Evanston Kindergarten Teacher Named Golden Apple Award Finalist

EVANSTON, IL — An Evanston kindergarten teacher was announced as a finalist for the annual Golden Apple Award earlier this month. Kristin Mitchell, who teaches math, reading, writing, social studies and science at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School in District 65, has been chosen as one of 30 finalists.

“Being nominated for this award has been such an honor. The outpouring of love and support that I have received from our school community has only reinforced my love for what I do and my desire to continue to develop as an educator,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell has spent the past 10 years teaching kindergarteners at King Arts and emphasizes helping students to have fun, be confident and feel comfortable while learning, according to district spokesperson Melissa Messinger, who said Mitchell's students have been known to return to her classroom to say hello.

“I love watching my former students come back and help my new students. It makes my heart so full and happy,” Mitchell said, explaining it's vital to foster a personal connection with each of her students.

“It can take some time to foster this type of environment but putting in the work at the beginning of the year helps my students to thrive as the year goes on," she said. “When they are comfortable and confident, they are more likely to take risks with their learning and ask for help when needed."

There were a record number of nominations submitted this year for the 2018 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Of the 650 teachers from Pre-K through third grade classrooms from the Chicago area, just 5 percent were selected as finalists, according to the nonprofit.

“We are so fortunate to have such caring and passionate educators across District 65. Ms. Mitchell is a tremendous teacher who has dedicated her career to educating and inspiring our youngest learners. She is truly deserving of this honor,” said Superintendent Paul Goren.

"This year's award finalists, selected through an anonymous process, represent accomplished educators who are embracing very complex assignments to enrich and advance the lives of students," Golden Apple President and CEO Alicia Winckler said in a release.

"These awards shine a bright light on the incredible work happening in our schools. On behalf of Golden Apple, we applaud the teacher and school leader finalists for their initiative, innovation, dedication and perseverance," Winckler said.

The Golden Apple awards were started by Martin Koldyke in order to give outstanding teachers the recognition they deserve. Since 1986, the organization has selected 10 outstanding teachers to receive the award. This year's group of finalists include the highest percentage of Chicago Public School teachers ever selected, many of whom are bilingual and teach in two languages to help English-language learners, according to the organization.

A total of 30 educators are being considered for the award this spring. Winners will receive a tuition-free spring quarter sabbatical to study at Northwestern University, a $5,000 cash award and membership in the Golden Apple Academy of Educators.

Mitchell and the other Golden Apple finalists will be honored during the foundation's Celebration of Excellence in Teaching & Leadership Feb. 24 at the Rosemont Hilton at 5550 N. River Rd., along with seven school leaders up for the Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award.

Related: Loyola Principal Named Golden Apple Leadership Award Finalist

Update: Kristin Mitchell Wins Golden Apple Award