The Golden Apple Foundation Surprises Bolingbrook High School Teacher Erin Clifford with Prestigious Award for Excellence in Teaching
CHICAGO (May 6, 2025) - The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, mentoring, honoring, and retaining great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, today surprised Erin Clifford, a 9th-12th grade teacher at Bolingbrook High School in Bolingbrook, with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Clifford is one of 11 teacher award recipients in Illinois.
Following a highly competitive process, the 2025 teaching award recipients were selected from more than 470 nominations of 9th-12th-grade teachers.
"Exceptional teachers ignite curiosity, build confidence, and create pathways to lifelong success for their students," said Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation. "The educators we honor today exemplify teaching at its finest. They blend passion with expertise and innovation with compassion. As they join our community of excellence, these individuals will help us strengthen the teaching profession across Illinois, inspiring and mentoring emerging educators who will shape countless young minds for generations to come."
The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher recipients demonstrate, in their teaching and results, a significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.
About Erin Clifford
Erin Clifford, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher and Preschool Lab Coordinator at Bolingbrook High School, has created a classroom that is described as a “welcoming space that students bring their friends to and return to, even after completing her class.”
Clifford brings a contagious enthusiasm to the school each day. Even when the pandemic separated her from her classroom, Clifford committed to organizing home visits to drop off work and pick up completed work from her students. She also created supply bags for them to stay prepared and safe during difficult times.
Those who work with Erin describe her as inspiring, admiring the way she gets to know her students, understanding their interests and goals, and tailoring her lessons to make sure all students can engage meaningfully. Her passion, dedication, and innovative approach make her an exceptional educator.
The nomination period for the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional 4th-8th 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
The Golden Apple Foundation’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 through both our Golden Apple Scholars (for undergraduates) and Golden Apple Accelerators (for career-changers) programs. 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.
Media contact:
Emily Evans
(937) 206-6039
emilye@theharbingergroup.com