Julie Sparks is a Social and Living Skills Teacher at our Williamsport campus. She brings structure, consistency, and relationship-building into the school day to help students strengthen life skills and make positive choices. Learn more about her and her impact on students’ lives! 

What is your favorite thing about working at River Rock Academy?  

I love the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives during some of their most challenging moments. I value being a consistent, positive role model for students who may not always have that stability. Building relationships, modeling accountability, and showing them what respect and perseverance look like every day is incredibly meaningful to me. I especially appreciate helping students reflect on their choices, develop stronger life skills, and get back on the right path both academically and personally. 

What has been your career trajectory? How did you end up where you are today? 

My career began in the Pittsburgh area, where I worked with students who had significant behavioral and emotional needs. Those early experiences shaped my passion for special education and reinforced the importance of structure, relationships, and consistency. 

After getting married, I moved from Pittsburgh to the Williamsport area, which led me to continue my work in alternative education. Although the location changed, my commitment to supporting students and helping them grow has remained the same. Each step in my journey has helped shape the educator I am today! 

How do you make an impact on students’ lives?  

I make an impact by building strong, consistent relationships and creating a classroom where students feel safe and respected. I model accountability and problem solving while helping them recognize their strengths. When students begin making better choices and believe they can get back on the right path, that’s when I know the impact is meaningful. 

What does a “day in the life” look like for your role?  

A typical day includes setting clear expectations, checking in with students, and maintaining a structured routine. I teach academics while embedding social and life skills, and we regularly engage in pro-social activities to build positive peer interactions. We also practice coping skills and behavior regulation strategies throughout the day. While every day is different, the goal remains the same: helping students stay engaged, make positive choices, and move forward. 

Why do you think your role is important at River Rock Academy?  

My role is important because many of our students need more than just academic instruction; they need stability, structure, and consistent support. I help create an environment where students feel safe, understood, and capable of growth. By modeling accountability and reinforcing positive choices, I support students in getting back on the right path. The work we do not only impacts their success in school but also helps prepare them for healthier decision making beyond the classroom. 

How do you make River Rock Academy a safe place for our students?  

By creating a structured and predictable environment where students know what to expect each day. I build strong relationships with them so they feel heard, respected, and supported, even when they are struggling. I model calm behavior, reinforce clear expectations, and teach coping strategies so students have tools to manage their emotions. By promoting respect, accountability, and pro-social interactions, I work to ensure that every student feels physically and emotionally safe in my classroom. 

What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role?  

One of my proudest accomplishments has been creating opportunities for students to engage in fun holiday-themed activities while also learning and practicing new coping skills. Seeing students participate in pro-social activities, build positive peer interactions, and apply strategies like deep breathing or taking appropriate breaks has been incredibly rewarding. Moments when they are laughing and connecting while still using the tools we have taught them remind me that growth can happen in both structured lessons and meaningful, engaging experiences. 

What is a fun fact about you not many people know?  

I love going to concerts and exploring new cities whenever I get the chance. Traveling for live music is one of my favorite ways to experience new places and make memories. Some of my favorite concerts in 2025 were seeing Beyoncé in Washington DC, Pearl Jam in Pittsburgh, and The Smashing Pumpkins in Chicago. There’s just something about the energy of a live show that I absolutely love!