Betsy Julien: The 5th & 6th Grade Teacher Whose Class Has Raised Over $500,000

This week Andrew talks with elementary school teacher Betsy Julien. Betsy’s 5th & 6th grade class has raised over $500,000 to build a wheelchair accessible playground at their school. Betsy seamlessly integrated the fundraising project into her lesson plans and her 25 students rallied together to support their friends who use wheelchairs. This conversation is filled with timeless lessons about leadership, teamwork, and what’s possible when people come together above all else to help others. It’s also a powerful reminder that sometimes the best place to look for a solution to a big challenge is our youngest generation. This conversation is raw, emotional, and incredibly inspiring.

Show Highlights:
(4:14) - Betsy’s story and start of project
(5:19) - Grant for initial swing
(6:44) - “Aha” moments for students
(8:13) - Integrating project into lesson plans
(8:41) - Initial class planning session
(9:23) - Short and long-term goals
(10:21) - Cold calling local businesses
(11:36) - Teaching kids to overcome barriers
(13:45) - Classroom collaboration
(15:47) - Cultivating leadership in kids
(18:01) - Seeing growth in students
(20:45) - Developing a child’s passions
(26:20) - Seeking input from others
(28:05) - Showing children they have a voice
(30:25) - Betsy’s most memorable moment

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