Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Dennis Chavez teacher wins Golden Apple for excellence

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

Belen Kelli Williams-Page, a fourth-grade teacher at Dennis Chavez Elementary, is one of seven New Mexico teachers who recently got something better than the traditional apple on her desk.

She was surprised to learn she was chosen as one of 22 finalists and even more astounded to learn she was picked as a Golden Apple Award winner.

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching is awarded to seven outstanding teachers each year for their above-and-beyond work in their classrooms and their commitment and service to the teaching profession.

Statewide, the Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico received 301 nominations and had the difficult job of narrowing down the applicants to 22 finalists.

This year, 17 teachers within the Belen Consolidated School and the Los Lunas School districts were nominated for the award.

Dr. Celia Merrill, executive director of Golden Apple New Mexico, made the announcement before staff members at Dennis Chavez Elementary on March 7 of Williams-Page's award.

"It's an honor and a bit of a surprise," Williams-Page said emotionally.

Williams-Page will be presented her award at a recognition ceremony on April 20. As one of the seven winners, Williams-Page will be given a $1,500 stipend, an Intel laptop computer and a $4,000 grant to be used for professional development.

"The thing that's most valuable about the award is she will become a part of the Golden Apple community," Merrill said. "As the numbers grow, they become an important voice for teachers."

Williams-Page had to go through an extensive interview process on Feb. 20, in addition to having her class observed and her colleagues, parents, students and staff interviewed as well.

Principal Armando Reyes said he thinks Williams-Page is well deserving of this award and exemplifies the teaching profession.

"She's up to date on things occurring in education, and she's always willing to go the extra mile," Reyes said. "She's such a humble person and wants to give the credit to her kids."

Reyes went on to say that Williams-Page is the first teacher from Belen to win the award. "It shows the caliber of teachers we have," Reyes said.

Curriculum Director Geneva Nixon said she was elated and so proud of Williams-Page. "We couldn't get any better representation than you," she said. "I'm glad you are a teacher here in Belen."

Director of Human Resources Ron Marquez said Williams-Page could probably pick and choose where she wants to work in the district, and she chooses to teach at Dennis Chavez.

"I know she cares about her kids," Marquez said. "It shows the caliber of teacher she is.

"Thank you all for all the kind words," Williams-Page said tearfully.

Former principal Rita Martinez worked with Williams-Page for many years and said she was exemplary.

"I'm so privileged to see and visit excellent teachers throughout New Mexico," Martinez said. "In my opinion, Kelli is at the top of that list."

Williams-Page has been working at Dennis Chavez for 14 years and has a master's in administration as well.

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