Latest news with #JET24PennWestUniversityGoldenAppleAward
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Golden Apple Award: Amy Holt, West End Elementary
A veteran Crawford Central school district teacher is the winner of this week's JET 24 PennWest University Golden Apple Award. Fifth-grade teacher Amy Holt has been teaching for 26 years — 19 at West End Elementary in Meadville and the last 15 in fifth grade. Unlike so many people who never really figure out what to do in life until much later, her dream of being a teacher came very young. Holt said, 'I spent a lot of time babysitting and working with kids when I was little, so I always knew I wanted to do something with kids that would make a difference.' More than a quarter of a century later, she said there's so much to still love about her time in the classroom. 'Seeing the growth and change in the kids and seeing them have those connections and a-ha moments that make it worth it,' Holt shared. Mrs. Holt said while changing with the times is important for success in the classroom, she emphasized that so are the basics. 'I guess just trying to make personal connections with the kids and kind of get to know them for who they are, not just what they're doing in school and focusing on the subject matter. But just kind of how I can support them throughout everything they're going through,' said Holt. This week's student nominator, Claire Davis, who is now in sixth grade said she enjoyed spending time with Mrs. Holt. It's the best part of her day. Because Mrs. Holt was always happy, helpful and positive. Davis said, 'She made learning fun and we'd be like 'yay, we get to go do this today.' And she really encouraged people and was very helpful' PennWest University early education professor, Mary Jo Melvin PhD, in meeting Holt and Davis said, 'You can see she creates an environment where there's trust, respect, she treats these fifth graders like adults. She gives them choices in what they read and what they write. And that is empowering to a fifth grader.' Each week, the Golden Apple teacher receives a financial gift from Erie-based national textbook company Big Ideas Learning. After presenting Mrs. Holt with a check for $250, Big Ideas spokesperson Carissa Snarski said, 'Mrs. Holt mentioned she likes to create a-ha moments, so we're happy our donation of $250 will help her continue to make those a-ha moments in the classroom all year long.' There's still time to nominate your favorite teacher for the Golden Apple Award. You can do that by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Golden Apple: Ashley Beers at FCCA Pre-K Counts
A teacher in Meadville is the recipient of this week's JET 24 PennWest University Golden Apple Award. Ashley Beers teaches preschool at one of 11 FCCA Pre-K Counts locations in Crawford County. Beers said she's has wanted to be a pre-k teacher most of her life. 'My grandma still has pictures of me drawing what I wanted to do when I was a grown-up, and I have on there a preschool teacher,' she said. A graduate of Edinboro University, she's been teaching little people for a decade. 'My favorite thing is the moment when they figure something out. You can see it in their face and their eyes. I mastered this, I figured this out. It's pure joy!' And that joy extends to the parents of these students, like Nicole Weber, whose son Michael is in this class. Weber says, 'Ashley from day one has met Michael where he's at. Mike has some speech problems. He's a hyper little boy. Each day she comes in and treats Michael like one of her own, and that's really important for a mom.' Weber says Beer's ability to individualize her approach, while maintaining a warm and inclusive classroom, produces positive results. PennWest University professor Mary Jo Melvin PhD agrees. 'Not only has Miss Ashley made an impact on Michael, but she's made an impact on a family that will be forever grateful.' The newly awarded Golden Apple teacher said, 'I want all these children in my classroom to come here, feel safe, to feel like they belong here. To feel like they have somebody that loves them unconditionally. And I try every day to make sure they have that. They might not leave here knowing their ABC's. But they will leave here knowing they are loved.' Each week, the Golden Apple teacher is rewarded with a cash donation from Big Ideas Learning. 'We are so happy to donate $250 to Ms Beers. She is making a lasting impression on the young minds from an early age, to love learning. And we hope that our donation can support that effort throughout the rest of the school year,' said Carissa Snarski of Big Ideas Learning. To nominate your favorite teacher for a Golden Apple Award, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
