27-03-2025
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.
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