NETA 2025

Julie Patchen is a passionate and innovative music educator with 27 years of experience, including 17 years dedicated to inspiring students in the Elkhorn Public Schools, Omaha, Nebraska. She currently teaches K-5 elementary music, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment that goes beyond the traditional general music classroom.  Her dedication to integrating technology into her curriculum fosters a whole new level of student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students thrive in her classes, eagerly creating melodies and rhythms and sharing their compositions with their peers.

Julie holds a degree in K-12 Vocal and Instrumental Music from Midland Lutheran College and will complete her Masters in Instructional Technology from the University of Nebraska Omaha this June. Her pursuit of advanced studies reflects her commitment to staying at the forefront of educational best practices and leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience.

Beyond her classroom, Julie is a recognized leader within Elkhorn Public Schools, serving as the Elementary Music Department Chair and contributing to the district on the Summer Technology Team. These leadership roles, along with her involvement on the Student Assistance Team and PBiS Team, reflect her dedication to her students, colleagues, and the entire Elkhorn Public Schools community.

She further demonstrates her dedication to educational advancement by serving on the Vivi Educator Council, a group of 30 educators from around the world, spanning elementary to post-secondary levels. Driven to discover and share innovative and effective ways to use Vivi technology, the Council aims to create more engaging and impactful learning experiences for students. Sharing is her SUPER POWER!