The Golden Apple Foundation Surprises Englewood STEM High School Teacher Sharon Ponder-Ballard with Prestigious Award for Excellence in Teaching
CHICAGO (May 11th, 2022) - The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring and supporting great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, today surprised Sharon Ponder-Ballard, a 9th grade teacher at Englewood STEM High School in Chicago, with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Ponder-Ballard is one of 10 teacher award recipients in Illinois.
Following a highly competitive process, the 2022 teaching award recipients were selected from more than 400 nominations of 9th-12th grade teachers.
“We are honored to celebrate our 2022 award recipients and their many contributions both inside and outside of their schools. We know that their impact doesn’t stop at their classroom doors. These amazing teachers positively influence thousands over their lifetimes by shaping the lives of students, schools, and communities,” said The Golden Apple Foundation President Alan Mather. “They are truly inspirational, and we look forward to their continued commitment to the next generation of teachers as they support our two teacher preparation programs - the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs.”
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 Sharon Ponder-Ballard
According to administrators and students, Ponder-Bollard regularly sets herself apart by creating and implementing a culturally relevant curriculum that speaks to every class she teaches. To do so, Ponder-Ballard engages with her larger community, connecting with the parents of students as well as local organizations to help inform her course units and class topics. Outside of class, Ponder-Bollard sponsors several clubs and initiatives, including food giveaways, toy drives and a club entitled “Lashes, Lipstick and Loving Ourselves Out Loud,” which is dedicated to uplifting women who want to express themselves through writing.
As a participant in the Yale University National Initiative, Ponder-Ballard strengthened her teaching methods by focusing on tools that have reinforced her ability to instruct within traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities. By encouraging students to research issues that interest and impact them, Ponder-Ballard has made headway with her classes on a variety of subjects.
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 2023 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional 4th-8th 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 | Twitter | 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:
John Arango
(847) 754-1325
johna@theharbingergroup.com