JULIANNE POLITO

Attributing much of her success to her drive to focus on current needs, Julianne Polito, EdD, first earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and began her career working as a consultant, manager and chef in Pittsburgh. Not feeling wholly satisfied in her work, she took a road trip, during which she explored a variety of historic places and reflected on what sort of career she might find fulfilling. Ultimately, Dr. Polito realized that what she had found most rewarding was the work she had done with children in halfway houses during her undergraduate studies and decided to turn her career toward education.

Joining the Bank Street College of Education in New York City, Dr. Polito earned a master’s degree in special education and general education and certification as a supervisor and administrator. Her early education positions included work with the New York State Early Intervention Program and the New York City Public Schools, where she served as an assistant principal and director for middle schools in Lower East Manhattan. She then joined the University of Phoenix, where she taught as a professor for eight years and obtained her Doctor of Education in 2012. Today, Dr. Polito works as a social sciences educator for the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida.

Very involved in local history clubs, Dr. Polito holds membership with the Spady Heritage Museum, the Delray Beach Historical Society, the National Council for the Social Studies and the National Organization of Women. She has also volunteered her time to Goodwill, Justice for Humanity, the Foundation for Women’s Cancer and the Storm of ’28 Memorial Park Coalition, as well as providing aid to children and families in Louisiana and Haiti following natural disasters. Furthermore, she is a dedicated advocate for equity and justice and continues her own education through attending American history seminars at Ashland University.

Named an Outstanding Teacher in Special Education during her time in New York, Dr. Polito is particularly proud of creating and developing the Technology Arts and Sciences Studio School, which she developed with the goal of giving children a way to engage in the active construction of their own education. Looking toward the future, she hopes to continue inspiring and encouraging others to establish schools, educational programs and youth development organizations. Dr. Polito also intends to be doing more community-oriented educational programs herself.