While Elmwood Franklin School first graders are enjoying the perks of childhood—singing songs, playing outside, drawing with crayons—they’re also learning some impressive things—story structure, prepositional phrases, vowel diphthongs, place value, fact families, fractions, geography, economic systems, and much, much, more. One of the teachers leading their learning is Judy Jurnack, who began teaching at Elmwood Franklin School in 1979 and has since welcomed more than 1,000 students into her classroom.
All About Judy Jurnack
Place of birth: Buffalo
Education: BS in elementary education, Daemen College
Years at EFS: 39
What she loves about first grade: “The kids! They are so curious and eager to learn. It's fun to see the progress they make by the end of each year. Also, I love the hugs.”
What she values most about her job: Judy says it’s the great kids, supportive parents, and amazing colleagues.
What challenges her: “Having to let go of a class in June. You really do get attached to them! Having said that, it's exciting to start fresh each September. Not many occupations can boast that!”
On her own memories of first grade: “Ironically, I have very negative memories of first grade! In fact, my mother had to have several conferences with my teacher, Mrs. Mroz, to talk about my tearfulness. Maybe that's why I've wanted to be a first grade teacher as long as I can remember—to help kids learn and be happy!”
If Judy weren’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: sports writer or commentator
Hobbies: reading, sports (especially the Sabres and Bills!) home decorating, day trips
Favorite book: Judy particularly loves mysteries by Patricia Cornwell, Jeffrey Deaver, Vince Flynn, and others.
A few things you may not know about Judy: Her first job was working in the Dutch Shoppe at Fantasy Island, wearing wooden shoes and all. She’s an animal lover despite having been thrown by a horse and knocked over by a 400 lb. pig while visiting a friend's farm. And she started college intending to become an English teacher after being told there would be more job opportunities, but switched nearly at the last minute to pursue her dream of being an elementary school teacher! “It took an extra year of college to complete my program,” she notes, “but thank goodness I listened to my heart!”
Education: BS in elementary education, Daemen College
Years at EFS: 39
What she loves about first grade: “The kids! They are so curious and eager to learn. It's fun to see the progress they make by the end of each year. Also, I love the hugs.”
What she values most about her job: Judy says it’s the great kids, supportive parents, and amazing colleagues.
What challenges her: “Having to let go of a class in June. You really do get attached to them! Having said that, it's exciting to start fresh each September. Not many occupations can boast that!”
On her own memories of first grade: “Ironically, I have very negative memories of first grade! In fact, my mother had to have several conferences with my teacher, Mrs. Mroz, to talk about my tearfulness. Maybe that's why I've wanted to be a first grade teacher as long as I can remember—to help kids learn and be happy!”
If Judy weren’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: sports writer or commentator
Hobbies: reading, sports (especially the Sabres and Bills!) home decorating, day trips
Favorite book: Judy particularly loves mysteries by Patricia Cornwell, Jeffrey Deaver, Vince Flynn, and others.
A few things you may not know about Judy: Her first job was working in the Dutch Shoppe at Fantasy Island, wearing wooden shoes and all. She’s an animal lover despite having been thrown by a horse and knocked over by a 400 lb. pig while visiting a friend's farm. And she started college intending to become an English teacher after being told there would be more job opportunities, but switched nearly at the last minute to pursue her dream of being an elementary school teacher! “It took an extra year of college to complete my program,” she notes, “but thank goodness I listened to my heart!”
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