2025 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Leadership Finalists Announced
CHICAGO (February 25, 2025) -- The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring, and retaining great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, today announced the 2025 finalists for the distinguished Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Leadership, presented in honor of founding Golden Apple board member Stanley C. Golder.
A highly competitive award process resulted in the selection of six Pre-K-12th grade school leader finalists from more than 85 nominations received.
The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership honors exemplary performance in school leadership by a principal or head of school who has had a significant and sustained positive impact on the school, created a culture of inclusivity, and delivered dramatic student growth.
“These school leaders exemplify what it means to create meaningful change within their communities,” said Alan Mather, President of Golden Apple. “Their dedication to fostering environments where both teachers and students can excel is admirable. Great school leaders affirm the good that people do, challenge them to be their best, and support them when they take risks in the best interests of children. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the impact they have on their schools.”
View the 2025 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership Finalists
“Great school leadership is about inspiring learning and empowering everyone in the school community,” said Alicia Winckler, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Apple. “Our 2025 finalists reflect exceptional educational leadership and the positive impact it can have on the future of education. We are honored to acknowledge their contributions.”
The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recipients receive a cash award of $10,000, with $5,000 for the school leader and $5,000 for the school for a project of the recipient’s choosing. Award recipients also become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs—initiatives dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.
About Golden Apple
Golden Apple's mission is to inspire, develop, and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Our leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make an impact. We help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since our beginning, we have annually recognized those who prepare the next generation of teachers. Our vision is one in which every classroom has a great teacher, and to realize this, we are committed to making a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage. Learn more at http://www.goldenapple.org.
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