Sarah Apt doesn’t just teach – she transforms lives. The School District of Philadelphia recognizes what Olney High School students have known all along: Ms. Apt is one of the city’s most dedicated educators.

As Olney’s Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) building representative, Ms. Apt has built bridges between students, staff, and Philadelphia’s workforce. She’s opened doors for 12 students through pre-apprenticeship programs, with four diving into cybersecurity and eight joining Rosie’s Girls, an electrical and building Trade program for young women. But she didn’t stop there. Thanks to her persistent advocacy, the Carpenter’s Trade Union is launching a special apprenticeship program just for Olney students this summer.

“What role do we all play in solving this problem?” That’s the question Ms. Apt asks whenever challenges arise. It’s this solution-focused mindset that led her to create practical tools like the field trip planning guide that’s now used throughout the school. When students expressed interest in labor studies, she designed a course. When they needed career guidance, she brought in eight successful Olney alumni to share their stories and organized over 15 career exploration field trips.

Her crowning achievement this year was the Union Experience and Apprenticeship Fair, which brought 25 different labor unions to Olney’s doorstep. But perhaps her most meaningful work came when students shared their fears about Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Instead of offering empty reassurance, Ms. Apt empowered them to take action. She helped students create an informational toolkit and supported them as they educated their peers about their rights.

The Teacher of the Month award recognizes educators who go above and beyond, and Ms. Apt embodies this spirit every day. She doesn’t just teach subjects – she builds futures, strengthens communities, and shows students their own power to make change.

Congratulations, Ms. Apt. Olney High School is lucky to have you!