Two local science teachers make the grade to become Golden Apple finalists
Two local science teachers made the grade to become Golden Apple finalists, a distinction among local educators. The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program works to bring awareness to the teaching profession in Lee County and recognizes excellence through The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
James Guffey of Bayshore Elementary and Susan Hassett of Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary School were the local finalists.
Only 30 teachers became finalists from more than 2,000 nominations submitted by students, parents and the community. From the submissions, teachers were given the opportunity to apply for the Golden Apple Award.
The Golden Apple Selection Committee then selected the finalists from a group of 296 applicants.
This year’s final six Golden Apple recipients will be announced in March and honored at the 2011 Golden Apple Dinner on Friday, April 15, at the Harborside Event Center.
North Fort Myers has the unique distinction of having two science teachers get the nod.
“There has never been a time in American history when math and science have been so important,” said Golden Apple nominee Guffey. “It is a pleasure doing this (teaching science).”
The following are profiles of the two educators:
Susan Hassett
Marine biology has always been a passion for Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary School’s science teacher, Susan “Susie” Hassett.
“I have always loved the ocean, and as a kid I visited Fort Myers Beach. This is where I saw my first dolphin and wanted to learn more,” she said.
“More” includes graduating Cum Laude from The Ohio State University, with a master’s degree in science education with an emphasis in marine and aquatic education, along with her teaching certification.
She also went to Miami University in Ohio earlier to get a bachelor’s degree in zoology, with an emphasis in ecology and behavioral studies.
“I was also fortunate enough to be a dolphin trainer at King’s Island in Ohio and an animal caretaker at the Cincinnati Zoo,” she said.
Hassett has been in Southwest Florida 20 years now.
“This year it will also be 20 years that I became involved with the VSR Team (Volunteer Scientific Research Team),” she said.
Hassett talked about that experience.
“I have been involved with the VSR Team since 1991. I train the divers to collect scientific information on the reefs in Lee County. Most recently, we have completed an algae research project in conjunction with FGCU,” she said.
“Our fish survey data is submitted to the Marine Resources Division of Lee County, who uses it to update the fish database for Lee County. We also do outreach programs, such as the Evening Under the Sea at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, with the support of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, where residents can see what we’ve seen and learn about our fishy friends,” she said.
“I know that if I want my children to enjoy the ocean, it’s important for all of us to take care of it. As you can see, it takes all of us working together to accomplish that goal,” she said.
Hassett and her family are also involved with the Sea Scouts, a branch of the Boy Scouts of America.
“My husband is the skipper and two of my four daughters are officers in the club,” she said.
Of being a finalist, Hassett said, “It was a huge honor and amazing to have the students to be excited as I was. It was so heartwarming. And at our school we have wonderful staff and administration, truly a team effort.”
“I am just elated to have Susan Hassett as a Golden Apple Finalist,” said principal Littleton Principal Monica Broughton. “I think she is a teacher that definitely deserves that honor, and I am really looking forward to the next steps – hoping that she will actually be one of the six to actually be the recipients.”
The finalists go though classroom visits and observations in the next few weeks.
“When I first heard the news I jumped up and down and eagerly awaited for the foundation to come and to personally let her know she was one of the finalists,” Broughton said. “She goes above and beyond not just for the students, but for the school as a whole.”
Hassett also extends herself into the community, Broughton said. She has gotten community members to come in and assist with programs at the school.
One upcoming program is the Family Fun and Science Night, something Hassett said she is excited about. A partnership between Littleton Elementary and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, this Family Fun and Science Night is for all ages. It will be held on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. Register by e-mail to susanpha@leeschools.net or call 995-3800. The event is open to the public.
James Guffey
“I have the best job on the planet, absolutely,” said Bayshore Elementary School Science teacher James Guffey. “Bayshore is a one of a kind school – we’ve the finest principal in the district and the finest kids and parents anywhere. Bayshore is one of the best kept secrets in Lee County.
This is his third year at the school, but before that, he taught all around the world for the last 21 years. He taught in New Zealand and Russia, and in Texas and Iowa.
“But I’m just a country kid from South Dakota, I grew up there,” he said.
Of getting to the finals for the Golden Apple distinction, he said, “I was absolutely surprised to know I was even nominated.”
One of the big parts of getting to this step is the surprise of having foundation and committee members come to your classroom. Guffey’s students are as excited as he is.
“They were pumped, highly excited and can’t wait to come to science class,” he said.
Word of him getting the nod spread throughout the community.
“I’ve literally spent the last week on e-mails and congratulatory notes,” he said.
“We are very, very proud of Mr. Guffey,” said Bayshore Principal Lynn Herrell. “He is very representative of the spirit of Bayshore. Caring, loving, going the extra mile on the behalf of children.”
“He is known as ‘Mr. Science’ around the school. He also hosts the morning internal news program daily. At Bayshore, all the kids know him and love him,” she said.
Guffey is also in charge of the National Honor Society at the school.
He makes even complex and what could be difficult projects fun, she added.
“One of his recent projects to explore force of motion included having the kiddos build a roller coaster in the room with a PVC Pipe and a marble that went around the room to explore basics of physics,” she said.
Students including Annabel Brewster, Annie Crouch and Chelsea Helveston could not say enough about their teacher.
“Mr. Guffey is my favorite teacher,” said Brewster. “He interacts with us – and he’s not boring. He likes to involve us, and let us use his telescopes. He’s very interesting.”
“I think he was the right person to be chosen for this award,” said Crouch. “Like Annabelle said, he’s not like other teachers.”
“He lets us use things, and interacts with us,” said Helveston. “I was very excited to hear he got this honor. He is my favorite teacher.”
Through Guffey’s life, science was always his favorite subject.
“Still today, I’ve always loved the out-of-doors, and was lucky enough to have science teachers change the way I looked at the world. They were always the coolest teachers to me. I love doing what I’m doing,” he said.