Julie Anne Wells

Julie Anne Wells is a professional copywriter and former local journalist. She is the founder of Live Love Local, a blog dedicated to spotlighting local businesses and events in her home city of Dallas and beyond. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or read more of her adventures at LiveLoveLocalBlog.com.

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Articles by Julie Anne Wells

• How to prevent bullying in the classroom

  Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, at least one out of every five students reports being bullied. StopBullying.gov, a website run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reports a frequency as high as one out of every three students. Studies also show that 30% of students admitted to bullying others, and 70% of students said they had witnessed bullying. While searching for a solution to bullying is not simple, there are some tactics educators can use to combat it. Here are eight tips for preventing bullying in the classroom.

• Hotels vs. vacation rentals: Pros and cons

  Friday, October 11, 2019

  Ever since Airbnb and its competitors sprung onto the market, travelers have benefited from a wider variety of choices about where to stay while they’re on vacation. But if you have never opted to stay in a short-term vacation rental property before, you might be skeptical about it. The truth is that there are pros and cons to both hotels and vacation rental properties. Making the right choice really depends on your preferences and priorities as a traveler.

• The best ways to save money for college

  Thursday, September 19, 2019

  College not only opens up more job opportunities for young professionals, it also equips them with a unique set of experiences and learning perspectives. It is a fundamental milestone that bridges the gap between childhood and adulthood for millions of Americans every year. But it’s also extremely expensive. If you have a child of any age, you should start planning for their college fund as soon as possible. Here are a few top tips for how to save money for your child’s college education.

• A look at Disney parks around the world

  Tuesday, September 10, 2019

  When most of us picture a Disney park, we associate it with the sunny skies and palm trees of Florida or California. But in the last few decades, Disney has reached across the globe to open new resort locations in Europe and Asia. You might mistakenly believe that once you’ve seen a single Disney park, you’ve seen them all. But each Disney park actually has very different rides, attractions, scenery, and even food. Here is a list of all the Disney parks around the world and some of the key differences that set them apart.

• How much do teachers spend annually on school supplies?

  Friday, August 23, 2019

  When children walk into the classroom on the first day of school, they are often met with colorful posters, ample writing utensils, and nametags emblazoned on their desks. But how often do we stop to consider how these personal touches and useful tools got to the classroom? According to a study published by the National Center of Education Statistics in 2018, 94% of American public-school teachers used their own money to pay for school supplies during the 2014-15 school year. They spent $480 on average that year, and they were not reimbursed.

• 4 unique American cities to explore for your next vacation

  Monday, August 05, 2019

  Are you tired of the same old vacation plans to sit on the beach all day? Sometimes it’s more exciting to explore a new place and experience the local food and fun. But narrowing down which city to choose can be difficult. With a country as expansive and culturally diverse as America, there are lots of intriguing cities to explore. Here are four cities full of unique landmarks and attractions for you to add to your travel bucket list.

• How to plan a Disney World vacation on a budget

  Wednesday, July 17, 2019

  Disney World might be the happiest place on earth, but it also happens to be pretty expensive. While there isn't much you can do about the price of park tickets, there are ways to make your Disney dreams come true without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips any family can use to make their Disney World vacation more affordable.

• Is summer school right for students?

  Thursday, June 27, 2019

  For many American students, the words "summer break" immediately conjure up images of camping trips, pool parties, and snow cones. But for students who are struggling academically or seeking to get ahead in school, summer sometimes means more textbooks and lectures. As research has emerged about summer learning loss (also known as "summer brain drain" or the "summer slide"), parents, teachers, and even state legislatures are increasingly turning towards summer school. But is summer school always the right solution?

• Texas gives teachers a raise with new education funding bill

  Thursday, June 13, 2019

  Recently, the Texas Legislature made unprecedented moves to direct money towards education initiatives. On June 11, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that will reward schools and districts based on their performance, support low-income students, and increase compensation for working and retired teachers. While the new bill guarantees that teachers will receive a raise, it is still unclear what the exact amount will be. Here are a few things we do know about the bill that will impact every school and every teacher in the state of Texas.

• How to spend 4 days in Iceland

  Friday, May 31, 2019

  In recent years, Iceland has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world due to its stunning landscapes and unique culture. But if you have ever considered visiting Iceland yourself before, you might have found the prospect a little overwhelming. How do you know where to start exploring in a country so wild? While no trip to beautiful Iceland could ever be wasted, there are a few key destinations every traveler will want to add to her itinerary. Here is the ultimate guide on how to spend four days in Iceland and make the most of your time.

• The pros and cons of standardized tests

  Tuesday, May 14, 2019

  There are few topics in the world of education more heavily debated than standardized testing. Is it even necessary? Does it accurately reflect the curriculum for each grade level? Is it an accurate measuring stick for student success? Parents and teachers alike question the validity and accuracy of state-mandated testing for students with diverse learning styles and socioeconomic backgrounds. Here are a few of the pros and cons of standardized testing.

• A food lover’s guide to Nashville

  Wednesday, May 01, 2019

  Nashville is known for its status as "Music City," where country stars and historic record companies abound. But it’s also home to several unique food traditions that will offer visitors a true taste of Tennessee. The best vacations are full of new experiences, and that includes the cuisine! Here's a food lover's guide that will introduce your taste buds to Nashville.

• The technologies transforming classrooms in 2019

  Thursday, April 18, 2019

  Traditionally, technology has been associated with distraction in classrooms. If students are beating their high scores or texting their friends during class, they won’t listen or retain the lessons. But technology harnessed for the purpose of learning offers limitless potential for students. If students use technology as a tool rather than a toy, they can engage with the material they are learning more fully. While cellphones and laptops might still be up for debate, there are many new devices and platforms that encourage students to think critically and creatively on a daily basis. Here are a few key pieces of technology that are transforming classrooms in 2019.

• A galaxy not so far away: An inside look at Disney’s new Star Wars theme park

  Tuesday, April 02, 2019

  Ever since Disney announced that it would add a Star Wars theme park to Disney World and Disneyland, fans have been waiting with bated breath to hear more about it. The curtain has finally lifted a little on the plans for Galaxy’s Edge, and we’ve got the scoop on what guests can expect. Buckle your seatbelts and prepare to launch into hyperdrive through this very detailed Disney adventure.

• What is the Montessori Method?

  Tuesday, March 19, 2019

  "Montessori" is becoming a buzzword among parents and educators. With the popularity of Montessori schools on the rise, you may find yourself wondering if it's right for your child. The Montessori Method is a specific teaching style that focuses on five key areas of child development: practical life, sensorial materials, mathematics, language, and culture. It is tailored to each child's unique attributes and learning preferences. To better understand a Montessori education, it helps to know the background behind the method.

• How to spend a great weekend in Austin, Texas

  Tuesday, March 05, 2019

  Known far and wide for live music and keeping it weird, Austin, Texas, makes a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. You might assume the best time to visit is during one of Austin’s famous annual music festivals. But the city has so much to offer its visitors year-round. From tourist attractions to local hidden gems, here are some items you must add to your Austin itinerary.

• Do college career centers really help students find jobs after graduation?

  Monday, February 18, 2019

  From the minute the last cap hits the ground at graduation, the pressure is on for college students who aren't on the grad school track to become full-time employees. But some of them are finding their job hunt a little bit easier than others. The question is: are colleges offering enough support to help them succeed in the professional world? For many American students, the hefty price tag of college tuition is an investment in a better future. Yet, according to the McGraw-Hill Education's Future Workforce Survey, only 4 in 10 college students feel "very" or "extremely" prepared for their careers.