LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Lincoln Southwest High School Spanish teacher Travis Patocka has been named this month’s Golden Apple Award winner.

The Golden Apple Award, presented monthly during the school year by 10/11 and Doane University, recognizes outstanding educators. Patocka was honored for his innovative, engaging approach to teaching.

This is Patocka’s first major teaching award in his 25 years in education. He spent 20 years teaching Spanish in Lexington and has been at Lincoln Southwest for five.

Patocka teaches on a block schedule, with 90-minute class periods.

“We go at a pretty quick clip here because we’re block scheduling, so you really have to pace yourself. And so we’re always trying to find new and fun ways to get the kids to learn the vocabulary,” Patocka said.

Principal

See Full Page