By Nila Harris
FALMOUTH — “Rachel Perraut is willing to try new things, and if something is not working, she tries something else, even if it’s out of her comfort zone. And she has done those things well,” Pendleton County High School Principal Chad Simms said when talking about the teacher who received a Golden Apple Award for Teaching and Leadership.
Perraut, who was presented with the award on April 22, has spent her entire 28 years teaching in Pendleton County. She has taught a variety of subjects in the social studies field during that time and is currently teaching world civilizations to sophomores.
According to Simms, Northern Kentucky schools nominate a teacher worthy of the Golden Apple award, then a committee chooses a winner from the 40 to 50 applicants. Only 11 high school teachers were selected this year out of the many qualified candidates nominated.
Perraut stated that, “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the Golden Apple Award.
“I have been fortunate to find a supportive professional community within the Pendleton County School District, where I have spent my entire teaching career. During this time, I have developed lifelong friendships.
“I am now teaching the children of former students and have the privilege of collaborating with former students who have become valued coworkers. I am truly fortunate to work alongside some of the most outstanding educators in the state of Kentucky.”
Perraut holds a Rank 1 in education, a master’s degree in education, and a bachelor’s degree in both history and secondary education in social studies.
Simms said that Perraut does well at reflecting about her teaching and works hard to build relationships and to help them master the material. “She doesn’t let them get by with anything,” he continued, but instead does everything she can to help students reach their full potential.