Local educators named Golden Apple finalists

Suburban teachers and administrators are among the finalists for the 2015 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership named Monday.

Thirty teachers are finalists from more than 600 nominations, according to a news release. The final 10 winners will be announced later this spring after another round of reviews and classroom observations.

Locally, finalists include Joanna Angelopoulos of Gray M. Sanborn School in Palatine, Lillian Tsai of South Early Childhood Center in Westmont, Marcia Thompson of Fox Meadow Elementary School in South Elgin, George Vlasis of Hough Street School in Barrington, Andrew Zielinski of Stuart R. Paddock Elementary School in Palatine and Antonio Martinez of McKinley Elementary School in Elgin.

This is the second year that Golden Apple will also be honoring principals with the Stanley C. Golder Leadership award.

Christine Adler of Sprague Elementary School in Lincolnshire, Brian A. Kaye of Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights and Peter F. LaChance of Jay Stream Middle School in Carol Stream are among the five finalists for that award.

"I am humbled by the nomination and excited for the Thomas and Arlington Heights community to be recognized," Kaye said in the release. "This serves as a great recognition for all of their effort to enrich the lives of children in Arlington Heights. I am proud to a part of this wonderful community."

Each Golden Apple Teaching recipient receives a tuition-free, spring quarter sabbatical to study at Northwestern University and a $5,000 cash award. One administrative winner will be chosen and receive a cash award of $10,000 to be used for professional development and a school project of the winner's choosing.

"The selection committee members are so impressed by the dedication, passion and drive for excellence in teaching that these finalists have demonstrated," said Dominic Belmonte, president and CEO of Golden Apple, in a statement.

"They exemplify the powerful role that an outstanding teacher can play in transforming students' lives - and at Golden Apple, we believe exceptional teachers deserve the highest honor.

A Celebration of Excellence in honor of the 30 finalists will be held on April 11 at the Chicago O'Hare Marriott. Event details and tickets are available at http://www.goldenapple.org/2015-Celebration.