Apple reward for top teacher

ONCE upon a time, an apple was left shyly on a teacher’s desk to show gratitude.

Not these days. Snug Primary School teacher Hayley Simson has been named southern Tasmania’s favourite teacher by her students and their families, and she’s wearing her apple on her wrist.

Ms Simson, 31, of Blackmans Bay, has been recognised for her work in 7HOFM’s annual Apple for The Teacher competition and received an Apple Watch.

As well, each student in her Grade 5 class has won an iPad and the school has received an Apple Macbook Air.

More than a million votes have been cast over the past month, with 300 Tasmanian teachers nominated for their support of their schools and the greater community.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise an outstanding teacher from our listening area,” said 7HOFM general manager Col Taylor.

Ms Simson said the win reaffirmed what students were learning in the classroom.

“We have been talking a lot in the classroom about gratitude and the students took it upon themselves to show their gratitude to me,” Ms Simson said of her nomination.

“We take this as a celebration for the school and the community and it’s nice to be recognised,” she said.

Snug Primary School principal Bonnie Jeffrey said the win would benefit the whole school and the greater community of Snug.

“Hayley is a really hard working teacher . . . she uses her holidays and weekends to work toward engaging the students.

“We are all learners here at Snug and she models that lifelong learning.”