MIDDLEBURG – A Middleburg High history teacher received a state award and was named the most-improved teacher in the Clay County School district.

Eleventh grade U.S. History teacher Julie McRee earned an Excellence in History award from the state and was recognized by the district after a 15-point increase in her students’ passing rate on state exams.

Teachers work because they care for their students and want to ensure their futures are bright. But that doesn’t mean an award or two doesn’t make them feel just as great about their work.

“She believes that every student is capable of thinking at high levels,” Clay County School District Social Studies Specialist Kelly Watt said. “Because of this, she is constantly reflecting on her impact in the classroom and revising her approach.”

Watt said that over the past year, those reflections have led to a 15-point increase in her students’ pass rate on state exams. This shows just how important and the impact of Mcree’s energy, reflection and innovative mindset.

McRee has taught for nine years at Middleburg. For her, this award means recognition for her passion in something she loves so dearly.

“I feel very humbled, blessed and thankful for receiving this award and it is a great honor to not only represent Clay County but now the state of Florida,” McRee said. “This award means that I’m being recognized for something I love and have a passion for: teaching students to love United States history.

“We have so many connections to history and I attempt to teach my students to recognize and learn from them.”

McRee said she is honored to be named the most improved teacher in the district as well but she’s not quick to take the credit for it. It was the students who passed the exam, and the cooperation between other teachers and administration at the school that helped her achieve this, she said.

McRee said principal Roger Dailey and Watt were especially helpful as they were always willing to help and give her much-needed advice.

“I cannot tell you how much I admire, value and respect any professional educator who is so willing to make herself more vulnerable and endure so much stress in order to produce a more effective outcome for her students,” Dailey said.

McRee said her faith in God and her Christian faith are what keep her going year after year, and what help her achieve awards like the Excellence in History award.

“My belief that teaching is a calling, this is what keeps me going,” McRee said. “My Christian faith is extremely important to me...I rely on constant prayer, strength and patience. On days when it is stressful, I have to believe that God placed me in the position I am in, therefore, I want to serve Him well.

“So, I give God all the glory for any recognitions I receive and for my students’ success.”

McRee’s husband and her children also deserve credit, McRee said, because they were patient and supportive with her when she needed it most.

For teachers hoping to follow in her footsteps, McRee said it’s important they love their subject and that they teach that subject in a variety of ways.

“Students need to know that you care about them and want them to succeed,” McRee said. “Have patience, especially on those stressful days.”