The Golden Apple Awards recognize and
reward educators who use innovative
teaching methods to meet the changing
challenges in preparing students for
the future.

Each Fall, students, parents, colleagues and community members nominate educators that show excellence in education. Eligible, nominated educators then submit a completed Golden Apple application to Partners In Education.

A selection panel comprised of business representatives and post-secondary educators reviews the anonymous Golden Apple applications and selects up to ten Teachers of Distinction.

Up to four Golden Apple Recipients are then selected from the Teachers of Distinction after personal interviews and classroom videotapes are completed. The Teacher of Distinction and Golden Apple Recipient Awards are presented at the annual Partners In Education Business Education Reception.

2010 Golden Apple Award Winners

Four area educators have been named 2010 Golden Apple Teachers by Partners in Education (PIE), a program of the Portage County Business Council. Jeff LaPlant from the Stevens Point Area Public School District, Barb Letto from the Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools, Joy Hoeft from the Tomorrow River School District and Bobbi Jo Montgomery from the Wild Rose School District were selected by a panel of former educators, PIE business sponsors, and community members for their evidenced excellence in education focused on innovative teaching practices and use of community resources. Karl Franzen, director of workforce development with the Portage County Business Council, presented each Golden Apple recipient with a check for $1000.00, which the teachers can use for special resources to support their classroom endeavors. The monetary awards of the Golden Apple program are made possible by PIE’s platinum sponsors, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Sentry Insurance, Skyward Inc., and Worzalla Publishing.

Jeff LaPlant is an Emotional Behavior and Learning Disabilities teacher at Ben Franklin Junior High.  Jeff was nominated for the Golden Apple award by fellow teacher Nate Olson.  In his nomination form, Olson said, “Jeff is a master when it comes to differentiation.  He has helped the 8th grade science teachers by modifying material to meet the needs of ALL students.”  The Golden Apple Selection committee commented that Jeff demonstrates a passion for the challenge of teaching, emphasizes life-long learning to his students, and sets himself apart with the integration of technology into his curriculum.

Barb Letto is a Second Grade teacher at Saint Stanislaus Elementary School.  Barb received multiple nominations for the Golden Apple award from co-workers and parents of students who identify Barb as their favorite teacher.  In their nominating forms, one co-worker wrote that Barb is the ideal that she models her own teaching after, and one parent wrote, “my daughter has improved in her education because of the way Barb Letto teaches.”  The Golden Apple committee was impressed by Barb’s energy for new challenges and teaching techniques even after 28 years of teaching.  One committee member commented, “Barb was a shining star in her interview.  I found myself wishing I was in her class!”

Joy Hoeft is a Business teacher at Amherst High School.  Retiring Amherst High School principal Pete Sippel nominated Hoeft for the Golden Apple awards for her 30 years of excellence in the Tomorrow River School District.  He wrote, “She has played a major part in the implementation of a careers program for all juniors, and orientation class for the freshman and the parenting class for seniors – all new curriculums in the past few years.”  The Golden Apple committee was impressed by Hoeft’s use of business and community resources.  Her commitment to the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program has grown the program at Amherst High School and provided amazing opportunities for her students to compete at regional, state, and national competitions.

Bobbi Jo Montgomery is Special Education Teacher at Wild Rose High School.  Bobbi Jo was nominated by two of her students who expressed their appreciation for her humor and tireless assistance with their schoolwork.  The Golden Apple committee felt that Bobbi Jo exhibited an extreme pride in her students and their success and works tirelessly toward their long-term success.  She works to utilize Waushara County resources as the students plan transitioning to life after high school.

Partners in Education also announces the six Golden Apple finalists, who are honored as Teachers of Distinction. They are Beth Borgen from Amherst Middle School, Art Greco from Ben Franklin Junior High, Kristie Kosobucki from Saint Stephens Elementary School, Tina Krummel from Tri-County Middle School, Linda LaBrake from PJ Jacobs Junior High, and Marianne Potter from SPASH. Franzen says, “While the Golden Apple awards highlight four individuals, the Portage County Business Council Foundation encourages the community to recognize all educators for their commitment to educating our youth. Every Golden Apple winner comments that they could not do what they do without the support and partnerships with their fellow teachers.”