Golden Apple Archives - Champions For Learning™

Champions For Learning Announces 2022-2023 Collier Golden Apple Recipients

March 23, 2023 Allisa McCormick For Educators, Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

On March 22, students in six Collier County classrooms received bushels of apples as their teachers were surprised with Golden Apple awards, highlighting best practices in teaching.

Champions For Learning staff, Board members and selection committee volunteers were joined by major sponsors to present the Golden Apple awards to six teachers in their classrooms. Champions For Learning’s community-based selection committee met and visited the classrooms of 60 Teachers of Distinction representing 58 Collier County Public Schools to learn about their best practices. Champions For Learning’s community-based selection committee identified six practices to highlight as part of the Golden Apple process.

Congratulations to the following 2022-2023 Golden Apple recipients. Click HERE for the full list of Teachers of Distinction.

Marlon Alfaro, Manatee Middle
D’Nai Bullen,Corkscrew Elementary
Sylvie Certa,Gulfview Middle
Anne Coots, Osceola Elementary
Ashley Crosby, Golden Gate Middle
Michael Gonzalez, RCMA Immokalee Community Academy

“Collier County has many educators that make a difference in students’ lives daily. Champions For Learning is honored to be the organization that highlights these teachers for all that they do,” said Barbara Evans, President and CEO of Champions For Learning. “I could not be prouder of our selection committee who spent countless hours learning about the best practices from the 60 Teachers of Distinction. It is clear we have a community who believes Education is Everything.”

The 2022-2023 Golden Apple recipients will each receive a grant ($5,000) to allow the expansion of their best practice. All Teachers of Distinction receive a $250 award, and the Golden Apple recipients receive an additional cash award.

“At Suncoast Credit Union, we believe a community that invests in their educators builds a strong foundation for students, businesses and community at large. Our Foundation was formed in 1990, and since then, we have raised more than $40 million dollars to provide a better future for children. By creating learning opportunities through community grants, Suncoast helps create stronger teachers and students. We are proud to support opportunities for educators to share best practices and to grow professionally,” said Kourtney Berry, executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.

“Being able to recognize dedicated teachers who stand above the rest is the heart of the Golden Apple Awards. Our goal by participating in The Golden Apple Awards is that the grants will inspire teachers to continue investing in our students and to develop innovative practices,” said Berry.

Champions For Learning will honor the Golden Apple Recipients, Teachers of Distinction, and Collier County Public Schools Teachers of the Year at the 33^rd Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.

Champions For Learning would like to thank our Presenting Sponsor Suncoast Credit Union as well as Major Sponsors: Conditioned Air, Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, Naples Illustrated, NBC-2, and Stock Development.

For more information on event sponsorships and ticket sales click HERE.

Families, students, and the entire community are invited to join in the celebration by tuning in to NBC-2 for the Golden Apple television program highlighting quality education in Collier County classrooms. The program will be aired on Saturday, May 13 on NBC-2 at 8:00pm.

Teacher of Distinction Breakfast 2023

January 23, 2023 Allisa McCormick For Educators, Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

Teachers from across Collier County gathered for Champions For Learning’s annual Teacher of Distinction breakfast on January 5th, graciously hosted by Adams Foods/McDonald’s, Inc. at the Shoppes of Pebblebrooke. The 2022- 2023 Teachers of Distinction came together to kick off the new year and the next phase of the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program.

This is always a special celebration for the teachers, as McDonalds prints tray liners with the photos of the Teachers of Distinction and each teacher is provided a framed copy. Additionally, Adams Foods provides teachers with a branded tumbler. This year, a fifth grade Entrepreneurship class at Eden Park Elementary, that manages the Bobcat Boutique – a student run business that designs and cuts vinyl items- made the tumblers, which made the gift even more special for the teachers.

“The Golden Apple program is a wonderful way for the community to celebrate and elevate the amazing teachers in Collier County Public Schools,” said Amy Snyder, Executive Director of Educator Programs, Champions For Learning. “The teachers make a difference in their classrooms day after day and having a morning outside of their classrooms, being celebrated by the community, is always special.”

The Teacher of Distinction McDonald’s breakfast is just one component of the Golden Apple program. In addition to several celebration and networking opportunities, the community-based selection committee learns about and observes the Teachers of Distinction best teaching practices, which leads to the selection of the Golden Apple recipients.

