First Grade

Julie Thornton is thrilled to join the first grade team with 17 years experience in 1st and 2nd grades. She previously taught in Deer Creek and Norman Public Schools. Mrs. Thornton received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Oklahoma Baptist University, and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood from the University of Oklahoma. Julie has been honored as Teacher of the Year finalist in Norman and is Nationally Board Certified.

Her greatest joy is sharing favorite books and projects with students. In first grade, everything a teacher gives is like a “gift” to them. First grade is the year where children blossom as confident readers and writers and love their teacher and school!

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Thornton serves as Vice President for Elementary for Oklahoma Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She presents at various regional and state conferences on technology integration in reading and mathematics for Early Childhood educators. Additionally, Mrs. Thornton is an educational consultant for Voyager Expanded Learning and McGraw-Hill Everyday Mathematics.

Her family includes husband, Brant, and mini schnauzer, Marley. They are expecting their first child in December. They enjoy OU football games, vacations in Manhattan Beach, landscaping, and spending weekends with friends and family. As active members of Crossings Community Church, they enjoy social and mission projects with their Sunday School class.

Favorite bible verse: Proverbs 3: 5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”