April 2024 Golden Apple Winner: Syerra Steinhafel
ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Fifth-grade teacher Syerra Steinhafel is April’s Golden Apple winner! Steinhafel teaches at Fairview Elementary in Rogers.
The Golden Apple Award commends excellent teachers, other school leaders and role models for the positive influence they have on their kids.
Steinhafel was nominated for her ability to connect with students in a way that inspires. You can read a couple of her nominations in their entirety below!
“Syerra has changed my son’s life. He was beaten down by a different teacher and had zero self-esteem. She opened something up in my boy and he actually believes in himself now. He’s excelling because of her. He is happy, he enjoys going to school… he used to get upset at p/t conferences and now he brings me tissues cuz he knows im gonna cry with how proud i am of him. Syerra found a way to make my son believe in himself and to believe that he is great and to have confidence. She is smart, patient, funny, beautiful inside and out. Her classroom is decked out with Taylor Swift stuff, it’s so fun! I am forever grateful for her. There aren’t enough good things I can say about her. Even through her own health issues, she’s upbeat and sees every kid’s value and they feel how much she cares about them. She is the best teacher my kids have ever had. She deserves the world. As this class goes off to 6th grade next school year, I am positive that all those kids in her class will have the confidence to tackle middle school and I know they will be prepared for how difficult it can be because Mrs. Steinhafel made sure they all know how amazing and capable they are. I hope someone sees this… cuz she really is the best.”
“Syerra is the most kind and patient teacher I have ever met. She has a serious illness and doesn’t show it outwardly nor does she let it affect her patience with the kids. My son came from another school and had completely closed himself off, we even had to get him into therapy. Syerra opened up something in my child and he’s completely changed his life. She makes every student feel like they are the most important person, she makes them believe in themselves, she builds their confidence. She deserves this award more than anyone.”
If you want to nominate a teacher for future Golden Apple awards or view past ones, you can fill out the form by clicking here.
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