CABRINI-GREEN — Skinner North Classical math teacher Alison Nicole Ridgway was shocked Tuesday when recognized with a Golden Apple Award for her efforts in the classroom.
"It's overwhelming," Ridgway said after being surprised in her classroom after lunch by Golden Apple representatives and media suddenly flooding into her room.
She had inklings, saying, "I know when all the kids show up in my room at the same time that something's going on."
Even so, she kept declining to name her own qualities for winning the award and kept sharing the honor with her students.
"Thank you guys!" Ridgway said after being presented the award. "You are awesome. This is a great place to come every day and hang out with you kids."
Skinner North Classical math teacher Alison Nicole Ridgway surprised with Golden Apple Award. pic.twitter.com/5BsDnrVHN2
— Ted Cox (@tedcoxchicago) March 21, 2017
Why was she honored?
"I don't know," Ridgway said. "The kids just make it really easy, easy to come in here every day and watch them discover things."
In presenting the award, Golden Apple, now in its 32nd year honoring top Illinois teachers in fourth through eighth grade, cited her leadership in the school's math department and in coaching its math teams, as well as cross country and track.
"Her students describe her as empathetic, motivating and an amazing person," stated a Golden Apple release. "She promotes active participation and teamwork in her classrooms."
Principal Ethan Netterstrom called her "one our our best teachers," adding, "She's very innovative. She gets kids to think outside the box, really apply what they're learning with different projects. It's not just casual recall. It's really advanced."
Skinner North Classical, 640 W. Scott St., opened in 2009 as a selective-enrollment elementary, with top students testing into it.
"It's been awesome to watch the school grow," said Ridgway, who's been at Skinner North six years in her decade-long teaching career.
Netterstrom granted that her approach clearly benefited the school's sharp students, but quickly added, "Any students really need somebody like that."
