Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Woods Receives Golden Apple Award
Jennifer Woods receives her Golden Apple award surrounded by her students.
Roberts Wesleyan University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of alumna Jennifer Woods, who was recently honored with a Golden Apple Award.
Ms. Woods is a two-time Roberts grad in the classes of '92 and '03. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art and a Master's Degree in Education. She was recognized for her outstanding dedication to students in the Rochester City School District.
Woods serves as an art teacher at Virgil Grissom School No. 7 in Rochester, where she has spent nearly three decades inspiring young learners through creativity, self-expression, and confidence-building. According to Principal David Lincoln, her impact extends far beyond the art classroom.
"She inspires students every day. Art is not just a special at our school. Art is a place where students find their voice, find confidence, take risks, and problem solve."
Now in her 29th year of teaching in Rochester, Woods says education is exactly where she is meant to be. Her passion for working with children and helping them become creative thinkers has shaped countless student experiences throughout her career.
Student artwork hanging in the hallway of Virgil Grissom School No. 7.
One recent project highlighted that commitment. Woods guided students in creating a gingerbread house replica of their school, which was displayed at the George Eastman Museum. She also arranged for students to visit the museum and see their work on display, an experience that introduced many of them to the museum for the first time.
Woods gets involved in her school community in many ways. One important way is serving as the facilitator of the spirit committee, which organizes events for students and staff alike to build community and morale. Some of the student-focused events she has worked on are Read Across America, which brought a variety of community members into the school to read to one of the 28 classrooms, and a “Masked Singer” assembly at the end of the school year that brought lots of fun and a love of the musical and performing arts.
Jennifer Woods with her son, who is now also a teacher in the RCSD.
Coming from a family of educators, Woods has long understood the transformative power of teaching. Now, she has raised a son who is continuing that legacy. He just completed his second year of teaching at RCSD School #12 in an ASD 6:1:2 classroom of 1st graders.
When asked why she chose art education, Woods’ answer reflected the enthusiasm she brings to her classroom each day:
"Art is all around us. It's beautiful, it brings us inspiration daily, and it is what we do here for our students. We inspire them to be the creative beings they are made to be."
The Golden Apple Award recognizes educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of their students and school communities. Woods' dedication to nurturing creativity, curiosity, and confidence exemplifies the impact of a Roberts Wesleyan education lived out in service to others.
Congratulations, Jennifer, on this well-deserved recognition!
Read the original Golden Apple Award feature from RochesterFirst.
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About the author
Roberts Wesleyan University
As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan University seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.
We are a private Christian university in Rochester, New York, offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
As the only NCAA Division II institution in the region and member of the East Coast Conference, Roberts is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive athletics.