The Golden Apple Foundation Honors Bronzeville Classical Elementary School Principal Nicole Spicer as 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership Recipient

CHICAGO (May 6, 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 Nicole Spicer, principal of Bronzeville Classical Elementary School in Chicago with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership, presented in honor of founding Golden Apple board member Stanley C. Golder. 

Following a highly competitive process, Spicer was selected as an award recipient from nearly 100 nominations of Pre-K-12th grade school leaders. 

“Great school leaders set the standard for what a school can achieve. They build cultures where students succeed, and educators are empowered to do their best work,” said Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation. “This recipient shows how strong leadership drives real results across an entire school community. We welcome them into the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, where their experience and leadership will help support and guide the next generation of aspiring educators in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators Program in Illinois.”

As a statewide award, the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership honors exemplary performance in school leadership by a principal or head of school who has had a significant and sustained positive impact on the school and delivered dramatic student growth.

“Nicole has created a school environment where strong leadership translates into measurable impact for students and educators alike,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of The Golden Apple Foundation. “Their leadership is driving meaningful results within their school and setting a powerful example for what’s possible in schools across Illinois.”

About Nicole Spicer

Nicole Spicer is the founding Principal of Bronzeville Classical Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up less than a mile from her current campus, Nicole is dedicated to giving back to the community that supported her during the most difficult times in her life.

As a young student, Nicole was a caregiver to her younger brother as her mother worked to be the sole provider for her family, while her father entered a drug rehabilitation facility. One teacher noticed Nicole struggling, not because of her ability, but because of her circumstances. That teacher’s capability to step in and notice when Nicole was struggling has shaped the kind of educator she is today. She believes fairness is not about lowering expectations. It is about creating the psychological safety necessary for students to rise.

Under her leadership, Bronzeville Classical has risen to become one of the top-performing schools in Illinois, ranked 8th out of 467 in Chicago Public Schools, as well as 34th out of over 3,400 elementary schools statewide. Through her tailored, short-term learning plans, which are aligned to both individual needs and high academic standards, Nicole has closed achievement gaps by 50% in all subjects.

Beyond academics, Nicole also encourages her students to become active leaders in solving civic problems. Her students have led projects such as advocating for safer walking paths and organizing a baby drive supporting teen and young mothers at their local shelter, an effort that was featured in CPS Magazine.

When it comes to her peers, Nicole is known for mentoring school leaders and providing professional development for future educators at Golden Apple’s Scholar Institute. Recently named a 2024 Cahn Distinguished Principal Fellow, her leadership continues to support both educators and students.

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recipients receive a cash award of $10,000, with $5,000 for the school leader and $5,000 to the school for a project of the recipient’s choosing. Northwestern University generously provides coursework at no cost to the awardee. Additionally, award recipients 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

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 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. 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. Learn more at http://www.goldenapple.org.

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