Orland Junior High Teacher Nominated for Golden Apple Award

ORLAND PARK, IL - Michelle Kedzierski, a teacher at Orland Junior High School, has been nominated for Illinois’ Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Kedzierski was one of 34 Chicagoland nominations for the award announced this week by the Golden Apple organization.

“I am overwhelmed and honored to be nominated for a Golden Apple,” Kedzierski said. “Teaching is a tremendous joy in my life and I love everyday I can dedicate to the incredible children of Orland Park. Facilitating their educational journey is such a blessing that brings great happiness to my life. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share my passion for reading and writing with my community through District 135.”

Also on Patch: 4th Grade Teacher at Serena Hills Elementary in Chicago Heights is a Golden Apple Nominee

Kedzierski is in her fifth year of teaching at Orland Junior High and her 17th overall in the classroom. This year she teaches Reading Plus and sixth grade Language Arts/Literature, according to her District 135 website.

Principal Linda Kane was thrilled to hear of Kedzierski’s nomination earlier this week.

“Michelle is devoted to her students and their success,” Kane said. “She’s innovative, creative and always a team player. She is admired by administrators, her students and parents.”

Kedzierski and the other finalists will endure a final round of review and classroom observations before the spring, when 10 winners will be announced by a committee made up of college and university professors, educational consultants, administrators and former Golden Apple Award recipients.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Kedzierski / submitted to Patch