By Kris Leonhardt
Editor-in-chief
DE PERE – De Pere High School mathematics teacher and 2023 Golden Apple winner, Andy Belter works to model what he wants to see in others.
“I actively try every day to model empathy, preparedness, effort and passion for what I do. Every student and staff member in the school can see those traits in me and hopefully be influenced in a positive way,” he said.
This includes being “selfless” with his time and helping others to feel a greater sense of belonging inside and outside the school walls.
“I also try to model leadership by being as active as possible in the school and local community. Last year, I started our school’s first Esports team due to student interest, and we’ve worked to grow the program this year,” Belter recalled.
Esports is an organized, team-based video game competition program featuring games like Rocket League, Fortnite and Super Smash Bros., where Belter works to reinforce teamwork, communication, accountability and responsibility through extracurricular participation.
“It’s given students who aren’t in any other activity a chance to participate in the school community,” he explained.
“In addition, I try my best to attend school sporting events to show support to the students of our school.”
In the math department, Belter meets regularly with grade-level teams on teaching strategies.
“In these meetings, we analyze student assessment data, align curriculum to the essential standards and discuss interventions to help student learning,” he added.
“I am also leading a committee to purchase new AP (advanced placement) calculus books for the district next year.”
Belter also works to help guide new teachers in the district.
“I recently used my prep period for multiple days in a row to sit with a new teacher and help her plan a few weeks of lesson plans and activities. This helped her learn new strategies and get a handle on how to plan for instruction and assessment,” he explained.
“Sharing my experiences with her is one small way I can have an impact as a leader on future classes of students.
“I also led a technology conference presentation to my peers recently. This presentation focused on how to use technology to drive student learning and aid in interventions.
“I show leadership by modeling positive traits, being active in the school and local community and by helping other teachers improve their teaching practice.”
Belter was recently surprised in his classroom by the Greater Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, as one of eight 2023 Golden Apple recipients.