Tools of Technology

Building Community

Learning How to Learn

Connecting to Work World (a,b)

Building Reading...

GA Recipient

Setting Goals

Ian Sharp Barron Collier High Student Created Videos on DNA and Protein Synthesis… highlighting and recognizing the work of my students.

Jessica Stricker Corkscrew Elementary Teaching Motivated by History, Powered by Technology... letting them be a part of the excitement!

Joseph Merrill and Kristin Merrill Lake Park Elementary Digital InteGRADEtion: Task Before Apps… sharing our love of the integration of technology!

Tara L. Barr Lorenzo Walker Technical High Teaching and Learning in a Digital World… the ability to show what my students can do.

Diane Lynch Palmetto Elementary Voyage to Ellis Island: Grandma Katherine’s Story...the opportunity for my ESE students to shine!

Carol Nichols Pine Ridge Middle Let’s Get Inspired with TI-Nspire!... demonstrating an engaging 6th grade class.

Dylan Richard Opper Pinecrest Elementary Digital Literacy in Math Instruction... finding there are people outside the classroom who want to

support teachers.

Mabel Peña Tommie Barfield Elementary Let’s Grow with Technology... showing the positive effects of a growth mindset.

Suela Spahiu Vineyards Elementary Technology: The Mindset that Fuels Digital Learning… I am making a difference in my community.

Tara Domiano Corkscrew Middle Offering Choice to Honor Multiple Intelligences… gaining inspiration from the other Champions!

Lisa Hicks East Naples Middle Student as Self-Directed Decision Maker… the dialogue with all stakeholders.

John Krupp Golden Gate High Collaborative Teaching with a Purpose…empowering students to surpass their expectations.

Anna Braun Gulf Coast Charter Academy South Hands On Equals Minds On!... showing people how much fun science can be.

Heather Thornton Gulf Coast High Promoting Active Learning Through Student Engagement… conveying the curiosity, cooperativity, and engagement of my students in the learning process.

Nicole Sponseller Laurel Oak Elementary Bounce, Wiggle and Move While You Learn... showing the daily hard work of students and teachers.

Mary Crowley Lorenzo Walker Technical College Digging Deeper with PUGS… highlighting how well [my practice] works to

enhance learning.

Stephen Detjen Manatee Middle Bridging the Gap – Full STEAM Ahead… building the awareness of what our music program is doing

for the Manatee students.

Kathy Albanese Marco Island Charter Middle The Mathematical Practice, Reinforcement and Mastery… to receive feedback and suggestions to improve myself.

Kylee R. Fiorante Mike Davis Elementary Engaging Student Learning Using Strategies/Best Practices... understanding who I was at the beginning, who I became

during the process, and what I’m capable of doing in the future.

Andrew A. Ward North Naples Middle Metacognition for Now…and Forever… the validation and interest generated.

Andrea Polanco Oakridge Middle Stations/Choice Menu Using UDL Framework… meeting others just as excited about education.

Kathleen Wasmer Parkside Elementary Magic Box and Betty Brainiac... knowing that I am blessed to represent CCPS!

Miriam Aravena Sabal Palm Elementary Science: Always Question, Always Wonder!… students’ excitement to share their experiences.

The sharing of best practices is integral to the teaching profession. Through the Golden Apple Recognition Program, teachers with engaging and innovative classroom strategies are given the opportunity to share them with the community and with each other, knowing that this is part of the learning and refining process. The 2017-18 Teachers of Distinction have already been networking with each other and will continue to build the framework to share their best practices with other educators throughout Collier County and beyond.

The Sharing of Best Practices is supported by Perna RoseFoundation for Hope

THE TOOLS OF TECHNOLOGY

Technology integration is a huge part of our lives today, in the classroom and beyond. Through a variety of projects and practices, these teachers are making sure students properly utilize technology as a tool to expand and enhance their learning.

Tools of Technology

Building Community

Learning How to Learn

Connecting to Work World (a,b)

Building Reading...

GA Recipient

Setting Goals

LEARNING HOW TO LEARN

With the variety of learning styles and environments in our schools today, students must become an active participant in their own learning. These teachers are challenging their students to understand how best they take in and process information, which will be a tool that will serve them not only in school, but also into the work world.

Sharing Best Practices 2017-18 Teachers of Distinction

To learn more about the Golden Apple program and how to support teachers visit ChampionsForLearning.org

3606 Enterprise Avenue, Suite 150Naples, FL 34104

(239) 643-4755 phone (239) 643-4799 fax

“The best part of sharing my practice with the community was…” Each Teacher of Distinction was asked to complete this thought. See the answers in their profiles below.

= Golden Apple recipient

Yolanda Sohn Calusa Park Elementary Build, Design and Program a Computer…showing off my students as they build computers.

Delia Lozano Immokalee Technical CollegeFuture…to emphasize career opportunities.

Adam Peterson Lely High Local Community Members Helping Future Business Leaders... exposing the unique class set-up and curriculum.

Florence Rowley Alternative Schools Self-Efficacy and the Effect on Student Performance… watching my students prove that they could do it!

Staci Haralson Barretta Big Cypress Elementary “We Got Grit”... the students taking pride in their learning goals.

