The Golden Apple Award originated for teachers in 1986. The award is designed to honor teachers and school leadership professionals for their commitment and excellence in teaching and leadership. In December, one of ADM’s very own had the opportunity to be recognized for her excellence and dedication to teaching.
Cristin Kreifels, a fourth grade teacher at Meadowview Elementary was recognized with the Golden Apple Award this past year. While Kreifels is now found in a fourth-grade classroom, just a few years ago she made the switch from teaching second grade.
Some of Kreifels’s former students are now high schoolers, but when asked if they remembered having her as a second-grade teacher they immediately replied yes and shared things they loved about her classroom.
Former students, Kinley Snyder and Leah Chapman said, “I remember she always played this dice game with us and had a blurt jar in her classroom. She was a really good teacher to have because she always made sure we were learning a lot but having fun too.”
Sophomore Jace Ozbun also said, “She was always really fun to have in class, she made the class really entertaining.” When the students were asked to describe Mrs. Kreifels in just a few words, some of the words said were welcoming, nice, fun, attentive, kind, and deserving.
Just as Kreifels was recognized for her outstanding commitment to her students, classroom, and career there are many other ways we can recognize the outstanding teachers and school professionals in our lives.
The Iowa Teacher of the Year Award is an award given out yearly sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education. The Milken Educator award, multiple awards sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association, specialized subject and teaching area awards, ADM Teacher of the Month award, and of course the Golden Apple.
While education is oftentimes an overlooked career, these educators are teaching, developing, and inspiring the next generation of leaders each and every day. Next time a teacher or education professional in your life does something great or shows how they go above and beyond for their students and career, be sure to see what local awards they are eligible for and nominate them for the chance to be recognized for their excellence.
