Alan Etkin, T.C. Armstrong Middle School

Alan Etkin is an engaging man who has a way of engaging his students in Social Studies. We take you to T.C. Armstrong Middle School in the Wayne Central School District for Tonight's Golden Apple Award.

Karleen DelleFave is an outgoing 6th grader. She asked us to surprise Mr. Etkin. Karleen says "He is a very, very, very funny teacher."

In her letter Karleen says she literally "shakes in her seat" with excitement waiting for Mr. Etkin's class to begin. "Every time I go to Mr. Etkin's class I just can't wait for him to start joking around."

All kidding aside, Alan Etkin is very good at using humor, and other tricks of the teaching trade, to get his students excited about Social Studies. The school Principal is Robert Armocida. "Mr. Etkin has the rare ability to inspire young people to want to learn."

Karleen is definitely inspired. So are her parents. Thanks to a wonderful teacher. "Well I believe I got into education I felt it was a calling" says Mr. Etkin. "I felt there was nothing else I could think of that would make me happier and I was right. I still love it."

Alan Etkin is a News 8 Golden Apple Award Winner. You can read the letter Karleen wrote nominating him below.


Dear Channel 8,

  Mr.Etkin is a very funny Social Studies teacher. He helps us learn about history in a very very fun way. The latest lesson he did was on chaos. He flipped all of the desks and chairs everywhere. He asked us to create order in an area of chaos. We had so much fun building forts and making clans. The best part about it was that we got to destroy it all afterwards. I guess that's why he had caution tape on his door.
  Literally. We love making jokes about Neanderthals too. Apparently they loved to visit "Dunk'n Donuts"! Although I don't have him for ELA, I wish I did. That's because he is a very kind, honest, funny, Warm-hearted, sweet person. I find that B days are my favorite day to be at school. I just can't help it if I shake in my seat waiting or 3rd-4th period.
  Mr.Etkin draws us into our seats when he teaches. (In some cases it's the floor.) If we don't understand something, he helps us understand. Lots of people get 100's because Mr. Etkin uses ways that he used when he was little and asks the opinion of the kids in class. I now enjoy doing my Social Studies homework. It's fun to do the assignments with Mr.Etkin. The homework is usually drawing, writing a page about maps, or study for a test. (All of these are funny optional.)
  You'll never know how much fun and laughter will be in each class with Mr.Etkin!

Sincerely,

Karleen DelleFave
T.C. Armstrong Middle School