Get to Know Two Golden Apple Finalists from Lake View High School

Meet Dr. Vyjayanti Joshi and Ms. Katie Mahoney, two excellent educators at Lake View High School! Dr. Joshi, who has been at Lake View High School since 2004, is the science department chair and teaches ninth grade biology and dual credit biology. And Ms. Mahoney, who is known as a passionate advocate for student voice, is a special education civics teacher.

Although they teach different subjects, one important thing they do have in common is that they were both recently named as finalists for the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. In fact, Lake View High School is the only school in Chicago to have two staff members named as finalists!

“We’re so fortunate to have Dr. Joshi and Ms. Mahoney working with our students at Lake View," said Principal Paul Karafiol. "But I think it’s worth noting that there are talented, hardworking teachers across the city, in every school. What sets Lake View's teachers apart is that they don't just work together: they collaborate in ways that develop everyone's practice. They review student work to understand student thinking, plan and critique lessons, and support each other in learning new ways of teaching. Our teachers are more than a family: they are the best kind of critical friends.”

Learn more about Dr. Joshi and Ms. Mahoney and their incredible work below!

What was your reaction to being named a Golden Apple finalist? 

Dr. Joshi: I am humbled and excited! I found out while I was eating lunch, and another teacher walked in and said “Congratulations!” And I said, “Congratulations for what?” That’s when I found out I was a Golden Apple finalist—I was having a busy day and hadn’t read my email yet. It was a funny moment!

Ms. Mahoney: I was really shocked! There are so many wonderful teachers, so I feel really honored that they chose me as a finalist. I also feel honored that someone nominated me in the first place—I still don’t know who it was!

How would you describe your approach to teaching?

Dr. Joshi: One of my students told me recently that there's joy in my teaching and that it always seems like I’m happy to be there, which is true! My students and I work together to create a supportive classroom community with open communication.

Ms. Mahoney: Action and participatory civics is definitely my pedagogy. My students don’t have to wait until they’re adults to use these skills; they can practice civic action now.

What do you love most about teaching?

Dr. Joshi: The students, the joy they bring, and that lightbulb moment when a student really understands something. I am someone who gets bored easily, so this profession is perfect for me because every day is different.

Ms. Mahoney: The kids. They’re so funny and unpredictable; you never know what they’re going to say next. It makes work really fun! I love being able to see students engage in discussions in class and then bring those skills out into the community.

What’s the biggest lesson you want to teach your students?

Dr. Joshi: My number one goal is to make sure they’re prepared for the real world by connecting lessons to topics they see in their everyday lives. For example, we use diabetes to teach students about homeostasis. In another example, during Black History Month we talked about how we can use science to address issues of racism and make a positive change in the world.

Ms. Mahoney: It might sound cliche, but I want my students to know that they have power. A lot of our young people feel like it’s impossible to make an impact, and I want them to know that there are avenues for making their voices heard. It’s going to be hard, and it might not always work, but you do have a right to speak up.

How has your teaching changed over the years?

Dr. Joshi: The National Board Certification process made me a very reflective teacher. I’ve also learned how important it is to participate in ongoing professional development.

Ms. Mahoney: Back in the day, teaching social studies was a lot of book work and lecture. Now, it’s evolved and we can be more participatory and interactive, which is a lot more engaging and fun for students.

Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for first-year teachers?

Dr. Joshi: It’s very important to know your students, their levels, and their interests so that you can make informed decisions about your teaching. Whenever I have a student teacher, I encourage them to take five minutes at the end of the day to journal about how the day went in order to get in the habit of being reflective. Self-care is also very important in preventing burnout!

Ms. Mahoney: Find the right mentors and you’ll find your way! I’ve grown so much over the years thanks to my wonderful administrators and extremely supportive colleagues. When I was working at South Shore International College Prep, Scenecia Curtis and Sarah Gomez were integral in making me the teacher I am today. Teaching can be really hard, but with guidance and experience it gets easier!