Tommie Barfield Elementary Welcomes New Teachers

In a case of “you can go home again,” some of Tommie Barfield Elementary School’s roster of new teachers includes educators who were once TBE students!

Julia Cizek - First Grade Teacher

Academic background: A bachelor’s degree in finance from Northern Illinois University and a    master’s in education from National Louis University.

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? 15 years of classroom and substitute teaching.

What brings you to TBE? I live on Marco Island and love the leader at my school and the staff here at TBE.

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? I entered teaching because I love children and learning, and I stay because I find it rewarding to build enthusiasm in learning and to build lifetime leaders.

Family: Husband of 31 years, Brian, daughter Heather, son Connor and a large extended family in Illinois.

Hometown: Chicago.

Hobbies: Paddleboarding, reading, walking, especially at sunset, playing games, traveling and spending time with loved ones.

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? I have as much experience in tax accounting as I do in education.

Katie Ball – Kindergarten Teacher

Academic background: Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from The Ohio State University.

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? This is my fourth year teaching for Collier County Public Schools. I previously taught second grade at Parkside Elementary.

What brings you to TBE? The community! When I was little, my family and I used to vacation on Marco Island. I told my parents that when I grew up and became a teacher, I wanted to teach at Tommie Barfield Elementary.

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? I have loved teaching since I was a little girl. I would come home from school and play school with my little brother and teach him everything I learned that day. I get to inspire and educate young minds that will grow up to make a difference one day. I strive to make learning engaging and fun in hopes of creating a lifelong love of learning.

Family: I live with my fiancé, Thomas Bien (getting married in December), and our Pyredoodle, Finley.

Hometown: Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Hobbies: Crafting, cooking, and shopping.

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? Interior designer or realtor.

Roxanne Shadrick - Fourth Grade Teacher

Academic background: I am a graduate of Lely High School and received my bachelor’s degree in education from Florida Gulf Coast University.

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? I worked at Manatee Elementary for two and a half years, then made the jump to middle school and taught at Marco Island Charter Middle for six years.

What brings you to TBE? After being a student here, it just felt right to be back as an educator.

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? I remember being a child and always playing school. It has been a dream of mine to be a teacher. I had so many amazing teachers that I still remember, I hope to be that for someone one day. The most fulfilling part of teaching is seeing the learning happen and seeing how the kids grow so much in just 10 months. I also love the connections I make with each student. They all hold a little piece of my heart.

Family: I have a daughter that is 13 years old and is in eighth grade at the Florida Virtual School.

Hometown: Born and have lived my whole life here on Marco Island.

Hobbies: I love to read and spend time with family. My daughter dances, so that definitely keeps me busy as well.

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? I honestly can say I have always wanted to be a teacher. Although I got a bit of a late start, that is all I ever wanted to be.

Sophi Popoff - Fifth Grade Teacher

Academic background: B.S. Elementary Education 

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? I have been substitute teaching in Collier County for two years, but this is my first year teaching full-time. 

What brings you to TBE? I am a former TBE student myself and I grew up right across the street from the school. It’s not just the nostalgia that brought me to TBE though. It’s the amazing administration and staff that make this place feel like home. 

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I always loved school and idolized my teachers, some of which I get to work alongside now. There are so many aspects of teaching that I love, however, I think the most fulfilling part of it is building relationships with students. 

Family: I have a fiancé and two sons, ages three years old and seven months old. 

Hometown: Marco Island.

Hobbies: I love spending time with my family, going on walks and baking. 

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? A nurse.

Julie Morell – Second Grade Teacher

Academic background: Graduated summa cum laude from Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? This is my fourth year teaching and my first year at TBE. Three months into my first year the pandemic hit and I had to adjust to online teaching.

What brings you to TBE? I have lived in Marco Island for the past four years and I am so glad to work in the community that I love.

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? I’ve dreamed of teaching since I was a little girl. I want to leave a positive impact on the world and what better way to do that than by helping shape the future leaders? The most fulfilling parts are those lightbulb moments, seeing kids use their imaginations, combined with everything they’ve learned, to blossom in surprising and innovative ways, and of course, the relationships and the hugs!

Family: I live with my family on Marco Island along with my golden doodle, Marlin, who loves boating and swimming.

Hometown: Wellington, Florida.

Hobbies:  I love to fish and cook. I also enjoy creating things through arts and crafts.