This week's Golden Apple teacher is a learning support teacher at Fairview Elementary School.
"I'm a little speechless right now. I'm very honored...I feel very proud right now," said Emily Glennon, Golden Apple Award-winning teacher.
Glennon said her passion for working with kids made it clear this is what she was meant to do
"I feel like I can really make a difference. and I'm able to create really important relationships with my students and families. The kids that I work with make me want to come to school every day and I love them dearly," Glennon said.
This week's student nominator, Kendall, had some health challenges that affected her ability to learn.
Ms. Glennon took that challenge and turned it into a fun learning experience for the entire class, and Kendall's mom couldn't be more thankful.
"Ms. Glennon is the light of Kendall's world. When Kendall first comes home, she tells me about her day in class, and how happy she makes her, and all the fun games they play, and she is Kendall's world," said Tiffany Frutos, Kendall's mom.
"This is a gift to not only Kendall and to the parents but also to every child in that classroom, and it's a gift they're going to carry with them the rest of their lives," said Mary Jo Melvin, PhD, Penn West University.
It takes a special teacher with special skills to effectively reach and teach these young people. This is how Ms. Glennon does it.
"The first thing I always say is that no child is going to be successful unless they're confident. I think that's the biggest thing, to get them to feel confident first and feel good about themselves so they love to learn," said Glennon.
Big Ideas Learning also recognized outstanding achievement in the classroom.
"She embodies one of our core values as a community of belonging. She really makes these students and families feel connected and inspired and happy to come back to school every day. We are just thrilled to support students and teachers just like Mrs. Glennon," said Carissa Snarski, Big Ideas Learning.
Congratulations Emily Glennon, this week's JET 24 Penn West Univeristy Golden Apple Award winner!