The Golden Apple Foundation Surprises James Ward Elementary School Teacher Misty Richmond with Prestigious Award for Excellence in Teaching

CHICAGO (May 7, 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 Misty Richmond, a 7th and 8th-grade teacher at James Ward Elementary School in Chicago, with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Richmond 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 Misty Richmond

Misty Richmond is a science and health teacher at James Ward Elementary School, whose classroom is built around curiosity and problem-solving. Students are actively learning, asking questions, testing ideas, and revising their thinking through hands-on investigation. Misty constantly checks for understanding and adjusts instruction in the moment, rather than letting confusion persist. She is especially skilled at scaffolding learning for multilingual learners and learners from varied backgrounds, and she intentionally designs lessons that reflect and honor who her students are.

Misty also empowers students to use their voices purposefully. As the Student Voice Committee's lead, she helps students move from frustration to action by teaching them to gather data, analyze results, and present their ideas to school leaders. One student-led effort led to changes in indoor recess policies that improved both student satisfaction and behavior.

Outside of her classroom, Misty is a trusted leader and mentor. A National Board Certified Teacher, she supports student teachers and leads professional learning for colleagues, particularly during major curriculum shifts. Known for her willingness to try new ideas, she pilots innovative strategies and creates new opportunities for students, while also serving on her school’s Behavioral Health Team to ensure learning happens in a setting where students feel safe, supported, and valued.

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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