The Golden Apple Foundation Surprises Mascoutah Elementary School Teacher Joshua Veath with Prestigious Award for Excellence in Teaching
CHICAGO (May 13, 2026) - 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 Joshua Veath, a 5th-grade teacher at Mascoutah Elementary School in Mascoutah, with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Veath is one of 10 teacher award recipients in Illinois.
Following a highly competitive process, the 2026 teaching award recipients were selected from nearly 600 nominations of 4th-8th-grade teachers.
“Great teaching shapes how students learn, grow, and see what’s possible for their future,” said Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation. “This year’s recipients are making that impact every day through their commitment to their students and their craft. As they join the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, they will support and mentor aspiring teachers in The Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators Program in Illinois, helping strengthen future teachers across the state.”
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 Joshua Veath
Joshua Veath, a fifth-grade Math, Science, and Social Studies teacher with 16 years of experience at Mascoutah Elementary School, transformed his math instruction through a three-year professional development partnership with the University of Northern Iowa. That experience shifted his focus from teaching procedures to strengthening number sense, incorporating number talks, and helping students understand the “why” behind mathematics.
In the classroom, Veath builds new concepts by first connecting them to prior knowledge. When introducing the standard multiplication algorithm, he revisited area models and partial products, solving the same problem multiple ways so students could see how the methods aligned. He guided students in creating step-by-step reference notes, gradually increased the complexity of problems, and used exit tickets to assess understanding. Based on this data, he formed three-level small groups, provided differentiated assignments aligned to mastery, met with each group individually, and continuously regrouped students as they progressed. He later applied the skill to real-world word problems to reinforce understanding in context.
Veath also connects learning to civic responsibility in meaningful, hands-on ways. He leads the school Recycling Club, where students recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, and aluminum to help the school “go green.” Students participate in mock elections to see how their voices and choices shape their community. He organizes donation drives for local families in need and invites political leaders and military members to discuss service and leadership, helping students see themselves as capable contributors to positive change. A colleague describes his enthusiasm as “truly contagious,” noting that he consistently puts students first, generously shares his expertise, and serves as a natural leader within the school community.
Each award recipient receives a $5,000 cash award and a paid spring sabbatical, with Northwestern University generously providing coursework at no cost. Award recipients also 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 2027 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional Pre-K-3rd-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.
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