Pam Landoni, elementary professional development coordinator for the Sequim School District, recently was selected as a recipient of the KCTS Golden Apple award recognizing excellence in education.

 

The 20th annual Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Education celebrate educators, programs and schools making a positive difference in Washington state education from early childhood through high school.

 

A panel of Golden Apple judges, including representatives from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Washington Education Association, the Washington State Parent Teacher Association, the Association of Washington School Principals and past Golden Apple Award honorees, evaluate nominees to determine the winners. There were eight recipients this year.

 

The group of Helen Haller Elementary parents who nominated Landoni asked Vince Riccobene, Sequim School District’s Director of Instruction and former principal at Helen Haller, to help support this effort.  

 

In his nomination letter, Riccobene wrote, “Mrs. Landoni possesses a rare combination of extraordinary skills. One of her greatest skills is her ability to motivate kids. Even the most reluctant learners take ownership for their education and grow well beyond what is expected. Mrs. Landoni does so by developing positive trusting relationships and demonstrates an unparalleled desire for every child to success.”

From teacher to teaching teachers

Landoni worked to develop lifelong learners as a fourth-grade teacher at Helen Haller Elementary. Now, after 28 years in the classroom, she’s teaching teachers. As Sequim School District’s first-ever elementary professional development coordinator, Landoni helps educators find meaningful opportunities, acting as guide, mentor, coach and trainer to Sequim’s teachers to advance the educational aims of her district’s Student Learning Plan and increase achievement for all students.

 

“I love education,” Landoni says. “There is always something to learn from colleagues and students.”

 

As part of the awards ceremony, KCTS produces a video of each recipient. KCTS plans to bring a production crew to Sequim in late November to film Landoni in her various roles, including her teaching role.  

 

Helen Haller parent Kristin Glenn said, “Pam’s 2010-2011 students are aware she received the award. They are thrilled to participate in the video production, as it provides a special opportunity for them to share in this recognition and to honor a teacher they developed a deep connection with.”  

 

Said Helen Haller Principal Patra Boots, “I’m very excited for her and the students.”

 

The Golden Apple Awards are sponsored by KCTS 9 and funded by the PEMCO Foundation and School Employees Credit Union of Washington. Special funding for the 2011 Golden Apple School of Excellence Awards comes from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.