The Golden Apple Foundation Surprises Adlai Stevenson Elementary School Teacher Julianne Collier with Prestigious Award for Excellence in Teaching
CHICAGO (MAY 6, 2024) - The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, mentoring, and honoring great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, today surprised Julianne Collier, a kindergarten-2nd grade teacher at Adlai Stevenson Elementary School in Elk Grove Village, with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Collier is one of 10 teacher award recipients in Illinois.
Following a highly competitive process, the 2024 teaching award recipients were selected from more than 600 nominations of Pre-K-3rd grade teachers.
"These exceptional educators have demonstrated an unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and transformative influence on their students and school communities,” said Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation. “They are not merely outstanding instructors but impactful leaders as well. By joining our mission, the 2024 award recipients will help shape the future of teaching, empowering the next generation of talented educators to make a profound difference in even more young lives."
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 – significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.
About Julianna Collier
Julianne Collier is a devoted educator who firmly believes in the potential of every child. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her continuous research into best practices and her active support of fellow educators.
Known as a teacher capable of instructing any student in any content area, Collier's instructional decisions reflect a pursuit of tailoring lessons to meet the needs of her students. Collier generously shares her knowledge and expertise with the teams she supports, ensuring that every suggestion and lesson is thoughtfully designed with a focus on students' abilities and needs. Moreover, her dedication extends to developing other educators, fostering an environment where not only the students in her class flourish, but also the new teachers she mentors. Through modeling professional behaviors, sharing research-based practices, and providing consistent support, Julianne Collier makes a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.
Each award recipient receives a $5,000 cash award and a spring sabbatical provided by Northwestern University 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 2025 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional 9th-12th 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