3 District 58 Teachers Nominated for Golden Apple Award

Three District 58 teachers—Kingsley sixth-grade teacher Ashley Bidlencik, Hillcrest/Kingsley/Whittier art teacher Jon Belonio and O'Neill Middle School science teacher Meg Van Dyke—learned this week that they have been nominated for a 2014 Golden Apple award.

According to the website of the Golden Apple Foundation, "Golden Apple selects teachers who exemplify the highest standards and practices of the teaching profession. These qualities include but are not limited to demonstrating distinguished classroom practice, professionalism and collegiality, high standards for themselves and their students, the ability to create a classroom environment conducive to learning, the ability to reflect on practice, creativity, commitment to students and their learning, and contribution to the wider school community."

"District 58 is extremely fortunate to have such incredible teachers working throughout our district to advance the learning and achievement of all students. Meg, Jon and Ashley are outstanding examples of inspiring teachers who nurture and support the success of their students each and every day in innovative and highly engaging ways," said District 58 Superintendent Kari Cremascoli. 

"They are difference makers in the lives of so many students, and we are very, very proud of them!"

From among those who are nominated and submit an application packet, approximately 30 teachers each year are selected as finalists and 10 Golden Apple Award recipients are chosen.

"I am still shocked and humbled by my nomination, as our district is full of outstanding and dedicated teachers," said nominee Ashley Bidlencik. "My favorite part of teaching is definitely the students that I get to share the love of learning with each day.  I learn just as much from them as they learn from me."

Nominee Jon Belonio echoed those sentiments.

"I just feel like the luckiest person in the world because I get to teach what I have been passionate about my entire life—which is art," Belonio said. "It's just an honor to be recognized.

"If I had to pinpoint my favorite thing about teaching to one simple thing, it's the fact that I get to witness these kids create every single day. There is a story behind each and every art project and I get to be their audience."

For Meg Van Dyke, teaching is about the science side of life. 

"...any accolades I may receive are a direct reflection of all the teachers who helped me through my journey of convincing middle school students that being a scientist or engineer is something they should strongly consider as a path in life," she said. 

"I absolutely love instilling a love of science in young people, whether that is in my classroom, working with my engineering students, or with my Energy Kids who teach fourth graders about types of energy and energy conservation."

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