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• Recognizing great teachers
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Innovative, Integrated Solutions

Golden Apple is dedicated to providing exceptional preparation for teachers at all stages of their careers. The organization’s innovative programs build on one another to transform teachers and teaching, enriching student and teacher lives.

Recruitment and Preparation

Through the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program, Golden Apple identifies motivated future educators with diverse backgrounds and helps them achieve their dreams to teach. We provide Scholars with extensive preparation and mentoring, both during and after college, to ensure that they achieve lasting success in challenging teaching environments.  

Recognition and Empowerment

Through the high-profile Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Golden Apple recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers. As members of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, these superior teachers apply their talents to further our mission to strengthen the educational experience of all Illinois children.

Professional Development

Through focused, systemic professional development of the highest quality, Golden Apple fosters high achievement within the education community. Through the Inquiry Science Institute, a two-year partnership with the teachers in 18 Chicago Public Schools, Golden Apple is transforming science teaching and learning.

Other organizations recognize good teaching. Some draw new teachers to the profession, at least for short-term stints. Only Golden Apple’s unique, full-circle approach systematically and successfully increases the number of superior teachers throughout Illinois.