Butler County Teacher Honored
Thursday, July 5, 2012

Butler County's Kathy Ditch Receives Red Apple

The United Way of Butler County recently presented one of 11 Red Apple Awards to preschool teacher, Kathy Ditch, during their annual meeting at Butler County Community College. Kathy, who teaches at the Children’s Creative Learning Center, was honored for her outstanding service to children and as a leader in her field. Over 25 nominations shared stories of how she has touched the lives of children, engaged families in their child’s learning, and mentored future teachers.

Mrs. Ditch  received her degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has been teaching  preschool children at the Children’s Creative Learning Center, located on the campus of Butler County Community College, since 1989. In addition to being awarded an engraved marble apple, Mrs. Ditch received a $500 cash award sponsored by the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children to benefit the learning center.

This is the first time that an early education teacher has been eligible for the award which is given to one educator from each of the seven Butler County School Districts, Butler County Vo-tech, Butler County Community College, and Slippery Rock University.

The Red Apple program, which began in 2004, was expanded to include early education teachers in 2012 through a partnership between the United Way and the Butler County Early Care & Education Council. The additional award brings recognition to the critical role that high-quality early education teachers play in preparing children for future school success.

Any active educator holding a current PA teaching certificate and teaching in a Butler County-based Pre-K Early Education Program was eligible to be nominated by their students, families of students, peers, administrators or other community members. Initial costs of implementing the expansion  were funded by Family Pathways, a community mental health agency and member of the Butler County Early Care & Education Council.

To learn more about how to nominate an educator for next year or to become a sponsor for the awards, visit www.butlerunitedway.org.