Golden Apple winner praised for the joy and consistency she brings to the classroom

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Keith Country Day Elementary School Teacher Alyssa Passmore was awarded the Golden Apple Award in March for the joy and consistency she brings to the classroom.

During Golden Apple’s selection process, students were not aware that their teacher was being considered for the award.

“I just told them that someone was looking for a really excellent second-grade class,” said Passmore. “They were really proud when observers came in… I didn’t tell them until the very end what it was actually for. Then they were very excited.”

She’s very consistent,” said Head of School Co-Lead Annie Baddoo. “She delivers this high-quality, very targeted instruction for every child every day. She does it with so much joy.”

Her students also expressed how wonderful she is as a teacher.

“She’s kind, nice and generous,” said one student.

“I like her teaching style,” another student explained. “She always gives us second chances if we get things wrong.”

Passmore made the life-changing decision to switch from teaching high school Spanish classes to elementary education five years ago.

“The biggest key to being a teacher long term is finding the best fit for you,” said Passmore. “Finding joy in your everyday, finding what you love, what makes your day fun and sparks the joy in your students as well.”

For a full list of the Rockford area’s Golden Apple Award Winners, click here.

To learn more about the award and the organization, visit the Golden Apple Foundation’s website here.