Click HERE to view pictures from the event!

Champions For Learning Announces Collier County Teachers of Distinction

November 15, 2022 Allisa McCormick For Educators, Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

Champions for Learning is excited to announce the 2022-2023 Teachers of Distinction for Collier County. As part of the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, each school in Collier County Public Schools has the opportunity to nominate a teacher and best practice to highlight on behalf of their school. From this group of 60 Teachers of Distinction from 58 Collier County schools, Champions For Learning’s community-based selection committee identifies the Golden Apple recipients (see list below).

Each Teacher of Distinction received a $250 cash award, and now has the opportunity to share their ideas and practices across the county with their colleagues and the community through the Golden Apple process. With a vision of a community that is 100% engaged in support of student success, Champions For Learning creates opportunities for educators that support high impact learning experiences for every child.

Thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union, for the support provided to educators. Generous support is also provided by Golden Apple Major Sponsors: Conditioned Air, Mary Ingram, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, Naples Illustrated, NBC-2, and Stock Development. The Teachers of Distinction and the Golden Apple recipients will be honored at the Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner, presented by Suncoast Credit Union, on May 12, 2023 at The Naples Grande Beach Resort.

Several highly visible sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on event sponsorships and ticket sales, contact Jason Kurek at jkurek@championsforlearning.org.

PDF of 2022-23 Teachers of Distinction

Collier County teachers win Golden Apples for 2022

February 17, 2022 Heidi Overman Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

Liz Freeman, Naples Daily News

Seven Collier County teachers left their classrooms at the end of the day Thursday with Golden Apple awards recognizing their standout teaching skills for the 2021-22 school year.

Students in all the classes, spanning schools from central Naples to rural Immokalee in eastern Collier, were equally thrilled for their teachers, often mentors who help shape their futures.

From earlier:Who are the top teachers in Collier schools? Teachers of Distinction named ahead of Golden Apples

Champions For Learning, the education foundation in Collier that co-sponsors the Golden Apples now in its 32nd year, brought back the in-person surprise awards at the schools Thursday. The COVID-19 pandemic caused last year’s classroom visits to be canceled.

The Golden Apple recipients are Robert Boyle, Immokalee Technical College; Amanda Bray, Lake Trafford Elementary School; Dyan E. Konicek, Immokalee Middle School; Stephanie Kutz and Lauren York, Lake Park Elementary School; Mishelle Levine, Oakridge Middle School; and Heather Stallings, Calusa Park Elementary School.

Heather Stallings poses with her third-grade students at Calusa Park Elementary after receiving a Golden Apple award from Champions For Learning on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 in Naples, Fla. The education foundation was scheduled to make surprise visits to six schools to recognize teachers and their classroom best practices. Look for more coverage at naplesnews.com and in Saturday's edition.

A community-based selection committee for Champions For Learning identifies each year six teaching practices that the teachers have nurtured and perfected to empower their students to be engaged, to learn and be their best.

Representatives from Suncoast Credit Union, a presenting sponsor of the Golden Apples recognition program, joined Champions For Learning staff and volunteers to present the awards.

Sixty teachers representing 58 public schools were recognized in October as Teachers of Distinction by Champions For Learning. From that list, the Golden Apples winners were selected with Kutz and York of Lake Park sharing one of the six awards.

Sixth grade teacher, Mischelle Levine, reacts after receiving a Golden Apple award from Champions For Learning on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 at Oakridge Middle in Naples, Fla. The education foundation was scheduled to make surprise visits to six schools to recognize teachers and their classroom best practices. Look for more coverage at naplesnews.com and in Saturday's edition.

“At Suncoast Credit Union, we believe a community that invests in their educators builds a strong foundation for students, businesses and community at large,” Cindy Helton, executive director, said in a news release. “By creating learning opportunities through community grants, Suncoast helps create stronger teachers and students. For this reason, we create opportunities for educators to share best practices and to grow professionally.”

The 2021-22 Golden Apple teachers receive a $5,000 grant from Suncoast for building their best practices. All Teachers of Distinction receive a $250 award, and the Golden Apple recipients receive an additional cash award thanks to Mary Ingram.

The community will honor the Golden Apple recipients, the Teachers of Distinction, and the Teachers of the Year at the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner on April 22 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.

