The School of Education and Social Policy welcomed the 10 winners of the 2007 Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence to Northwestern at a reception on October 25. All 10 award winners, who are taking classes at the University this quarter as part of their award, shared their advice on teaching with aspiring teachers in the School. The awardees, selected from 803 nominees who teach high school in Chicago or its suburbs, were welcomed by Penelope Peterson, dean of SESP; Dominic Belmonte, president and CEO of the Golden Apple Foundation; and Penny Lundquist, director of professional development for the foundation. "We are grateful that Northwestern is a partner is bringing excellent teachers to the forefront," said Belmonte.
Each of the award winners offered unique insights into becoming a successful teacher. The themes they stressed were dedication to students, passion, hard work and self-preservation:
Sam Dyson, physics teacher at Payton High School in Chicago and facilitator in SESP's NU-TEACH program: "I have two pieces of advice, one for the mind and one for the heart. For the mind, I think it's very important to know your subject well. For the heart, as Dom [Belmonte] says, there are two rooms in our minds-one the happy room with all the kids we've felt successful with and one the sad room with all the kids we've disappointed and let down. Don't spend too much time in the sad room."Kraig Conyer, adapted physical education teacher at Hinsdale South High School in Darien: "When you start teaching, you'll get pulled in many directions. Get involved in the school community-through coaching, clubs, reaching out to kids. This is the biggest thing. … Kids like to see you outside of the classroom."
David Derbes, physics teacher at University of Chicago Laboratory High School in Chicago: "I have a nephew who gave up a six-figure salary to teach math in Oakland high School, and he can't believe how hard it is. … It's a very hard job at first. It gets easier, but it never gets easy. John F. Kennedy said we choose to go to the moon not because it's easy but because it's hard. There's a lot to be said for doing a job that's hard. It's the most important job in the country, and we need the very best people to do it. Choose a life partner who is very patient. You have a job that doesn't really quit. It's a very good job. I don't know of any that are better, few that are harder."
David Eanes, band teacher at Thornridge High School in Dolton: "The job is going to go beyond the bells. … Your compassion is going to be greatly needed to bring equality and standards to the kids."
Joseph Ekpo, teacher of history, ethics and moral theology at Fenwick High School in Oak Park: "I am a priest. It was not easy for the Golden Apple to choose a Catholic priest. We have to open our hearts … One thing that I believe is essential is moral courage. Our students need you. … They need people who can be courageous and stand up for what is true. Teaching is a vocation. There is something unique God has given you. Don't hide it-use it. A teacher is a secondary parent to the student. Many of our students are lost. They need you."
Gina Williams, art teacher at Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest: "Be creative in whatever you do because it's important. Be passionate because it's going to take that passion to take you through those long years. You need to be proficient in your craft. The kids are your teachers. Always remember it's the children first. Get to know them, and get to love them. … Teaching comes from the heart."
Aaron Becker, teacher of Middle Eastern studies at Evanston Township High School in Evanston: "We're all different, but the thing we all share is that none of us has given up on our idealism, and that's a choice. When you've chosen not to be idealistic, leave the profession. … Also, find a time in the work day to keep your body fit. Find the place you can find regeneration."
John Naisbitt, history teacher at Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale: "My advice is to have fun. Laugh. Enjoy yourself. Things can get dark. … Finally, you really do need to love your students, and if you do you'll make the right choices."
Melinda Wilson, dance teacher at Curie Metropolitan High School in Chicago: "The arts are important. It's important to keep that in mind. The best thing to have is passion-passion for yourself, for what you teach, for your kids. My room is very open-thinking, and we explore whatever students are thinking about. I welcome it."
Danna Dotson, mathematics teacher at Lindbloom High School in Chicago: "I want you to know that as teachers you have the ability to change lives. The smallest pat on the back, the smallest smile can change your students' lives."
Each of these awardees receives a tuition-free fall sabbatical to take courses at Northwestern, along with other prizes including a laptop computer and $3,000. Since 1986, the Golden Apple Foundation has chosen 10 teachers annually for its Golden Apple Award, now having inducted 210 teachers into the Golden Apple Academy devoted to ensuring children excellent teaching.
Captions:
(Top) The 10 winners of the Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching award share their advice on teaching at a reception on October 25.
(Second from top) Penelope Peterson, dean of the School of Education and Social Policy, welcomes the award winners to Northwestern as award winner Sam Dyson and Golden Apple Foundation president Dominic Belmonte look on.
Last Modified: 8/14/09