It’s hard to believe the school year is almost over.
For one teacher at the Elizabeth Black School at the Barber National Institute, her career is almost over too but not before she’s honored with a golden apple award.
For 38 years, Joy Maisner has been teaching and inspiring young people at the Elizabeth Black School, her decision to work with children with special needs came in the mid-1980s.
“I met a little guy at Erie Infants Home, I was doing my internship there, and he was so different,” said Maisner. “I fell in love with him and I just knew in my heart I was ready for that and I came here.
The Barber National Institute is a special place for everyone; students, their parents and even the teachers.
“It’s just a very happy place to be at and when you see the growth from these kids, it just melts your heart,” said Maisner.
This week’s student nominator is Lincoln Elliot.
His parents say Maisner played crucial role in Elliot’s development while in pre-school, so he was able to successfully transition into his home school district for kindergarten.
“When he first started here, he want even just crawling and as you can see he left here going to college,” said Chris Elliot, Lincoln’s father. “Reading, walking, and you know just enjoying every day at school, having someone like her believing in him every day has made a difference in his life”
After forty years in the classroom this is it retirement, is next for this week’s Golden Apple Award winning teacher, what will she miss most?
“The hugs, the smiles, just watching them grow,” said Maisner.
“It’s critical at this level we have excellent early childhood teachers who understand the unique needs of these children,” said Mary Jo Melvin, PhD, Penn West University. “Not only do they lay the foundation, but they lay the pathway for these children.”
Once more, Big Ideas Learning rewards the Golden Apple Award winner with a check for $250.
“It’s an honor to recognize that important work that teachers do in the classroom every day,” said Courtney Nagle, Big Ideas Learning.
Congratulations Joy Maisner, this week’s JET 24 Penn West University Golden Apple Award winner.