Champions For Learning Announces Collier Golden Apple Recipients

February 17, 2022 Heidi Overman Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

Representatives from Suncoast Credit Union, Presenting Sponsor of the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, were joined by major sponsors, Champions For Learning staff and volunteers to present the awards to the teachers in their classrooms. 60 Teachers of Distinction representing 58 Collier County Public Schools shared their best practices. Champions For Learning’s community-based selection committee identified six practices to highlight as part of the Golden Apple process.

Congratulations to the following 2021-2022 Golden Apple recipients. See attached list for the names of Teachers of Distinction.

Robert Boyle, Immokalee Technical College
Amanda Bray, Lake Trafford Elementary
Dyan E. Konicek, Immokalee Middle
Stephanie Kutz & Lauren York, Lake Park Elementary
Mishelle Levine, Oakridge Middle
Heather Stallings, Calusa Park Elementary

“At Suncoast Credit Union, we believe a community that invests in their educators builds a strong foundation for students, businesses and community at large. By creating learning opportunities through community grants, Suncoast helps create stronger teachers and students. For this reason, we create opportunities for educators to share best practices and to grow professionally, “ said Cindy Helton executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union foundation. “Being able to recognize dedicated teachers who stand above the rest is the heart of the Golden Apple Awards. Our goal by participating in The Golden Apple Awards is that the grants will inspire teachers to continue investing in our students and to develop innovative practices.”

The foundation of Suncoast Credit Union is funded through the credit union members’ use of their debit and credit cards. The Suncoast for Schools Rewards Debit Card and VISA Credit Card program automatically generates funds that are dedicated to education and health-related initiatives benefiting children in the local community.

The 2021-2022 Golden Apple recipients will each receive a grant ($5,000) from Suncoast Credit Union to allow the building of their best practices. All Teachers of Distinction receive a $250 award, and the Golden Apple recipients receive an additional cash award thanks to Mary Ingram.

The community will honor and thank the Golden Apple Recipients, Teachers of Distinction, and Collier County Public Schools Teachers of the Year at the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner on April 22, 2022 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.

The 2022 Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers is presented by Suncoast Credit Union. Additional support is provided by our Major Sponsors: Conditioned Air, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, NBC-2, Mary Ingram and Stock Development.

Opportunities to sponsor schools to attend the event are available. For more information on event sponsorships and ticket sales go to www.ChampionsForLearning.org/golden-apple.

Families, students, and the entire community are invited to join in the celebration by tuning in to NBC-2 for the Golden Apple television program highlighting the great work of teachers in Collier County classrooms. The program will be aired on Sunday, April 24th on NBC-2 at 7:00pm.

Who are the top teachers in Collier schools? Teachers of Distinction named ahead of Golden Apples

October 27, 2021 Heidi Overman Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

by Rachel Fradette, Naples Daily News

In Immokalee, where Bray has taught for seven years at Lake Trafford Elementary School, she is part of the family, she said.

“Immokalee is like my second home,” Bray said. “I love it here.”

For Bray, she wants to make proud those families who made her welcome.

Bray was one of 60 teachers representing 58 schools in Collier County to be recognized Tuesday with a Teachers of Distinction award from Champions For Learning. From this list, a selection committee will pick six teachers for a Golden Apple Award.

Every school in Collier County can nominate a teacher and that teacher’s best practice. Teachers receive a $250 prize, a nomination for a Golden Apple Award and participate in networking to share practices with other teachers.

Who is your school’s Teacher of Distinction? Collier’s education foundation released the list

In her classroom, Bray transforms her space into different experiences, like Multiplication Inc. based on Disney’s Monster Inc., because she wants her students more involved in learning.

“You learn more when you have a memory that goes with it rather than just memorizing things,” Bray said. “I try to always make my classroom memorable for the kids.”

At Eden Park Elementary, Monica Drew is creating leaders in her first-grade classroom.

One of those leaders is 6-year-old Jason Gomez. He takes his role as teacher’s assistant seriously.

He sharpens pencils, writes the date and mission on the board and plugs in their class laptops.

“I have to do my job,” Gomez said.

Her students, like Gomez, are motivated to be responsible for themselves, so Drew utilizes her best practice that keeps leadership exercises at the forefront.

