The Golden Apple Foundation Honors Plainfield Elementary School Principal Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos as 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership Recipient
CHICAGO (APRIL 29, 2024) - The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, mentoring, and honoring great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, today surprised Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos, principal of Plainfield Elementary School in Des Plaines, with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership, presented in honor of founding Golden Apple board member Stanley C. Golder.
Following a highly competitive process, Bucciarelli-Carlos was selected as an award recipient from more than 100 nominations of Pre-K-12th grade school leaders.
"School administrators are integral to unlocking the academic potential of their students, cultivating the professional development of their teachers, and elevating the entire school community,” said Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation. “This esteemed leader deserves to be recognized for her steadfast dedication to their students, faculty, and the broader community. We eagerly anticipate her partnership as we work to attract, prepare, and mentor the next wave of extraordinary educators."
As statewide awards, 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.
“Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos has navigated the ever-evolving educational landscape while consistently delivering exceptional leadership that fosters an environment of high achievement and growth in their school,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of Golden Apple. “We are grateful for their dedication to cultivating the next generation of thriving Illinois students."
About Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos
Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos, Ph.D., currently serves as the Principal of Plainfield Elementary School in Des Plaines, Illinois, a position she’s held since 2018. Throughout her time at Plainfield Elementary, she has overseen the implementation of Standards-Based Grading and new instructional methodologies, supported by the professional development she’s facilitated for teachers. Dr. Bucciarelli-Carlos has also played a crucial role in overseeing the English Learner (EL) and Bilingual programming, ensuring a comprehensive approach that includes curriculum, screening and placement, professional development, newcomer acclimation, and family and community engagement.
Beyond her current role, Dr. Bucciarelli-Carlos has held leadership positions in Chicago Public Schools, where she supervised and evaluated administrators, department chairs, teachers, and staff. Her professional experience includes serving as a presenter and panelist at education forums at area colleges and universities. Her work has also been published in academic research, an International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), 21st Century Learning book, and educational magazines.
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 to the school for a project of the recipient’s choosing. 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 - which are dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.
The nomination period for the 2025 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional 9th-12th grade teachers and Pre-K-12th grade school leaders in Illinois at www.goldenapple.org/awards.
Golden Apple’s social media channels will feature surprises for each of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership recipients. Follow the news here: Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn.
About The Golden Apple Foundation
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. Learn more at http://www.goldenapple.org.
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