Golden Apple 2025: Jason M. Krings – The Press-Times

By Kris Leonhardt
MMC Senior Editor

GREEN BAY – Jason M. Krings grew up in Green Bay and attended East High School.

He later graduated from UW-Green Bay with a degree in urban and regional studies.

“I went back to school at UW-Madison and received my teaching degree. I’ve worked at Southwest (High School) since 2003 and currently lead the National History Day Program and co-advise student council,” Krings said.

“The most influential person in my life that has gotten me to where I am is my wife, Joleen. She’s my biggest cheerleader and is my sounding board if I’m struggling with anything at work or in life. She’s always calm, full of wisdom and laughs. She helps me not take myself too seriously. After talking with her, my confidence is usually restored and I feel like I can face another day or challenge.”

Krings is a social studies teachers and has been an educator for over two decades.

Krings said that some of his most influential events that have occurred in his teaching career are “how students responded to some difficult situations in my family’s personal lives.”

“It taught me very quickly that teaching is so much more than daily lessons, content coverage and grading. The love, care and compassion that my students have shown throughout the years have taught me the importance of connecting to students on their level, building relationships, and caring for others. I try to remember to do this as much as possible,” he said.

“One thing that has helped me to become successful is my desire to build connections with all students. This starts out with greeting my students, by name, each day when they walk in my door. I use questioning to facilitate class discussions and want to help my students develop their own voice and confidence that their ideas matter. I continually invite them to come in if they are struggling and always have an open door. I feel that if they see someone helping them out that they will return that favor to others in their own lives.

“I also am willing to find new activities to use with my students both inside and outside of the classroom. For example, I developed and lead an historical walking tour of downtown Green Bay, have worked with the Brown County Library to provide access to primary sources unavailable at Southwest, implemented the Harvard Case Study for Democracy Program, and the Hamilton Education Program. For the last 18 years I have helped hundreds of students participate in National History Day where dozens of students have advanced to the state and national competition.”

Leading up to the 2025 Golden Apple Awards on Wednesday, April 2 at the Oneida Casino Hotel, we will be highlighting the recipients in each edition of the Press Times.