Ten Golden Apple Fellows had a sabbatical at Northwestern this spring, as a special feature of winning the Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence in 2009. The School of Education and Social Policy honored the fellows at a reception in Annenberg Hall on May 6.
Each year after an extensive selection process, the Golden Apple Foundation selects 10 individuals to honor as outstanding teachers, and award winners participate in a tuition-free sabbatical at Northwestern University. As a group, the award winners participate in a seminar directed by SESP teaching associate Penny Lundquist.
During a brief program, Dom Belmonte, president of the Golden Apple Foundation, addressed the fellows, along with School of Education and Social Policy Dean Penelope Peterson. In response to Peterson's request for "words of wisdom" for students at the School who intend to become teachers, several of the Golden Apple Fellows offered their comments.
Jeannette Hachmeister, Child's Voice School, Wood Dale:
"It's been a phenomenal ride being with Golden Apple and at Northwestern," she says. Hachmeister has been taking a course in storytelling, as well as the seminar for Golden Apple fellows on 21st-century education, led by instructor Penny Lundquist. "We're learning about developing critical thinking in the classroom," she notes.
Michele Mangold, Dryden Elementary School, Arlington Heights:
Mangold, who teaches English language learners, is taking a neuroscience class. "I believe in pushing the boundaries, using cutting-edge technology and music to create an environment where students can really grow," she says. "I'm really grateful for this opportunity."
Melissa Hooker, Oscar Mayer Magnet School, Chicago:
A music teacher, Hooker says, "We focus on arts integration and the ability to focus from multiple angles ... If I can spin it from music, they're so interested." Hooker, who has been taking music courses to develop her voice, says, "It's an amazing time. ... It's exciting to be with amazing educators and see how they attack problems."
Jennifer Phares, Orville T. Bright Elementary School, Chicago:
Phares has been taking a class in storytelling, which "has proved to be a great instrument to use with my class," she notes. "It's great to have this opportunity to renew yourself. It re-energizes you to go back into the classroom and make it better. ... I'm eternally grateful to Northwestern."
Christine Hayward, University Chicago Laboratory Schools, Chicago:
"You have to teach what you love," says Hayward. "I fall back on my education as an undergrad as an artist and my passion for social justice." She offered two tips of strategies that have benefited her students: "helping children find their way to express themselves in a variety of ways including visual arts and starting them on the road to being contributing, responsible citizens by teaching stories of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks." She adds, "Being able to share what I'm learning has been wonderful! I'm grateful to Northwestern."
Gloria Moyer, James Otis Elementary School, Chicago:
Moyer, who teaches blind children, is taking courses in history and Chicago literature. "All children are special and need to be looked at individually. If you're a regular classroom teacher, work well with special education teacher," she says. "It's a ‘beautiful pair' when you get to know each of the children and how they're learning. ... I love what I do."
Peter Schreurs, Laura B. Sprague School, Lincolnshire:
"Keep an open mind," Schreurs advises. "I love working with primary kids. I love teaching kids how to think and how to think about thinking." He advises future teachers, "Believe in something. Have a philosophy of education. Really truly know what you believe." At the same time, he counsels, "Realize that one of your pillars could be wrong, and be willing to change. ... Keep an open mind but also be strong in your convictions."
Sophie Haroutunian-Gordon, director of the Master of Science in Education program, concluded the program with some words of inspiration for future teachers. "Love of what you are about to do will sustain you," she says.
Photo caption:
(Left to right) Jennifer Phares, Gloria Moyer, Christina Hayward, Melissa Hooker, Peter Schreurs and Michele Mangold. Not pictured: Maria Hernandez, Irma C. Ruiz Elementary School, Chicago; Kristin O'Rourke Salamanca, Red Oak Elementary School, Highland Park; and David Sobel, Hunting Ridge Elementary School, Palatine.