BY KRIS LEONHARDT
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
GREEN BAY – On Thursday, Feb. 15, the Greater Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce surprised its 2024 Golden Apple recipients. The local teachers were recognized in the areas of professionalism, leadership and innovation.
Leading up to the April recognition event, the Press Times is highlighting these eight honorees. Seymour High School Science Teacher Patty Wojcik was surprised during her first hour of classes on Feb. 15 by co-workers, family and friends.
Wojcik obtained a bachelor of science in chemical engineering at UW-Madison and pursued a different path before turning to the education field.
“Prior to becoming a teacher, I was an engineer at a local paper mill for nine years. I returned to school to get my teaching certification because I wanted to pay forward what my high school science teachers had done for me. They were the reason I pushed myself to leave a small town in northwest Wisconsin to pursue an engineering degree at UW-Madison. I became a teacher so I could try to do the same for my students. I strive to challenge my students and support their growth to help them reach their goals,” Wojcik recalled.
Wojcik has done just that for nearly two decades in education “My favorite part of being an educator is helping students learn how to solve difficult problems. Each year brings new students with different personalities and perspectives, so the techniques and approaches always vary,” she said.
“Problem-solving starts on the first day of class for my students. I arrange the seating chart in a pattern and when students figure it out they are able to choose their seats and I bake a cake for them. This sets the tone for the teamwork and problem-solving that will follow.
“I strive to create a safe space for students to explore, collaborate and problem solve. One of my favorite units is the catapult project my physics students complete each year. The goal is for students to design and build a catapult out of popsicle sticks that will launch a ping-pong ball very far and also be able to hit a target. Many of the students have not built anything like this before, so they begin by researching design ideas. Students work as partners to build the catapult, but I encourage them to discuss ideas with other groups and myself.
“Teams that effectively collaborate discover that their final designs are better. The practice days when ping-pong balls are flying around my room are some of my favorites. There are multiple opportunities for students to problem-solve during the project. Often, the original design has some shortcomings, and students need to modify and adjust trigger mechanisms or lever arms. Sometimes, students determine the best solution is to start over with a new design.”
But, what is it that has kept Wojcik in the education field for all of these years?
“My career is never boring. Seeing the pride on a student’s face after they have accomplished something challenging is something I will always enjoy,” she explained.