Gale Cassady comes from a family of teachers. She taught for 25 years in Alabama before moving to Bay County, where she's been for the last seven years.
Teaching is an apple that didn't fall far from the tree for this week's Golden Apple winner. She is planting seeds in students' minds and watching them grow in the same school she called home.
Theodore Roosevelt, 26th U.S. President, once said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." This week's Golden Apple winner's patience and calm demeanor are just part of what makes him a great pick.
This week's Golden Apple winner is no stranger to the honor. This is her second time winning it! Congratulations to this week's Golden Apple recipient, Mrs. Jody Hair of Mosley High School.
Coming to school every day is easy when you have a teacher that makes learning exciting. That's why this week's golden apple winner is Ms. Teresa Tripp at Freeport Elementary.
This week's Golden Apple winner comes with a special sidekick. Congratulations to Patty Helms, a second grade teacher at Tommy Smith Elementary School.
Statistically speaking, there's a 100 percent chance this week's Golden Apple winner is an awesome math teacher. Congratulations to Mrs. Donna Massey at North Bay Haven Charter Academy.
This week's Golden Apple Award winner finds the perfect balance between being strict and being kind. Congratulations to Tanette Owens, an ASPIRE math teacher at Merritt Brown Middle School.
This week's Golden Apple winner has captured the hearts and equally as important, the attention of her kindergartners. Congratulations to Jennifer Henry of Bay Haven Charter Academy.
This week's Golden Apple winner works to turn struggling readers into future IB students. Congratulations to Amanda Mayes' classroom at Everitt Middle School.
Charlotte's Web, James and the Giant Peach, and Amelia Bedelia all have an important place in Mrs. Gillman's third grade classroom. For Gillman, mastering reading and writing is essential to her student's academic careers.
Whoever thought seventh-grade science wasn't fun hasn't met this week's Golden Apple winner. Congratulations to Jonathon Booth at Roulhac Middle School.
Teaching in itself is an act of giving back. This week's Golden Apple Award winner is making sure every student goes home with a hand-picked Christmas gift.
Jessica Ashley "looped up" with this group from the second grade. After nearly two years together, she knows their quirks, their strengths, and their learning styles.
Including 26 years of active duty in the Air Force, SMSgt Gilbert Garcia has worn a uniform for 40 years. Now he's passing on his knowledge to the next generation, through Rutherford High School's JROTC program.
"My favorite part is almost everything," Averie Brannon, a fourth grade student, said. "I like being in the class. I like being around my teacher, 'cause she makes everybody laugh and she's really nice."
As October wraps up, not every student is aware of how teachers work to prepare them for end of the year tests. But in third grade classrooms, it's always on teachers' minds.
