Testimonials

What a great project Julie! I hope I told you this at VVE but you were the exact kind of teacher Beau had hoped to honor. His intent when he came up with this scholarship was to encourage teachers that go above and beyond for our students and district and inspire long time teachers to stay in the district and know how much their work is valued and appreciated. You truly epitomize the type of teacher he told me he wanted to reward and I know his vision will be honored through your project.

Thanks for all you do for the district and for EEF!

Ms. Cimino is a master teacher who seamlessly blends her pedagogical knowledge with her art and graphic design experiences and her technological acuity. In addition to crafting lessons that encompass multiple artistic styles, genres, media, and cultures, Ms. Cimino embraces technology to both disseminate and gather information with students. Of particular note is a mammoth project she has worked on for two years with the now-fifth-grade students at VVE -- a project on immigration that is currently displayed at Laura's Library. In addition to the art itself, Ms. Cimino gathered written student reflections on immigration, then together selected quotes to record using anonymous voice over. The variety of student responses reveal voicings of belief that indicate diverse thinking on this important topic -- and does so in thoughtful and respectful ways so that everyone's voice is heard. Ms. Cimino is an amazing teacher and we are lucky to share her talents in Eanes ISD!

Hi Mrs. Cimino-

My apologies - as this email is way overdue! I just found it in my draft inbox! Thanks for your sweet email! Ella told me about the letter she sent you and was SO excited to get your email back that she printed it out & taped it to the wall beside her bed. It's still there now. Ella had a pretty terrible experience during first grade with a teacher who did a lot of damage to her confidence, especially academically. As you may recall, back in 3rd grade, Ella was painfully shy & wouldn't hardly speak aloud in class. She was worried others would make fun of her & so she just chose to miss a whole concept, rather than ask a question other students could hear. I am still immensely grateful for the impact you made on her life way back in 3rd grade. Little by little, she is finding her voice, building her confidence, and learning to advocate for herself. I'm proud of her progress- and it started with you. Now she's asking questions, and even trying out for solos in choir! My child - and so many others you teach- are incredibly blessed by your decision to change occupations. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making your classroom a safe place & for encouraging Ella to find her voice. The quiet ones are easy to overlook in a busy class with lots of loud voices. I'm really grateful she was fortunate enough to be in your class. You will always have a special place in our hearts.

Hi Julie! We went yesterday to see the display! What a great experience for these kids to see their hard work being enjoyed by others! Thank you for working so tirelessly for these kids! We are so thankful to have you at Valley View!

An elementary teacher with five years experience as a third grade general educator, she volunteered to lead the grade level collaborative class for the past two years. Selected to conceive, design, and implement one of two flexible learning environment classrooms, she has served as a subject matter expert on the unique pilot program that has spread throughout the District. In creating a learning environment and designing lessons, she thinks first, "what would motivate their learning and how will they value it?" The result is rich, hands-on, collaborative learning events that motivate and delight her students. She was recently named Bridge Point Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Brad W., Principal

Dear Mrs. Cimino

I don't know if you still remember me or not, but my name is Ella and I had you for a teacher in 2012. I heard you are an art teacher, I bet you are REALLY good! You are still my favorite teacher!!! Now I am going to middle school.

P.S. To tell the truth I loved it when you made us stand on chairs. And that is how I became confident, because of you!

Stay in touch,

I miss you,

Love Always,

Ella