“They all have those little incentives inside themselves, and that’s what I want to bring out,” Drew said.

Drew said she hopes her students will take what they are learning and bring what they learn home.

“Yes, they’re only six and seven years old, but they are capable of so much and if they can do that here, imagine what they can do when they get older not just in school and the community and in their homes,” Drew said. “That’s why I do it.”

Ashley Wippel, center, a teacher at Immokalee High School was named a Teacher of Distinction by the Champions For Learning organization on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. She is a teacher from Collier County Schools who is on the short list for the Golden Apple Awards. She is flanked by Marie Clement from Suncoast Credit Union in Immokalee, left, and Amy Snyder from Champions For Learning, right. “They can disagree with their opinions, but they always come prepared and it’s nice to see them self-motivated,” Wippel said.

Wippel, who started teaching in Collier schools eight years ago, said she tries to empower her students to be confident in their own abilities.

Wippel said she loves to teach in Immokalee so much that she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

In his more than 20 years in career and technical education, Immokalee Technical College’s executive director Dorin Oxender said he had never met a better instructor than Robert Boyle.

“He’s a rock star,” Oxender said.

Boyle started teaching Immokalee Technical College’s heavy equipment service technician program three years ago.

Robert Boyle, a teacher at Immokalee Technical College was named a Teacher of Distinction by the Champions For Learning organization on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. He is a teacher from Collier County Schools who is on the short list for the Golden Apple Awards.

In the program, which has a 100% job placement rate, Boyle said he expects excellence from his students.

“I try to teach them that to get ahead in this business, to actually do well in this business, you have to continuously learn,” Boyle said.

His practice starts his students in the classroom working on reading, quizzes and open discussion about practices, and then he starts hands-on labs, like tearing apart engines.

“We do practical hands-on labs using all of the tools and equipment that they would normally use in the field,” Boyle said.

Boyle, who worked as a heavy equipment technician for more than 35 years, said he was “deeply, honestly moved” by the recognition.

“It means a lot to me to be recognized for what I do,” Boyle said. “But more importantly, for my program to be recognized for what it does because this is not just me, it’s the school. It’s the students. It’s all of my sponsors, my sponsoring employers. I mean they all have a big piece of this.”

Rachel Fradette is an education reporter for the Naples Daily News. Follow her on Twitter: @Rachel_Fradette, email her at rfradette@gannett.com.

Champions For Learning Announces Collier County Teachers of Distinction

October 27, 2021 Heidi Overman Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

Champions For Learning Announces Collier County Teachers of Distinction

(October 26, 2021) Champions for Learning is excited to announce the 2021-2022 Teachers of Distinction for Collier County. As part of the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, each school in Collier County Public Schools has the opportunity to nominate a teacher and best practice to highlight on behalf of their school. From this group of 60 Teachers of Distinction from 58 schools (Click Here for full list), Champions For Learning’s community-based selection committee identifies the Golden Apple recipients. Last year, Champions For Learning honored all teachers throughout Collier County for the extraordinary work they did despite ever-changing circumstances to keep our students moving forward, proving that teachers truly are the heartbeat of every community.

Today, each Teacher of Distinction received a $250 cash award, and now have the opportunity to share their ideas and practices across the county with their colleagues and the community through the Golden Apple process. With a vision of a community that is 100% engaged in support of student success, Champions For Learning creates opportunities for educators that support high impact learning experiences for every child.

Thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union, for the support provided to educators. Generous support is also provided by Golden Apple Major Sponsors: Conditioned Air, Mary Ingram, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, Naples Illustrated, NBC-2, and Stock Development.

The Teachers of Distinction and the Golden Apple recipients will be honored at the Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner, presented by Suncoast Credit Union, on April 22, 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.

Several highly visible sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on event sponsorships and ticket sales go to https://championsforlearning.org/golden-apple/.

About Champions For Learning™

Champions For Learning™, the education foundation in Collier County, is an independent, community-based, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that strives to create life-changing learning experiences for every student. With a vision of a community that is 100% engaged in support of student success, Champions For Learning serves a unique role in bringing the community together to support a culture of learning and innovation. Our organization has been awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency and Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating, both demonstrating our commitment to sound fiscal management, accountability, and transparency, as well as achieved the highest distinction as an exemplary Local Education Foundation. Become a Champion for Learning and visit www.ChampionsForLearning.org.

