10-04-2025
Golden Apple Award: Paul Baltzer, Cathedral Prep
It could be history that taught this week's Golden Apple Award winner what it takes to be a great leader in the classroom.
Erie's Cathedral Prep is where we found this week's Golden Apple teacher.
Paul Baltzer is a graduate of Albion's Northwestern High School, Edinboro University, and has been teaching for 12 years, the last decade at Prep.
The Golden Apple Award is in its 34th year of honoring teachers. So someday receiving it was sort of on Mr. Baltzer's professional bucket list.
'It's one of those things where in the back of my mind I've always wanted to have the recognition and today's the day,' Mr Baltzer said with excitement.
His students said Mr. Baltzer has an immense passion and dedication to teaching history in ways that make it compelling and enjoyable. To do that, the Golden Apple winner said school is never out, even for the teacher.
'You should keep trying, never give up, you're always improving. It's one of those things, even 10 years here, I'm always improving and trying to build up my knowledge base, how I'm delivering my material and just kind of like never giving up. Always working trying to reach the students,' he said.
This week's student nominator said Mr. Baltzer has changed his perspective on school, creating an environment where he can truly learn and grow.
'Mr. Baltzer has always been like really engaging with us. He's taught us in ways I've never been taught before. He's been able to help me understand the material which hasn't happened in a lot of my classes,' said Jacob Miles, a Prep junior.
A university professor who teaches teachers to teach gave Mr. Baltzer high marks.
'He's creating not only a positive learning environment but a sense of community. That's important all through the grades but especially when you get into like 11th and 12th grade because he's preparing these students to become better citizens,' said Mary Jo Melvin PhD, PennWest University.
National math textbook company Big Ideas Learning of Erie once again rewarded this week's Golden Apple winner.
'It's Mr. Baltzer's relationship with the students that give them the comfort to learn more. And that's really what's opening up their world to all the thing the school offers,' Damon Finazzo, a spokesman for Big Ideas Learning said.
Big Ideas Learning presented Mr. Baltzer with a check for $250.
The school year is quickly coming to a close, but if you'd like to see your favorite teacher be recognized with a Golden Apple award, you can
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