13-03-2025
Golden Apple Award winner: Steven Spizarni, St. George School
Teaching life lessons and talking about baseball. Just two reasons why this week's Golden Apple Award-winning teacher was nominated.
Here at Saint George School in Millcreek, Steven Spizarni teaches American history to sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
He's been teaching in the Catholic diocese for 35 years. Though he's considering retirement soon, he still enjoys being with the kids
'Being around the kids and spending time with them. Being able to mold them and just trying to talk to them about how character matters in people's lives and try to steer them to whatever they want in life. It's possible,' said Steven Spizarni, Golden Apple teacher.
Mr. Spizarni respects his students. And they in turn respect him. A secret to his success is showing the kids you care.
'The more they know you care about them and have their best interests at heart, the more they tend to respond to you,' he said.
Some of the best lessons in school aren't always taught in the classroom. Sometimes they happen here in the hallway.
'I just like how he talks sports to us and makes life more simple and gives life lessons to us. It helps all of us out,' said Karter Kleckner, student nominator.
'His students, they respect him, they admire him, they trust him. And when he shares those life lessons which he does on a daily basis, they listen,' said Mary Jo Melvin, PhD of PennWest University.
This year, Golden Apple teachers receive a financial gift from big ideas learning.
'Teachers like Mr. Spizarny who create relationships with their students inside and outside the classroom are so deserving of an award like the Golden Apple Award. And we're so thrilled to donate funds to have him to continue that relationship all year long,' said Carissa Snarski of Big Ideas Learning.
Congratulations Steven Spizarny this week's JET 24 PennWest University Golden Apple Award winner!
You can nominate your favorite teacher on our Golden Apple Award page here.
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