4 suburban teachers among 30 Golden Apple Awards finalists

Four suburban teachers are among 30 finalists for the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

The Golden Apple Foundation, a nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring, and mentoring educators, selected the fourth- through eighth grade teacher finalists out of nearly 600 nominations. The awards honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities.

“Exceptional teachers remind us every day what is possible for students,” said Alan Mather, president of Golden Apple. “They create classrooms where curiosity and challenge are encouraged, confidence is built, and learning feels meaningful. These finalists exemplify the dedication, care, and skill that define teaching at its finest. We are proud to recognize the lasting impact they have on their students and school community.”

Among the finalists are:

• Kristin Anson, St. Norbert School, Northbrook, fifth grade, all subjects. In her classroom, Anson uses an inquiry-based approach so students repeatedly investigate, reflect, check their understanding, and apply what they have learned, mirroring how real scientists work.

• Matthew White, Scullen Middle School, Naperville, sixth through eighth grade orchestra. White collaborated with audiologists and engineers to connect an electric violin directly to a deaf student’s cochlear implant system, creating what he calls an “epic success.” He then advocated the school purchase the instrument to provide the student with permanent access to music. He helped launch the school’s first Carnatic ensemble after learning the art form from a local guru.

• Megan Fitzsimmons, Thomas Jefferson Junior High School, Woodridge, eighth grade English language arts. Over the past two years, nearly 80% of Fitzsimmons’ students met or exceeded standards on the Illinois State Assessment, with almost all demonstrating expected growth and many achieving stretch growth.

• Kristina Lancaster, Big Hollow Elementary, Ingleside, fourth grade general education. Lancaster uses a cyclical approach to guarantee every student grows. She begins with a short pre-assessment to understand how students identify nonfiction text structures, studies their responses, and forms flexible groups based on specific needs. She then adjusts instruction in real time.

Award recipients will be surprised in the spring. Northwestern University provides a spring sabbatical to the recipients at no cost. Each recipient receives a $5,000 cash award and becomes a fellow of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, which helps prepare the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs.