2023 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher Award goes to Jody Peck

Educating our leaders of tomorrow is a tall task, but for teachers around the world, that’s a job they say they take great pride in.

Nine teachers at Duluth elementary schools were recognized tonight as nominees for the 2023 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher Award.

In 2006, Manley and Lillian Goldfine established the award through the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation to recognize public school teachers who inspire their students and more. The nominees were based on several criteria from their impact in the classroom, school, community, and more.

Lakewood Elementary’s second-grade teacher Jody Peck was named this year’s recipient during a ceremony on Monday, May 22, at Lincoln Park Middle School. Peck was selected from a pool of nine elementary teachers. Peck shared with WDIO what it means to her to see teachers get recognized like this.

“I think teaching is one of the hardest jobs there is, and it is one of the best jobs in the entire world. We get to see so many moments that inspire us as human beings because we get to see children at their best and we get to see them grow and change. It’s inspiring what we get to do in the classroom and what we get to witness. Of course, being recognized by the community as a cohort of educators is very impactful.”

Along with the award, Peck also received a check for $5,000.