About Suncoast Credit Union

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 10th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $14.3 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 75 full-service branches and serves more than 979,000 members in 40 Florida counties. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school or worships in the counties Suncoast Credit Union serves in Florida is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12, college educators and support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $32 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit: suncoastcreditunion.com or follow us on social media.

Champions For Learning looks forward to in-person events in 2021-2022!

July 1, 2021 Heidi Overman Golden Apple, Night for Champions, Our Work for Educators, Our Work for Students

Champions For Learning looks forward to returning to in-person events for the 2021-2022 season!

Join in Friday, February 4, 2022 at Arthrex One for Night of Champions!

As Champions For Learning’s signature event, Night of Champions celebrates the community of champions that has changed the lives of hundreds of Collier County students. This important celebration showcases our vibrant community, students and volunteers. Night of Champions includes a reception, three-course dinner, and silent auction.

Several high-impact sponsorship opportunities are available. Sponsorships support our student mentoring and scholarship programs, lifting the barriers that students on the path to career and college face and inspiring them to achieve.

Join in Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort for our Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers!

Beyond simply an event, the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers showcases our community’s educators’ innovative best practices that are exciting to students about learning and increasing student learning. During this community-wide event, the 2022 Golden Apple recipients, Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction, and the Collier County Public Schools Teachers of the Year are honored for the tremendous impact they make for our young people.

Golden Apple

The Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers includes a reception, elegant dinner, and inspiring presentations celebrating each of the Golden Apple teachers, giving guests a glimpse into their classrooms. The Golden Apple television program is aired on NBC-2 and posted to the Champions For Learning website and YouTube channel following the broadcast. The Golden Apple event and television show lead into Teacher Appreciation Week, culminating in a community-wide recognition and appreciation of educators. Several highly visible sponsorship opportunities are available.

Sponsorship Opportunities are currently available!

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Heidi Overman, Vice President of Marketing & Events, at 239.643.4755 or HOverman@ChampionsForLearning.org.

Collier County School’s honor all their teachers for National Teacher Appreciation Week

May 10, 2021 Heidi Overman Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

NBC2 News Story: Collier County School’s honor all their teachers for National Teacher Appreciation Week

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.– Each year, a select number of teachers that go above and beyond are presented a Golden Apple Award.

This year, the non-profit organization, Champions For Learning, decided all teachers in the Collier County School District deserve something special during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

For teachers across the country, it’s been a difficult 14 months.

Bruce Mousa, Incoming Chair for Champions For Learning said, “We consider the educators the superheroes and just because they’re dealing with a precious commodity.”

Some teachers thrust themselves into a new world of virtual learning while others worked to maintain a COVID-safe classroom environment.

Kelsey Ruemler, Media Specialist at Gulfview Middle School said, “I wake up every single morning thinking what I can do to help these students be successful.”

That’s why Champions For Learning couldn’t choose just 6 teachers to highlight as golden apple recipients and one per school as a “Teacher of Distinction” this year.

“This year, all educators are Golden Apple winners,” Mousa said.

The non-profit teamed up with local sponsors to gift each school a bushel of apples, flowers, and a $2,000 grant for administrators to use however they’d like.

At Poinciana Elementary School, Principal Jessica Davis said her staff decided to put a twist on their mantra this school year.

“….Our Flame of Knowledge Burns Bright and then during Teacher Appreciation Week it is Our Flame of Knowledge Burns Bright Because of You. You being the teachers,” Davis said.

Just like every other day the school decided to put the kids first and use the grant to rent air hockey tables, bring in a food truck, and gift students lunch bags.

Golden Apples over gold stars: Collier schools celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week amid COVID year

May 5, 2021 Heidi Overman Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

by Rachel Fradette, Naples Daily News

Poinciana Elementary School teacher Judy Ramirez and her second-graders know what it takes to earn a Golden Apple Award.

Ramirez, who took home her award in 2013, gives out her own brand of golden apples when her students go above and beyond with their behavior and learning gains.

One of her students, 8-year-old Jordan Heady, said he’s taken home an apple more than 10 times.

“It’s been a really positive thing for our class,” Ramirez said.

It’s something, she said, that was important to continue, especially this school year amid COVID-19.

