03-04-2025
Golden Apple Award: Dan Walsh, East Middle School
In an Erie middle school classroom that is a melting pot of the world, we find this week's JET 24 PennWest University Golden Apple award-winning teacher.
Dan Walsh teaches English as a second language to students from all over the world at East Middle School in Erie. The city has a large population of refugee and immigrant students. Ironically, English is the only language Walsh speaks.
He says some forms of communication are international. 'A smile is a universal language, so is a tear.
'You have a lot of empathy for the different things these students have been through and you're just there for them and consistent with them. Every single day. And they need somebody like that,' he said.
Mr. Walsh has been teaching school for 18 years. But he didn't go to college to be a teacher.
'I wanted to do community recreation programs and work with students, work with children through that kind of avenue,' he said, 'And I decided maybe teaching was a better call.'
He admits that decision came with encouragement from his wife, who is also a teacher. And he couldn't be happier for his career decision.
'Honestly, I love my job. I told my kids if I won the lottery, I'd be back to work the next day. I love working with this population, with their families, helping these students find their way here. It's been extremely enjoyable,' he what a difference it's made in the life of this week's student nominator, Hadeel Alkasabra, who came here from Syria just a year ago.
'I love Mr. Walsh because he helped me a lot. Mr. Walsh is an amazing person. Thank you, Mr. Walsh, for everything!' she said with excitement.
PennWest University early childhood education professor, Mary Jo Melvin PhD, who attends every Golden Apple Award presentation, said of Mr. Walsh, 'I think he's always going to be a hero in her heart and for that reason, he's definitely deserving of this week Golden Apple.'Like all Golden Apple teachers, Walsh received a financial gift of $250 from Big Ideas Learning, a locally based national math textbook company.
'It's so much about relationships and inspiration and care for the child. and Mr. Walsh exemplifies that and for us to be able to support that and to give a little something so he can provide more resources for these experiences he has for the students; it's such an honor and blessing for us to do so,' said Damon Finazzo of Big Ideas.
To nominate your favorite teacher for a Golden Apple Award,
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