CHICAGO — Richard J. Daley Academy teacher Karen Ramirez was honored with a Golden Apple award Wednesday morning.
Ramirez, who teaches reading, writing and social studies to sixth-graders at the school, 5024 S. Wolcott Ave., said she was happy "my students are on this exciting journey with me.
"Teaching is a roller coaster and we have our ups and downs, but in the end it’s about the students — and knowing we’re changing their lives every day. This is amazing."
Daley Principal Marla Elitzer said students naturally gravitate to Ramirez "because they know she truly cares and will never give up on them."
"I have watched her former students seek her out for advice," Elitzer said. "This teacher is a leader and takes every opportunity to create leaders in her classroom. She established a student council and would have hundreds of members if she was able to.
"Karen secured a grant for our after-school programming and has done a wonderful job ensuring students have the opportunity to participate in everything from golf to running club, to reading and math help and cheerleading. Because of her, hundreds of students look forward to coming to school."
Ramirez also was a Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois. The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois is a scholarship program that identifies talented high school seniors, as well as first and second-year college students, who have the promise and drive to be excellent teachers in high-need schools, according to a news release. They are given college scholarships and commit to working in schools in need after graduation.
"We are delighted to welcome Karen Ramirez into the long history of terrific teachers as a Golden Apple recipient," Golden Apple CEO Dominic Belmonte said. "As she also came to teaching with the assistance of our Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program makes us even more jubilant."
Golden Apple is a nonprofit group "committed to celebrating and developing great teachers." Winners were nominated by students, parents and colleagues.
