Joyce receives WROC-TV Golden Apple Award

Stephanie Joyce of Newark loves teaching children and she loves teaching at Lincoln School. So becoming the recent recipient of WROC-TVs Golden Apple Award for teachers for her was icing an already wonderful cake.

'I love being a teacher. To me it is an extension of motherhood. All my kids here need me and I need them," second grade teacher Joyce, who is also a grandmother, told WROC anchor/managing editor Kevin Doran during an interview after she received the surprise award last Friday morning.

'I'm blessed,' said Joyce, who began teaching at Lincoln as a physical education teacher 19 years ago. After that, she taught first or second grade or a combination thereof in multi age classrooms.

'Lincoln School is a wonderful place and it is like a home, not only for the staff but all the children and their families,' she said.

Joyce was nominated for the WROC award by Douglas Carlson, one of her second grade pupils. His Dad, Doug Carlson, had Joyce as his physical education teacher. His sister Annette Figueroa had Joyce in seventh grade at Newark Middle School. and Figueroa's daughters Tiana and Zaina have had Joyce as their second-grade teacher.

Lincoln Principal Donna Buck told Doran that Joyce is highly deserving of the award. 'She's amazing,' Buck said. Joyce is active in the schools Parent Teacher Association, Shared Decision Making Committee and Kiwanis Club in Newark, and maintains a connection with parents of her students.

'I believe the connection between home and school is the most important part of teaching,' said Joyce.

'My duty is not just to teach, but to help parents understand what we are doing in the classroom because it can only help the children. It takes all of us working together to help children succeed.'

Joyce said she was extremely surprised and honored to be the recipient of the WROC award. 'It means a great deal to me,' she said. 'I feel so warmed and loved to think that an entire family would treasure the things I do every day.'

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