Teaching Scholars

School of Need

All Scholars agree to teach for five years in an Illinois School of Need. This five year teaching commitment must be completed within eight years of earning the bachelor’s degree and teacher certification.

Golden Apple uses two criteria to designate schools in Illinois as “of need”: an economic definition and an academic definition. Each is helpful to identify underserved schools.

If an Illinois school is listed on the federal government’s Department of Education “Perkins Loan” forgiveness list as having a significant student population from families who earn low income, that school qualifies for fulfilling the Scholar’s teaching commitment.

If a school reports through its Interactive Illinois Report Card that the combined percentage of its students who met or exceeded state standards is less than or equal to 60% in two subject areas (at any grade), that school qualifies in fulfilling the Scholar’s teaching commitment.

Employment Verification

In order to verify your placement in a school of need you will be required to fill out an Employment Verification Form. 20% of your financial obligation will be forgiven for each year that you teach in a school of need.

Mentoring

After beginning teaching, all Golden Apple Scholars are visited in their first year by a Golden Apple Teacher for observation, guidance, problem-solving, and mentoring. When necessary, multiple visitations are provided. Golden Apple uses a teaching observation checklist modeled after Charlotte Danielson’s Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching.