School No. 9 teacher Brannan Brooks earns News 8 Golden Apple Award for inspiring students every day

Rochester, New York – A first-year teacher at Rochester City School District is already making a powerful impact inside and outside the classroom, earning one of the region’s most respected honors for educators.

Brannan Brooks, a teacher at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School No. 9, has been recognized with the News 8 Golden Apple Award, an honor given to educators whose work goes far beyond daily lessons and textbooks. The award celebrates teachers who inspire students, build meaningful relationships and create lasting change in their school communities.

For students at School No. 9, Brooks has quickly become much more than a teacher. Colleagues, parents and children alike describe her as a mentor, motivator and trusted figure who understands the importance of connection before instruction.

Principal Sharon Jackson said Brooks has developed an unusual bond with her sixth-grade students in a remarkably short amount of time.

“Ms. Brooks has amazing relationships with her students, and that is the first cornerstone of great teaching,” said Sharon Jackson, Principal of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School No. 9. “You develop that relationship and look at your students, especially sixth graders, that relationship is key. She’s established that with her children and they love the class.”

Read also: Town of Penfield recognizes Wesley Criblear for his behind the scenes work in community communications

That trust did not happen by accident. Long before stepping into a classroom as a certified teacher, Brooks spent years working with young people throughout the community. She served as a cheerleading and dance coach, became involved as a youth leader through her church and even worked as a prison worship leader. Those experiences helped shape the way she approaches students today.

Rather than focusing only on academics, Brooks believes students thrive when they feel supported, understood and valued.

“I was blessed as a child to have great parents, and my desire is to give back what I was given to inner-city kids who are not as fortunate,” Ms. Brooks shared. “They call me ‘school mom’ because I believe once that relationship is built, you can pretty much get a child to do what is necessary to be great.”

Her journey into education was deeply personal as well. Although teaching had always been a dream, Brooks only recently entered the profession officially. Even the moment she accepted her position at School No. 9 carried emotional significance.

She accepted the job offer on the birthday of her late father, who passed away in 2020 — a coincidence she viewed as something far more meaningful.

“I felt like it was confirmation,” she said. “It’s been amazing.”

The impact of Brooks’ work is already visible in the lives of her students. One of the clearest examples came from sixth grader Candice, whose mother, Reatha Lee, nominated Brooks for the Golden Apple Award.

Read also: Governor Hochul celebrates opening of expanded Capital Region Music Hub inside historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Before entering Brooks’ classroom, Candice reportedly struggled with absenteeism and had difficulty attending school consistently. But after building a connection with her new teacher, everything changed. Since joining Brooks’ class, Candice has not missed a single day of school.

Stories like that have become a powerful reminder of the role teachers can play in shaping not only academic success, but also confidence, motivation and stability in a child’s life.

Within the Rochester City School District, Brooks’ recognition is being celebrated as an example of how compassion and consistency can transform a classroom atmosphere. Administrators say her dedication reflects the kind of leadership and encouragement students need, particularly during middle school years when relationships and trust can strongly influence learning outcomes.

The Golden Apple Award often shines a spotlight on veteran educators with decades of experience, making Brooks’ achievement even more remarkable as a first-year teacher. Yet those who work alongside her say her passion and commitment make it feel as though she has been doing the job for years.

For Brooks, however, the honor appears secondary to the relationships she continues building every day with her students.

Inside her classroom, the lessons extend beyond assignments and grades. They are about showing children they matter, helping them believe in themselves and giving them reasons to keep showing up.

And for at least one student whose attendance completely turned around, that approach has already made all the difference.