October Golden Apple Winner: Cathee Funkhouser

Penny Young is talking about Rabun County Elementary School music teacher Cathee Funkhouser.

“When I come into this classroom, children are engaged, they are confident, and they know they can do it - even when they’re learning something new in her classroom,” continues Young.

Mrs. Funkhouser teaches third through sixth graders.  And, she teaches a variety of styles and methods of music.  Whether it’s learning how to read music or learning how to play an instrument, Mrs. Funkhouser tries her hardest to get her students turned on to music.

“I just try and see what their strengths and interest are and tap into that,” Mrs. Funkhouser tells Newschannel 32.

And, that also has it’s challenges.  Not only is it hard for a teacher to get their students interested in a particular subject, it’s also difficult when that teacher is dealing with personal issues.  About five years ago, Mrs. Funkhouser got news that she had a brain tumor, so serious that she lost all her hearing in her left ear.

“I remember crying in that office saying ‘I’m a music teacher, I can’t lose my hearing,’” continues Mrs. Funkhouser.

But, she made changes and adapted to it the best that she could.  Although Terry Tuck could not see his nominee receive our “Golden Apple Award,” Mrs. Funkhouser is Newschannel 32’s October winner.

“I do try all the time to do my best at teaching and it’s nice to be rewarded with the efforts I put into my job,” adds Mrs. Funkhouser.

Mrs. Funkhouser is also Rabun County Elementary School’s 2007 Teacher Of The Year.  We present a new “Golden Apple Award” every month.  If you’d like to nominate a teacher, you can log on to our website www.wneg32.com.  You can also pick up a form at our station or at one of our sponsor’s locations.