Golden Apple: Andrew Crane

The Golden Apple Awards honor those shaping student success and our region’s future through excellence in education.

Eight award recipients will be recognized April 22 at the Golden Apple Awards event, and will also be featured in stories in the Press Times each week leading up to the event.

This week, get to know Golden Apple Award recipient Andrew Crane.

After graduating from Green Bay Southwest High School in 1990, Andrew Crane returned to his alma mater and has been teaching there for the last 25 years.

“For 25 years, I have shared my energies, talents and interests in social studies by serving on several committees developing curriculum for the Green Bay Area Public School District,” Crane said. “ I am proud to have helped create many of the courses and content for the district -- and evaluate and select many of its textbooks — and it heartens me every time I am trusted again to contribute to these endeavors. I am also a go-to guy when textbook publishers, website developers and other district partners want to visit a classroom to see their products in action.”

Crane is involved at Southwest well beyond the walls of his classroom, serving as a participant on the Multi-Level System of Support Committee, advisor of the Politics Club, former leader of the Debate Club and Mock United Nations Club, and member of the Southwest Distinguished Alumni Committee.

“One of my favorite leadership roles is serving as the public address announcer for Southwest football and basketball games for the past 18 years,” Crane said. “It is a fun way to connect with my students and their parents outside of the classroom. One television announcer that worked a game next to me in the press box told his audience on air that I was the best high school announcer he had ever seen! This year, I’ve even begun hosting a monthly program at Gallagher’s Pizza interviewing Southwest coaches and student-athletes.”

And Crane brings that same energy to his classroom to keep his students engaged.

“If I have to lay on the ground, stand on a desk, sing, or say something weird to make a point or get students’ attention, I will do it,” Crane said. “But it’s also because these kids keep me young. The day that I stop caring about my students and their culture is the day that I should retire… A student once likened me to a game show host. He went on to explain that it was partly because of my enthusiasm and sense of humor, but that it was also because of how varied my lessons were. One of the ways I ensure that all students’ learning styles are addressed is by using a great variety of teaching strategies in my daily lessons. A typical lesson will include a quick review of the previous day’s lesson, interactive activities, readings, notetaking, games, kinesthetic exercises, and an exit ticket.”

Influencing Crane’s teaching style are several other teachers.

“My favorite teacher was Mr. John Moeller, my high school language arts teacher. He didn’t let me get away with not giving my all, and I model my teaching after his instructional style,” Crane said. “I played tuba in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. Mike Leckrone, the band’s legendary director, also expected the best out of me. He pushed us hard, but he created a fun atmosphere in which we excelled. My wife, Christine, would be my third role model. She is a caring and hardworking wife, mother, and leader, and I have always worked to match her intensity and success. I wouldn’t even be a teacher if not for her support, as she was the person who encouraged me to make a career change and go back to school.”