Julia Edwards is the choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School and Bruce M. Whittier Middle School at Regional School Unit (RSU) 16 in Poland, Maine. She earned her Bachelor of Music in music education at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst, where she played oboe and became a teaching fellow with the Children’s Chorus of Springfield.

As a teacher leader, Edwards coordinated a grade-level advisory program and developed a districtwide professional development conference. She finds the most joy in working with her music students in lessons that foster the growth of musicianship, curiosity and community connections.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Edwards has served as a guest clinician and manager for various district and state festivals in Maine and has presented on pedagogical topics for state, regional and national conferences. She recently moved into the role of president for the Maine chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, where she is working to expand community singing opportunities throughout the state.

As a science and research enthusiast and advocate for cultural curiosity, Edwards has designed a cultural context curriculum that helps students develop tools for ethically exploring the world around them and skills for participating in that world. She believes music and community are synonymous and loves listening as much as performing. Beyond music and teaching, Edwards enjoys crosswords, stitching projects and exploring the Maine outdoors with her husband, two children and enthusiastic dog Baxter.