Tradition depicts educators having an apple sitting on their desk. Carl Roberts is surpassing that tradition by sporting a golden apple on his desk.
Roberts, who teaches sixth grade language arts at Carroll County Middle School, received the Golden Apple award at the Northern Kentucky Education Council Excellence in Education banquet this week.
"This award is not about me. It's about our school,” a Roberts said. “I am part of a team of people who are working every day to help every student in our building. Everything I do in my classroom depends on dozens of other people in my school and in our school district. Teaching truly is a team sport."
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes offered his congratulations to Roberts and emphasized how competitive and rigorous the application process is for the Golden Apple award.”This demonstrates Mr. Roberts’ excellence in the classroom among his peers,” Jaynes said.
After years of classroom teaching, Roberts ventured into the realm of public relations for Carroll County Schools, only to find himself drawn back to the heart of education—the classroom.
"I returned to the classroom two years ago after being away for nine years. I was like a stray puppy, and the sixth grade team adopted me. I owe countless favors to Tonya Hash, Sheila Underwood, Mollie Mason, Stacey Mefford, Brett Hall, Michelle Fox, Hannah Marsh, Amy Sevigny, Tyler Perry, and all of the teachers and support staff at CCMS.”
Mandy Young, instructional coach at CCMS, nominated Roberts for the award and called him an “exceptional teacher.” She and CCMS Principal Dr. Robin Stephenson said he is passionate about teaching and “his dedication and energy make him stand out as a teacher who's always running ahead to make things better for everyone.”
Roberts had equally glowing things to say about Young and Stephenson.
"I am so honored that Ms. Young nominated me for this award. As a former math teacher, she has a razor sharp, analytical mind, and she uses her talents in 100 different ways in our school,” Roberts said.