O’Rourke: Elect a teacher to Scottsdale school board

Julie Cieniawski is the consummate lifelong learner and career educator.

During the time we taught together in the Scottsdale Unified School District Comprehensive Gifted Program at Desert Canyon Middle School, she was a consistent leader and well-respected colleague.

Her social studies classroom was grounded in deep thinking and intellectual rigor. Students were challenged to view each episode and era of history with the lens of a critical scholar and the heart of a social justice warrior — traits that exemplify her personality.

When Julie moved from social studies to theatre, she learned a new language and developed a new skillset, while still challenging students to think critically about the world around them.

As the President of Scottsdale Educators Association, she led us through turbulent times — corrupt leadership and a statewide walkout were challenges she met with grace and strong leadership.

Her time as our president taught her listening and negotiation skills as she facilitated many tough conversations between teachers and school district departments. At the heart of it all, though, Julie always stands for what is right for students and teachers.

She will never sacrifice ethics or justice. We need a teacher on the board who understands the true nature of life in the trenches and I have no doubt she will always bring her concern for students, teachers and the community to the fore of any conversation or policy issue.

Editor’s Note: Kelly O’Rourke, M.Ed. is a National Board Certified Teacher, parent and Scottsdale resident.