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Golden Apple recipient Renee Stein, makes math enjoyable for students

Golden Apple Award recipient Renee Stein teaches a class at Ashwaubenon High School April 6, 2017. (WLUK/Tim Flanigan)

ASHWAUBENON (WLUK) -- An Ashwaubenon High School teacher is making math fun.

Renee Stein is one of this year's Golden Apple Awards recipients.

Stein starts her morning math class with an algebra problem on the board, before splitting her students into groups.

"You guys are going to the puzzle, you guys are coming over to the daily work," Stein said as she directed the class on the morning FOX 11 visited.

Stein explained the secret to making math fun is keeping her students engaged.

"It just gives them that center time, or that 25-30 minutes where it is actually hands on for them," said Stein.

One activity Stein's class was completing, was a memory matching game to solve for "x."

"It's actually fun, it helps my mind work more," said Ashlee Walker, a junior at Ashwaubenon High School.

Walker said at the start of high school she struggled with math, and then she met Mrs. Stein.

"She actually walked me through the steps to help break it down for me to help me understand more," explained Walker.

"Sometimes kids have math struggles, I had math struggles as well and I am able to share with the kids what has helped me," Stein said. "Sometimes I tell them, I may be a math teacher, but that doesn't mean I'm the best at math. Apparently I'm really good at explaining it."

Stein explained the smaller groups allow her more time to work one-on one with students, something freshman Sean Lacey likes as well.

"It's a lot more fun to move around so you don't have to be in one place the entire time she is teaching," said Lacey.

Sophomore James Murdock said having math for the first class of the day isn't always easy, however Stein makes the subject enjoyable.

"If she does something that makes you just want learn very fast, it's very energetic and she's good at that," said Murdock.

Stein says winning a Golden Apple, gives here the reassurance she is doing something right in the classroom.

"It's very humbling, I'm very happy," said Stein.


FOX 11's Tom Milbourn, Michelle Melby and Mike Murad kicked off the nomination period for the 24th annual Golden Apple Awards in October. Nominees were announced in January. Recipients were surprised with their awards in March.

This year's Golden Apple Awards ceremony is set for April 19. It will be broadcast at 6 p.m. April 20 on CW 14, and 5 p.m. April 23 on FOX 11.

The Golden Apple Awards are a program of the Greater Green Bay Chamber, with support from major sponsors.

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