“It’s been tough, but man, after this year I think we all feel like we can get through anything,” Ramirez said.

From catered lunch to unique themed days, 58 schools in Collier County are celebrating their teachers, like Ramirez, following a year of ups and downs.

Second-grade teacher Judy Ramirez, center, takes part in a Teacher Appreciation Week presentation with her students, Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Poinciana Elementary in Naples.

Champions For Learning, the county’s education foundation, and sponsors provided funds to schools in lieu of the annual Golden Apple event and awards, which honor teachers for their work.

Every school received $2,000 through Golden Apple sponsors to salute teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

In a year where Golden Apples will be absent, Poinciana Elementary School Principal Jessica Davis said she sees it as just the opposite.

“I think for this particular year it was definitely an additional importance to celebrate Golden Apple as every teacher receives a Golden Apple,” Davis said.

Davis and her staff were recognized on more than one occasion for their work this year and last year. Amity Wyss was named assistant principal of the year in Collier County.

Also at the school, media specialist Kristi Humberger and media assistant Celine Johnson, are Collier schools 2021 nominees for Florida Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the year.

Davis said the school’s staff is remarkable. Wyss said teachers have remained positive while being student-focused.

Poinciana Elementary second-grader Alex Olmos holds a Golden Apple during a Teacher Appreciation Week ceremony, Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Poinciana Elementary in Naples.

Surprises in store for teachers this week

This week at Poinciana is centered around the Olympics. Every day this week will zero in on a continent with prizes and activities sticking to the theme, including scones on Europe Day and synchronized swimming outside the pool.

“We wanted to tap into that it takes a team that collectively wins,” Davis said.

Gulfview Middle School students wrote letters to their teachers that are being delivered as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.

“They’re just the sweetest sentiments that kids need to be here, and they need teachers,” Elizabeth Brown said.

Brown, a reading coach at the school, said the start of the school year was scary, but teachers quickly adjusted to where they are meant to be — the classroom.

“Sometimes showing up each day is a celebration because I spoke a lot to our kids and the emotions and the difficulties that they have to grapple with, but the truth of it is our teachers are going through the same thing,” Brown said.

Other surprises for educators include breakfast, lunches, and treats, according to the school.

Gulf Coast Charter Academy South is matching funding to make this week special for its teachers.

Teachers at the charter school will have breakfast and lunch catered all week, and they will also take home gift cards.

“We’ve definitely seen a large morale ebb and flow as the year goes on,” Will Staros, principal of Gulf Cost Charter Academy South, said. “And as we get into a state testing time and evaluation time this week, in particular, is really strong for us to be able to push for the next four weeks until we get to summer.”

Bruce Mousa, right, board member at Champions For Learning, talks with Gulf Coast Charter Academy South students and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at the school in Naples.

The kindergarten team worked hard to keep their spirits up throughout this school year, teacher Aishia Buford said.

“I think we cope by uplifting each other, reaching out to each other, texting each other, funny memes, dancing in the hallways from a distance with each other, so we’ve been trying to uplift each other,” Buford said.

Kindergarten teacher Beth Staros said teachers have not complained this year because of how much they love their profession, but that did not make it easy.

“If you’re out in the community and you see a teacher, thank a teacher,” Staros said.

The Naples Daily News is a 2021 Golden Apple major sponsor.

Rachel Fradette is an education reporter for the Naples Daily News. Follow her on Twitter: @Rachel_Fradette, email her at rfradette@gannett.com.

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Champions For Learning Announces 2022-2023 Collier Golden Apple Recipients

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Champions For Learning Announces Collier County Teachers of Distinction

Collier County teachers win Golden Apples for 2022

Champions For Learning Announces Collier Golden Apple Recipients

Who are the top teachers in Collier schools? Teachers of Distinction named ahead of Golden Apples

Champions For Learning Announces Collier County Teachers of Distinction

Champions For Learning looks forward to in-person events in 2021-2022!

Join in Friday, February 4, 2022 at Arthrex One for Night of Champions!

Join in Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort for our Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers!

Sponsorship Opportunities are currently available!

Collier County School’s honor all their teachers for National Teacher Appreciation Week

Golden Apples over gold stars: Collier schools celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week amid COVID year

Surprises in store for teachers this week

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Golden Apples over gold stars: Collier schools celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week amid COVID year