Zeman Elementary Teacher Wins Golden Apple Award
A veteran teacher is honored for her decades of commitment to Lincoln students with autism and ADHD.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Primary Education
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Second-grade teacher Chelley Peterson, a 39-year veteran of Zeman Elementary, received the October Golden Apple award. The honor recognizes her long-standing commitment to students, particularly those with ADHD and autism.
Why it matters
The Golden Apple award highlights educators whose dedicated classroom approaches significantly impact the local student community in Lincoln. This recognition specifically honors Peterson's decades of work supporting diverse learning needs within the primary education system.
Chelley Peterson has spent 39 years at Zeman Elementary, where she currently teaches second grade. She was selected for the Golden Apple award, presented by 10/11 and Doane University, following a nomination by Jennifer McGowan.
The players
Chelley Peterson
A long-time second-grade teacher at Zeman Elementary in Lincoln known for her support of students with ADHD and autism.
Zeman Elementary
A Lincoln-based primary school where Peterson has served as an educator for nearly four decades.
10/11
A local media organization that partners with Doane University to recognize outstanding educators.
Doane University
A higher education institution that sponsors the Golden Apple award to celebrate excellence in regional teaching.
Jennifer McGowan
The individual who nominated Peterson for the Golden Apple award.
The details
The Golden Apple award program honors teachers selected through community nominations for their dedication and classroom impact. Peterson, who previously worked in special education, incorporates personal connections into her teaching style by keeping mementos such as student-made jewelry to maintain bonds with her second-grade pupils.
Timeline
October 2026: Chelley Peterson wins the October Golden Apple award.
The Home Front
The Golden Apple award program serves as a critical community marker for evaluating educator commitment in local public schools. This latest recognition reinforces the established trend of honoring long-tenured teachers who manage diverse classroom needs effectively.
Parents with children in primary education should look for local recognition programs to learn about the educators serving their neighborhood schools. Keeping track of such awards can offer insight into the teaching experience available within the Lincoln district.
The takeaway
Longevity in teaching often translates to deeper community bonds and specialized support for students with diverse learning styles. Consider thanking your child's educator to help foster a supportive school environment throughout the academic year.
Further reading
Learn more about local teaching initiatives in the Primary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1011now.
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