Golden Apple again named one of Crain's Chicago Business' Best Places to Work
Recognition underscores nonprofit’s commitment to building a strong workplace while preparing the next generation of great teachers
Chicago, IL – Golden Apple, a nonprofit committed to preparing, supporting and mentoring aspiring teachers, has once again been named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Best Places to Work in 2026, marking the organization’s second consecutive year receiving the recognition.
The honor recognizes organizations that create outstanding workplace environments and prioritize employee well-being, satisfaction and inclusivity. For Golden Apple, the recognition reflects a workplace culture rooted in the same mission that drives its work in schools: supporting people, investing in their growth and giving them the tools to make a lasting impact.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as one of Chicago’s Best Places to Work. This recognition is a reflection of the people who make Golden Apple what it is,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of Golden Apple. “We have an incredibly dedicated team that believes deeply in our mission to ensure every classroom has a great teacher. We are proud to foster a workplace where our staff feel supported and valued as they work every day to prepare and support exceptional educators who make a lasting difference for students and schools.”
Golden Apple has spent decades working to strengthen the teacher pipeline by identifying, preparing and supporting talented educators, particularly for schools-of-need. As the organization continues to grow its impact, Golden Apple has remained focused on fostering a collaborative workplace that supports its employees and connects their day-to-day work to the students, teachers and communities they serve.
Crain's Chicago Business built its 2025 Best Places to Work list in collaboration with Workforce Research Group, which evaluates workplaces based on culture, retention, benefits and employee experience. The process includes an Employer Assessment that reviews policies and practices, followed by an Employee Feedback Survey that captures staff perspectives. The results are then combined to identify Chicago’s top workplaces.
“Our people are at the heart of everything Golden Apple accomplishes,” said Alan Mather, President of Golden Apple. “This recognition belongs to our entire team. Their talent, collaboration and commitment to our mission make Golden Apple not only an organization that develops great educators, but a place where people are proud to work.”
Golden Apple was recognized alongside other leading Chicago-area employers at Crain’s Best Places to Work event on September 9. Crain’s will feature the 2026 honorees digitally following the event and in its September 14 print issue.
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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 a positive and sustained impact. We help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since our beginning, we have recognized master educators annually; and, these master educators prepare the future 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 www.goldenapple.org for more information.
CONTACT
Laura Dacy
laura@cstrategies.com