Palos Heights eighth grade teacher named Golden Apple finalist

Pam Peters, an eighth grade teacher at Independence Junior High School in Palos Heights, said the best part about teaching English language arts is helping students find their voice.

“I work hard at understanding my students by knowing their backgrounds, strengths and interests and meeting them where they are to develop them to reach their full potential in and outside the classroom,” Peters said.

Peters is one of 30 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalists. The award honors teachers “for having lasting, positive effects on student’s lives and school communities,” according to a news release from the Golden Apple Foundation.

“The impact of a great teacher reaches beyond the classroom and these finalists are proof of that,” said Alan Mather, president of Golden Apple, in the release. “Their dedication to providing an engaging, high-quality learning experience for their students and commitment to creating positive outcomes in their school communities is impressive.”

Peters was nominated by an English teacher and a student, which she said was an honor because they had said she affects students’ lives.

“I feel like I am being acknowledged because of my students and because of the people I work with, because it’s about them as well. I couldn’t do what I do without the great students I have and the great team that I have,” Peters said.

Peters started her career at Kankakee Elementary District 111, teaching English at the junior high and coaching track and field at the high school, she said. For the last 18 years, she has taught at Independence Junior High School.

When she decided to go to Olivet Nazarene University, where she ultimately graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s in English education and a master’s in reading specialist, Peters said her parents and grandparents inspired her to become a teacher. Peters grew up in Kankakee and said her grandparents taught the 4-H Club there for 35 years.

“I owe them everything,” she said.

Peters said teaching English because she has the opportunity to help students who have difficulties with writing by teaching them to become proficient writers, as well as challenging students who are proficient writers with new writing styles and authors.

Peters said the books she uses take her to places she’s never been, help her understand other people’s perspectives and help her become a more empathetic person.

“I can’t believe I get paid to teach English. I love everything about teaching English,” Peters said. “It’s the best job in the world.”

What she enjoys most, Peters said, is getting to know her students to help them find their voice and then empower them to use their voice.

As the class reads a book and then writes about it, Peters said it is important to her that the students see themselves in the work so that they can connect with it and write about it.

“I design lessons that provide a window to a broader world and a mirror reflecting students’ backgrounds, cultures and unique characteristics,” Peters said.

Principal Kevin Kirk said the junior high school is fortunate to have Peters, and that she deserves to be a Golden Apple finalist.

“Her commitment and passion for supporting our students are visible in her relentless preparation and the individualized support she provides all children. We are so proud of Pam for this recognition, which is well deserved,” Kirk said.

Each year the awards are put on by The Golden Apple Foundation, a nonprofit group working to honor exceptional teachers and students through programming and mentoring. Teachers are nominated by a member of their community whether it be a student, parent, fellow teacher or superintendent. Nominees complete an application which is scored and reviewed by a selection committee.

Different grade groups are recognized each year with 2023 highlighting educators who teach students from fourth to eighth grade.

Ten winners will be announced this spring. Each will receive $5,000, a spring sabbatical provided by Northwestern University and become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators. As Fellows, winners will become the next generation of Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs which seek to address the teacher shortage impacting the state.