Northwest Elementary Math Teacher Shavon Brewer Finalist For Golden Apple Teaching Award

EVERGREEN PARK, IL – Shavon Brewer, a fifth-grade math teach at Northwest Elementary School in Evergreen Park, is one of 30 finalists for the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, recognized for the impact she is making in the classroom.

At the beginning of the school year, Brewer noticed that many of her students struggled with confidence in math and that anxiety often hindered participation and growth.

“I believe that effective teaching begins with understanding what my students know,” Brewer said, “planning intentionally to meet their needs, implementing instruction that allows for exploration and discussion, and using ongoing assessments to refine my next steps.”

Recognizing that a traditional approach was not enough, Brewer adjusted her instruction to better meet students’ needs. Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all lessons, Brewer uses assessment and flexible grouping to tailor instruction to her students. She prioritizes discussion, hands-on learning, and multiple problem-solving strategies.

One example of Brewer’s approach is her teaching of multi-digit multiplication. She begins with a pre-assessment, then groups students based on their understanding rather than their answers. Students solve the same problem using multiple strategies, including area models, partial products, and the standard algorithm, and explain their reasoning to classmates so they understand why the math works, not just how to follow steps.

That focus has translated into measurable results. According to school data, Brewer’s students demonstrated above-average academic growth, with a median growth percentile of 75 in math. The results reflect the impact of instruction that emphasizes understanding, flexibility, and student confidence.

The Golden Apple Foundation, is a leading nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring, and mentoring educators who advance educational opportunities for students.

A highly competitive award process resulted in the selection of 30 4th-8th-grade teacher finalists out of nearly 600 nominations.

>>> Complete list of 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalists

“Exceptional teachers remind us every day what is possible for students,” said Alan Mather, president of Golden Apple, said in an announcement of the finalists. “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.”

The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher finalists demonstrate, through their teaching and results, a significant positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.

“The educators recognized this year demonstrate a consistent commitment to student achievement and measurable growth,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of Golden Apple. “By modeling excellence in the classroom, they help students build the persistence and critical thinking required for long-term academic success.”

The selected 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients will be surprised in the spring. Northwestern University generously provides a spring sabbatical to award recipients at no cost. Each recipient receives a $5,000 cash award. Award recipients 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—initiatives dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.