As a non-profit organization that works to develop, support, and recognize teacher excellence, Golden Apple annually awards outstanding Illinois educators the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Following a highly competitive process, we're proud to announce that more than half of the 30, 9–12th grade finalists are IFT members!
The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honors educators for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher finalists demonstrate - in their teaching and results - significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.
Outstanding IFT educators who were named 2022 Golden Apple finalists are:
Anne Boyle, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Nicholas Canady, Local 3957, Mt. Zion Federation of Teachers
Cristen Chapman, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Robert Davis, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
William Ejzak, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Alan Hennagir, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Amy Jesionowski, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Andrew Jones, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Laurel Kulig, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Anna Lane, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Kerri Largo, Local 1211, SD211 Teachers
Mary Lopez, Local 1211, SD211 Teachers
Michelle Marconi, Local 1211, District 214 Education Assn.
Annette Olszewski, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Sharon Ponder-Ballard, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Puja Ramaswamy, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Jennifer Trejo, Local 1, Chicago Teachers Union
Winners will be announced this spring. Each winner will receive a $5,000 cash award and become a fellow of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators.