Five outstanding Education alumni named 2025 Golden Apple Award winners

Amy Freeman (Teachers of English Learners License, 2020), a K-4 multilingual teacher at Edgelea Elementary School

“In her classroom, Mrs. Freeman helps students find their voices by embracing both their Spanish and English skills,” said Jennifer Barce, the College’s assistant dean for teacher education who also introduced Freeman at the ceremony. “She teaches them that language is not a barrier, but a bridge—and that their words matter. Mrs. Freeman’s work extends beyond her classroom walls. She has crafted a curriculum that speaks to the diverse needs of multilingual learners, and she shares her knowledge with teachers across the district.”

Carol Howard (High Ability License, 2019), a kindergarten teacher at Dayton Elementary School

“I wanted to be the teacher I desperately needed as a child – someone who makes every student feel valued, loved and supported,” said Howard, who as a young student struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and vision problems. “I was determined to ensure that no child in my classroom would ever feel the same sense of failure and disconnection that I experienced.”

Angela Marks (BA, Elementary Education, 1997), a third-grade teacher at James Cole Elementary School and a current College of Education Engagement Board member

“Angie is the kind of teacher that when someone mentions our school’s name, people say, ‘Angie Marks works there,’” said Mike Pinto, principal of Cole Elementary School.