Igims named a state teacher of the year semifinalist

March 30, 2018

Julia Igims, a 1997 Slippery Rock University graduate with a degree in special education and elementary education, has been named a semifinalist for the 2019 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Igims teaches in an intensive support classroom at the Marzolf Primary School in the Shaler Area School District. During her 20 years teaching in the Shaler Area district, Igims co-created the Harbor Protective Sleeve, a foam sleeve designed for individuals with sensory-seeking, self-injurious or aggressive behaviors and their caregivers.

The Pennsylvania's Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes outstanding educators for their achievements inside and outside the classroom, is co-sponsored by PDE and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year. There are 31 semifinalists across the state. Twelve finalists will be selected in April and the winner will be announced in December.