Big Ideas Learning Partners with WJET 24 and PennWest University to Honor Local Educators through the Golden Apple Awards

Erie, Pa – (October 23, 2024) – Big Ideas Learning is proud to continue its partnership with WJET 24, YourErie.com, and PennWest University as a supporting sponsor of the Golden Apple Awards, a longstanding tradition that celebrates exceptional educators in the Erie region. Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, 27 outstanding teachers will be honored, recognizing their vital contributions to their students and the broader community.

The Golden Apple Awards shine a spotlight on educators who have a lasting impact on the lives of their students. Each week, one teacher is nominated by a student and surprised with a classroom presentation of the award, which is then broadcast on JET 24 Action News. These weekly celebrations offer the Erie community a chance to see how local educators are inspiring the next generation.

“We believe in the power of education to change lives, and the Golden Apple Awards give us an opportunity to support the incredible educators who are doing just that,” said Matthew Totzke, CEO of Big Ideas Learning. “Our company values—impact, community, curiosity, and innovation—are woven into everything we do, and this partnership allows us to further extend those values to the teachers who inspire and lead the next generation.”

Big Ideas Learning’s sponsorship reflects its deep commitment to the Erie community, going beyond recognition to provide tangible support for local classrooms. Each nominating student’s class will receive a $250 gift certificate for classroom supplies, ensuring that teachers have additional resources to continue creating engaging, impactful learning environments.

Culminating in a Celebration: The Golden Apple Watch Party and Ron Larson Cup Award

At the end of the school year, the Golden Apple Awards will culminate in a Golden Apple Watch Party, bringing together teachers, principals, and superintendents to celebrate the Golden Apple half-hour special. During this event, Big Ideas Learning will present the Ron Larson Cup Award, which recognizes a teacher who exemplifies the values of educational excellence and dedication. The recipient of this award is a teacher who has gone above and beyond, inspiring students to reach higher and embrace a love of learning that transcends the classroom.

“The Ron Larson Cup Award reflects our belief that great educators don’t just teach—they challenge students to explore, to ask questions, and to unlock their full potential,” said Tim Larson, Chief Product Architect at Big Ideas Learning. “We are proud to honor those educators who push boundaries and make a lasting impact on their students.”

Supporting Excellence in Education

Big Ideas Learning’s sponsorship of the Golden Apple Awards is a natural extension of its mission to develop instructional programs that engage students and empower educators. The program also aligns with Big Ideas Learning’s vision of shaping a future where education is meaningful, accessible, and filled with opportunities for curiosity and exploration.

As the region’s top teachers are recognized for their efforts, Big Ideas Learning is proud to provide support that directly benefits local students and educators. “Educators are the heartbeat of our community,” Totzke continued. “Through the Golden Apple Awards, we not only celebrate their passion and dedication but also ensure that their classrooms have the resources to continue inspiring students.”

The Golden Apple Awards are a longstanding tradition in the Erie area, with over 3,000 teachers across the region eligible for nomination each year. This program highlights the dedication of the educators who go above and beyond, making it one of the most competitive and prestigious honors in the community.

View the Golden Apple Award presentations on YourErie.com by clicking here.

About Big Ideas Learning

Big Ideas Learning, founded in 2008 by Dr. Ron Larson—an award-winning and influential math textbook author—has been at the forefront of educational publishing. With over 35 million copies of Larson’s titles sold in the U.S., his impact on math education is profound. Building on Dr. Larson’s legacy, which began with his first edition of Calculus in 1978, Big Ideas Learning publishes rigorous, relevant, and conceptually rich K-Higher Ed mathematics programs. Our vision is to shape a future where education transcends boundaries, where curiosity is nurtured, and individuals are inspired to dig deeper.