the years. They were the best teammates and friends anyone could hope to have,” Julie said. “Also, I will always be grateful for the principals who supported and challenged me professionally to continue to set new goals while always doing what was best for kids. Most of all, the enduring memories are the personal connections I have made with my students, as well as the young interns beginning their teaching careers. Their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning made every day an adventure!”

In retirement, Julie is looking forward to weekly visits with her 94-year-old mother and watching her grandchildren’s baseball and soccer games. She also hopes to have time to read the stack of books on her nightstand and take trips with her husband, family and friends. 

Were you a student of Julie Devine? Share your memories below!


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