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ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ School Counselor Honored as a 2018 Educator of the Year by Local Assemblyman

ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ school counselor Julie Bello, known for using mini-robots to set children at ease and engaging with parents through small workshops, was named one of eight 2018 Educators of the Year by Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez of the 52nd District.

“I am so honored and humbled to be nominated for this recognition, but also motivated to continue the work that I do, to do better, work harder and to keep pushing forward,” Bello said. “I want to do everything that I possibly can to connect with parents and prepare our students for their future.”

Bello, who has worked at Shadow Hills and Canyon Crest elementary schools for six years, was nominated by Shadow Hills Principal Joel Aviña for going above and beyond for her students.

“Julie has a really special way with children,” Aviña said. “She has a tremendous ability to build a rapport with the students, communicate effectively with their parents and to create spaces where kids feel safe to express themselves emotionally.”

Bello has worked in ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ for more than 21 years, first as a preschool teacher and then as a program specialist for pre-K through adult school students.

As a school counselor, Bello coordinates parent and student workshops, aids in college and career prep and coordinates extended learning and after-school programs.

She is known for using technology, coding and robotics – the mini-robots – to engage students in meaningful and familiar ways. Bello said using the robots in one-on-one or group settings helps to eliminate barriers that can impede student success.

Bello also teaches anger management classes for the Junior Fontana Leadership Intervention Program (Junior FLIP), which helps at-risk students develop leadership skills, improve grades and build confidence and social skills.

“Julie Bello is among our District’s outstanding educators and we are glad to see her being recognized, not only for her commitment to students, but also for her commitment to this District,” FUSD Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ is honored to have such a dedicated, capable and exemplary educator among its staff.” 

Bello and her fellow honorees will be recognized at the 2018 Educator of the Year ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 at the Old Schoolhouse Museum in Chino.