Golden Apple Fellow Terri Lindstrom

TIERRA AMARILLA, N.M. (KRQE) - Terri Lindstrom, one of seven Golden Apple Fellows for 2013, is a math and social studies teacher for fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Tierra Amarilla Elementary School.

Lindstrom is known by the students for her hyper personality, how proud she is to be a math geek and of course for how dedicated she is to her students.

“I think because I am so motivated it’s contagious; they want to do well,” says Lindstrom about her students.

Students say Lindstrom makes math fun and comes up with unique ways to teach that makes math easy to understand.

“The kids are from a ranching community, so the kids have a great work ethic,” says Lindstrom.  "Their parents want them to do well, so that makes my job easy."

Lindstrom is a New York native who came to New Mexico 21 years ago to visit a friend and never left. She says in college she had no idea she would become a teacher.

She says at the time her roommate was studying to be a teacher and she thought she would give it a try.

“It was the best decision of my life” says Lindstrom.

Lindstrom, who was nominated for the award by two parents, says she was honored someone would take the time to recognize her.

“It really makes me feel special," she adds.