Monroe City teacher wins Golden Apple

MONROE CITY, Mo (WGEM) - Monroe City R-1 teacher Jason Osbourne was awarded the WGEM Golden Apple Award in January.

“I just always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was in kindergarten,” Osbourne said. “And, I just remember when I was in kindergarten they came and she won the Golden Apple that year.

In his eleventh year teaching second grade at Monroe City Elementary School, Osbourne now has his own WGEM Golden Apple Award.

“Seeing the excitement when kids finally reach their goal, when they understand something they may have struggled with in the beginning,” Osbourne said.

Parent Melissa Hays nominated Osbourne for the Golden Apple. She has been a substitute teacher for his class and says his students know they can count on him.

“Just any need the student has he will go above and beyond to try to meet that need. Whether it be a winter coat or extra help in math and reading,” Hays said.

“He taught me everything in second grade and we’re learning a lot with him, and I have really fun times,” second grade student Ruth Russell said.

“He lets us pick out a prize and candy at the end of the day if we want to because we earn fake money if we are good,” second grader Raelyn Greenwood explained.

Osbourne’s dedication to his students doesn’t stop when the school day ends. He started a free after school tutoring program for his class.

“I want them to be able to be as prepared as possible for the next grade, and if that means talking to the parents and maybe having a child that’s struggling in a certain area stay after school and work on something they need help with then that’s what we do,” Osbourne said.

He’s also a school crossing guard.

“Sometimes when the kids stay after school with me I will let them put on the vest and hold the stop sign and I go out there and stand with them and let them do the crosswalk, and they seem to enjoy that,” Osbourne said.

Dedication to his students in and outside the classroom.

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