KIMT News 3 - Meet the six Golden Apple Teachers of the Year finalists.
Melinda Masters from Lincoln Elementary in Charles City was nominated by former students who felt she deserved recognition for the impact she left on them.
“They can have my heart as well as I want their heart to build that peace up so we can learn together,” Masters said.
Amy Mitchell from Lincoln Elementary in Osage won her award for helping a deaf student succeed, both in and out of the classroom.
“Even on her days off Izzy has lost one of her cochlear implants in the park during the summer and her and her husband searched everywhere for it and found it,” Brittany Toupal said.
Tamara Johnson from John Adams Middle School in Mason City wants her kids know they can make a difference.
“I'm here to teach the kids but at the same time, I’m here to be someone they can rely on,” Johnson said.
North Butler Elementary teacher Laci Hoogestraat makes sure her classroom fits the needs of her students, designing desks to help them learn.
“This is my job I love what I do I love the kids and really whatever I can do to help them learn and be successful is what I’ll do,” Hoogestraat said.
Kyle Rosedahl at Leroy-Ostrander High School has fellow teachers recognizing his efforts to be the best educator he can be.
“Kyle was very deserving of the award. A lot of the teachers to me don't get the recognition they deserve,” Rosedahl said.
Lastly, there's Alissa Sauer at Southwest Middle School in Albert Lea. She's making daily efforts to keep her classroom exciting and different so students stay engaged.
“Change up the projects we do because if it gets boring for them it gets boring for me too, so I always try something different,” Sauer said.