Front row, left to right: Maria Barba, Denise Ostarello, Pam Kelly, Monique Blakes; Second row, left to right: Susan Stephan, Kathy Burns, Elizabeth Luna, Zackary Ruelas; Third row, left to right: Robert Taylor, Bryan Jackson

Golden Apple Awards 2012

Now in its 27th year, The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching is an annual program honoring ten outstanding teachers in the Chicago area. This year’s Awards focus on teachers working with grades kindergarten through 3. The winners were among hundreds of teachers nominated by colleagues and students. The final selection was made by a panel of education experts chosen by the Golden Apple Foundation.

The 2012 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching Winners:

Maria Barba

3rd Grade, Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, Hoffman Estates.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Elizabeth Luna

Kindergarten, Murray Language Academy, Chicago.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Monique Blakes

1st Grade, Oscar DePriest Elementary School, Chicago.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Denise Ostarello

1st-3rd Grade, Crete Elementary School, Crete.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Kathy Burns

2nd Grade, Highlands Elementary School, Naperville.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Zackary Ruelas

3rd Grade, St. Malachy School, Chicago.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Bryan Jackson

3rd Grade, Latin School of Chicago, Chicago.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Susan Stephan

1st-2nd Grade, Norwood Park Elementary School, Chicago.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Pamela Kelly

1st Grade, Naper Elementary School, Naperville.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech

Robert Taylor

2nd Grade, Central Road Elementary School, Rolling Meadows.

Teaching Philosophy | Acceptance Speech