Get to know one of this year’s Golden Apple recipients!
What is your job title and where do you work? Behavior Support at Cheldelin Middle School.
Tell us a little about your family – if you’d like to! I grew up in a family of educators. Both my parents worked as teachers and both of my brothers teach at colleges. The importance of education and school community on both an individual and societal level is something taken as a given in our family.
What is one fun fact about you? I am often told people hear me coming before they see me as my laugh is loud and recognizable.
What do you do in your spare time? I fish more than anyone I know. Also, I drum in a long-running punk band. Gardening, boating, and swimming occupy the rest of my spare time.
Tell us about your educational background. I went to Lane Community College for a bit before getting my Bachelor in History at Oregon State University.
Was becoming a teacher something you always planned on doing? Growing up I always knew it was something I might want to do. Working on the school schedule lined up well with working as a rafting guide early in my career as well as allowing time to tour with the band. The longer I worked in a Middle School environment, the more I enjoyed it and the more I could see the possibilities for positive impacts in the lives of kids.
What does being a good teacher mean to you? Being able to connect with and impact students and help them grow into stronger and more confident people.
What is something you love about your job? I love seeing how much growth happens over such a short period of time in Middle School. How far each student comes over such a short period of time.
Why do you think you were nominated for this award? I think it was because my coworkers see the impact and value that comes from building relationships with kids who are resistant and wary about trusting most adults.
What is one student interaction that has always stood out to you? Every day has numerous interactions and conversations that stand out, hilarious, touching, heartbreaking, and back to hilarious again in a constant wave.
What is something that you have implemented in the school since working there? I am proud to have been part of a team of people who have shifted Behavior responses from a traditional consequence-based response to a more relational, proactive, and skills-based approach.
What did it feel like being surprised with the Golden Apple Award? Were you expecting it? It was a total surprise. It was pretty shocking to suddenly have my family there at a school assembly and all the attention on me. It was quite an honor.
Is there anything else you would like to share? I have been lucky enough over the years to work with many amazing people. I’ve learned so much every year and from everyone, I have worked with. For the past few years, I’ve worked very closely with Shannon Robinson on many of the programs and systems that were acknowledged in this reward, and would like to point out all the hard work that she and everyone else put into the successes that led to this honor.