Tammy L. Miller Estates Elementary Work. Sweat. Achieve. Repeat.… having to give a name to what I “do” - Grit Teacher.

Kristen A. Favaro and Andrea Clawson Palmetto Ridge High Student Centered Learning: Stations and Motivation… showing that collaboration among educators leads to

innovative teaching.

Tiffany Wind Pelican Marsh Elementary Expectations of Excellence Every Day… celebrating student improvement and achievements

in reading.

Terresa Gomes Shadowlawn Elementary Differentiated Learning through Strategic Groups and Centers... opening their eyes to the wonder and passion I see.

Mary Ann Torres Arroyo Village Oaks Elementary Learning Goals and Scales for Student Self-Efficacy… showing them how much fun setting goals can be.

James Paul Tribble Everglades City School Teaching Art Through Love and Kindness… being available as much as I could.

Venesia Samuels Golden Gate Elementary Community, Culture, and Humans, First… reflecting on my own practices.

Kelly E. Viana Golden Terrace Elementary Classroom Environment… finding out how much my school appreciated me.

Kim Rutila Gulfview Middle Safe Space Environment to Share and Grow... watching my students shine in the spotlight!

Mary B. Eckard Highlands Elementary Learning Through Student Leadership and Collaboration… giving and getting new ideas to support students.

Scarlett McDonald Lake Trafford Elementary Students Who Work Together, Succeed Together… getting to share the community with my students.

Mary Sweetland Lely Elementary Children First… showing how invested and passionate we all are!

Rachel Robitzer Castilla Manatee Elementary Student Engagement Through Whole Brain Teaching… showing the effectiveness of my practice in action.

Cynthia Gregory Naples High Building an Inclusive Community For All Learners... knowing I was awaking support for inclusion.

Chandra Cox Naples Park Elementary Growing Roots and Developing Wings… the scope & diversity of people avid to make change.

D. Tyler Patnode Osceola Elementary Patnode’s Positive Pillars for Success... showing there is more to the child than just academics.

Hope Cliff Sea Gate Elementary Positive Classroom Culture... showing the importance of character and struggle.

Marge Cox Veterans Memorial Elementary Compassionate Leaders and Makers Make a Difference… getting a chance to show great things students do.

Kacee L. Farrar Avalon Elementary Building Vocabulary Every Day, in All Ways... to share my passion with them and hope to continue

to inspire community members and students to be as involved as they can be.

Theresa Rodriguez Sweigart Cypress Palm Middle Reading Makes You Wonder and Lets You Wander... letting them know that books are still relevant!

Susan M. Felt Eden Park Elementary Inclusion That Works... showing them just how remarkable my students are!

Gail Pirics Golden Gate Middle Building Community and Routines for Language Acquisition... shining a spotlight on my English Language Learners

students’ efforts.

Ann Marie Morgiewicz Immokalee Community School (RCMA) Pen Pals Transpire from Sandy Hook Tragedy… sharing the talents and acts of kindness.

Tania Palafox Immokalee High Student-Led Harkness Whole Group Discussion... showing how amazing and talented my students are.

LaTeeya Toombs Immokalee Middle Flipping the Classroom... showing off my amazing students in action!

Lori H. Galiana Marco Island Academy Confident Public Speaking Lessons… showcasing our students and school.

Jenna L. Zimmer Poinciana Elementary Writing with a Real World Purpose... getting the word out that writing is fun!

Short videos highlighting the Teachers of Distinction best practices can be viewed at ChampionsForLearning.org/Teachers and Twitter #GoldenAppleCollier

BUILDING READING, COMMUNICATION, and ENGLISH FLUENCY SKILLS

Communication is the key to success in life. These teachers practice equipping students with a range of communication skills, from building vocabulary to verbal and written communication.

Tools of Technology

Building Community

Learning How to Learn

Connecting to Work World (a,b)

Building Reading...

GA Recipient

Setting Goals

SETTING GOALS FOR LIFE

Knowing where we want to go and having a plan for achievement is central to success. This is true for small or short-term tasks, as well as the big goals for life. From elementary through high school, these teachers are showing their students what it takes to make and carry out those plans, ensuring that they learn and grow in the process.

Tools of Technology

Building Community

Learning How to Learn

Connecting to Work World (a,b)

Building Reading...

GA Recipient

Setting Goals

CONNECTING TO THE WORK WORLD

How many times have teachers heard, “When will I ever use this in life?” These teachers are making sure that their students are learning from people working in a trade or business, allowing them to see the connections from the classroom to the work world.

Tools of Technology

Building Community

Learning How to Learn

Connecting to Work World (a,b)

Building Reading...

GA Recipient

Setting Goals

BUILDING COMMUNITY

A productive and caring community is built by people who understand how to value and respect others, and who can work together to create a positive environment. Through the various practices of these teachers, students exercise the skills that are molding them into the leaders of tomorrow.

Tools of Technology

Building Community

Learning How to Learn

Connecting to Work World (a,b)

Building Reading...

GA Recipient

Setting Goals

Short videos highlighting the Teachers of Distinction best practices can be viewed at ChampionsForLearning.org/Teachers and Twitter #GoldenAppleCollier