Tropic Isles’ Graves Golden Apple candidate

She favors brightly colored hats and clothes, and donned a hat with big bright flowers for her interview. Her appearance projects her personality, and her philosophy on teaching – inspiration.
Debra Graves of North Fort Myers Tropic Isles Elementary School is one of two local finalists for the prestigious Golden Apple award. (The other is Richard Dunmire, who will be featured in a future issue of The Neighbor.)
Only 31 teachers were picked out of all of Lee County educators to be considered for the award. The field will be narrowed down to six actual recipients in March.
The Golden Apple is bestowed by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc.
“This is our 22nd year for the The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program,” said Marshall T. Bower, Esq., executive director of the foundation. “I think, due to what’s going on in the economy, it underscores the importance of teachers as a profession. It recognizes excellence in teaching and celebrates the profession.”
Bower said the foundation received thousands of nominations this year.
“They come from students, parents, fellow teachers and the community at large,” he said.
Bower’s been the executive director for three years. One of his favorite parts of the process is when he and his committee go out to schools to announce – in a surprise visit – the teacher that has been selected as a candidate.
“It is exhilarating because you get to see the expression on the teacher’s face, but you also get to see how proud the children are of their teachers,” he said.
Graves said her visit was something she’ll always remember.
“It was a complete surprise. I was shocked.”
She said it already been an unusual day, with some day-to-day issues that every kindergarten teacher has. Then her students pulled out New Year’s Eve-style noise makers when the committee arrived, and celebrated her recognition.
A Harvard grad, she was recruited by Principal Donald Bryant in 2004 at a recruiting fair at North Illinois University.
“I offered her a contract on the spot and she’s been here ever since,” he said. “Her philosophy was a perfect match to this school.”
Concerning Graves’ nomination, Bryant said, “We’re delighted one of our teachers is being recognized as a finalist. That shows that not only Ms. Graves is doing an outstanding job, but it reflects on the overall quality of the teaching staff at Tropic Isles.”
“I am thrilled,” Graves said. “Teaching is a craft and teachers hone that craft. And I’ve learned so much from the people I teach with and the entire staff. We all dialogue, from the custodian to the cafeteria manager. We support each other. I have all of these great resources.”
Graves grew up in Illinois, and went for her bachelor’s at Western Illinois University.
“In my junior and senior year I taught in inner city schools,” she said of her early, para-professional teaching background. Then it was off to Harvard. “Harvard was really incredible,” she said. “It’s a cosmopolitan city unto itself, and I met people from all over the world.”
This is from a girl who came from a small farming community, she continued, saying it was inspiring.
What is the goal of teachers in this day and age and at the grade she teaches?
“Kindergarten has become the new first grade,” she said. “We are really focusing on reading and math skills.”
With the state mandate “No Child Left Behind,” Graves said meeting that initiative can be tough, combining that with her personal philosophy to foster on a child’s imagination.
“We manage to put creativity in daily and weekly, even from a simple walk in the hall,” she said. “We’re detectives in the hallway, from what bug may be flying there, to letters they see on bulletin boards on the way. How many green things do you see, I ask, and we do graphs and tally mark those things, for an example.”
What does she like best about kindergarten?
“Seeing them read,” she said. “Multiple steps are involved, with reading and math. Then you see it connect.”
Because she has been at the school for several years, she said she finds it rewarding to check in on former students who are now in the first and second grade.
“I have second graders who are now reading Harry Potter books.” A daunting task for that age, due to the complexities, she added. “It’s wonderful to see the leaps and bounds that you are a part of.”
Golden Apple finalists will be determined after a lengthy interview and paper process. That includes a comprehensive application, observation of the teachers’ classroom teaching skills and a personal interview by the Golden Apple Selection Committee. Selection criteria covers both the art and science of teaching, focusing on effective communication of subject matter, deep concern for students’ needs and the ability to inspire love of learning.
“I’ve had six interviews in eight days,” said Graves of the Golden Apple process.
Assistant Principal Brandy Macchia was a finalist for the Golden Apple in the past, and knows the trials Graves is going through right now.
“She’s an extraordinary teacher, very creative with the kids and lets them express their selves,” Macchia said. “It takes time to get to know them, and she’s done that.
“I’m a mom. too, my daughter was in her class, and she does follow through. I see her greeting former students in the hall.”
In her spare time, Graves is a bird watcher and painter.
“I love the eagles, the turkey vultures and the herons. I paint in oils, and love gardening and travel,” she said.
Her dream trip? “
“Egypt,” she said. It is something she plans on doing in the next year.
Of the 31 finalists that were picked this year, six formal winners will be named in March. Then there will be a celebratory banquet on Friday, April 3, where all of the Golden Apple finalists and recipients will be acknowledged.