2025 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching Finalists Announced
CHICAGO (February 18, 2025) -- The Golden Apple Foundation, a leading nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring, and mentoring educators who advance educational opportunities for students, today announced the 2025 finalists for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.
A highly competitive award process resulted in the selection of 30 9th-12th grade teacher finalists out of more than 470 nominations.
Complete list of 2025 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalists
“Great teachers change lives. These finalists exemplify the dedication and passion that define exceptional teaching,” said Alan Mather, President of Golden Apple. “Their commitment to fostering student growth and inspiring a love for learning enriches not only their classrooms but also the entire educational community. We are honored to recognize their invaluable contributions.”
The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher finalists demonstrate—in their teaching and results—a significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.
“Amid the challenges facing education today, it is more important than ever to celebrate the educators who go above and beyond for their students and get results,” said Alicia Winckler, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Apple. “These finalists remind us of the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on shaping futures and building strong communities. We are proud to honor their extraordinary impact.”
The selected 2025 Golden Apple Award recipients will be surprised in the spring. Northwestern University generously provides a spring sabbatical to award recipients at no cost. Each recipient receives a $5,000 cash award. Award recipients 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 recognized master educators annually, and these master educators help 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. Visit http://www.goldenapple.org for more information.
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