When it comes to his Hispanic culture, Julio Morales said he is most proud of the community’s warm and welcoming nature. “I personally am a hugger and like to embrace people when I meet them. Living here in the South, most people appreciate this gesture of kindness.”
A native of Venezuela, Julio was fascinated with moving to the United States in hopes of becoming a teacher. It’s been almost 20 years since that dream became a reality, applying for a position in Duplin County through the Visiting International Faculty Program. After leaving Duplin County, he settled in Hyde County, where he was an ESL/Spanish teacher at Mattamuskeet School until last February. He currently works for the Central Office as the administrative assistant to the superintendent, clerk to the Board of Education, and he also handles public relations and federal programs compliance for the district. Although no longer a teacher, he still sponsors the Multicultural Club at Mattamuskeet, where he exposes students to a different culture each month because he knows the importance of students seeing themselves through the culture in which they identify.
Julio is one of the thousands of Hispanic educators who is a member of NCAE/NEA and who serves as a role model to students, not only to those who identify as Hispanic American, Latino, Latina and Latinx, but all students. As we honor them during National Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15-October 15 – let’s celebrate their dedication to educate every child and the contributions they make each day to our country’s culture and society.
His warm and welcoming nature has helped open doors and for that, Julio is humble and grateful. When he first moved to Hyde County, even before knowing other Hispanic residents in the area, he felt a connection. During his years working for the school system, he has become part of several organizations and helps provide resources and support, such as being an interpreter. “I feel I have a responsibility not only to help Hyde County as a community but to also help the Latino community. Sometimes the weight feels heavy, but I gladly carry it because I know what the needs are.
“Living in such a beautiful yet isolated county has helped me realize it really takes a village to raise a child. There are many needs and I try to the best of my ability to be part of the solution. Being part of school and community organizations helps me to support my community and students firsthand. I want to show the world that regardless of race, background and upbringing, one can always leave a positive mark on the world and be proud of it.”
Julio credits his mother for his love of education. She is the principal at the preK-12 school he attended as a child and a former teacher. He led a very active life as a student back in Venezuela and has maintained that same level of energy as an educator. He currently serves as president of the Hyde County Association of Educators (HCAE), and he served as the local’s vice president and treasurer. He also served as 7B director on the NCAE Board, as vice president of the NCAE Hispanic Caucus, and was an NEA director.
Although he stepped away from Association work for a few years, Julio said he is excited to return and looks forward to reconnecting with the Hispanic Caucus.
“More than anything, I am excited about helping the Association move public education forward and bringing my seasoning and expertise to the table to reach out to more members. I want to extend an invitation to all Latino educators to join NCAE because our representation is an important part of our students’ success and making the profession and NCAE even greater!"
