2 Highland Park High School Teachers Named Golden Apple Finalists

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Two Highland Park High School teachers were selected as finalists for the 2019 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. More than 550 high school teachers were nominated from 71 counties, as eligibility for the award was expanded to include all school districts in Illinois for the first time, the nonprofit Golden Apple Foundation announced Monday.

“The historic opportunity to bring the recognition of the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching to all of the schools and teachers in Illinois is thrilling for us and we are delighted to honor these outstanding 32 finalists,” said Alan Mather, president of the foundation.

Kunal Pujara has taught at HPHS for nearly a quarter century. He currently teaches physics and coaches ultimate frisbee.

Erica Tuke is Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering Teacher who has taught a variety of engineering, architecture and animation classes in more than five years at HPHS.

"We are incredibly proud of Mr. Pujara and Ms. Tuke for being recognized as finalists in the 2019 Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Awards," Township High School District 113 said in a statement. "Both are outstanding teachers who are very deserving of this honor. Mr. Pujara and Ms. Tuke are not only talented and inspiring educators but are true role models for our students."

Finalists for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership, granted to a handful of administrators, will be announced Feb. 7. All finalists will be honored Feb. 23 at a celebration at Tinley Park Convention Center.

Pujara said it was "wonderful" to be be picked a finalist alongside an HPHS colleague.

"It is an honor to be a Golden Apple finalist. I am blessed to work with amazing students, parents, colleagues, and mentors who create an environment where I keep learning and growing as a teacher," Pujara said. "I admire Ms. Tuke and my physics students speak so fondly of her work in STEM for all students. I look forward to future years of collaboration with Erica Tuke and other outstanding colleagues that promote STEM at HPHS."

Tuke said she shared the honor with every student, colleague and mentor that has helped forge her path in her seven years in education and at HPHS.

"I am elated to have been chosen alongside Kunal for this distinction. At Highland Park High School, we are fortunate to work alongside other educators and administrators who let us take creative leaps in our instruction for our students," Tuke said. "I think Kunal and I would agree that our students are our biggest motivators to try something new every single day."

A selection committee of master educators will observe the finalists' teaching with in-person classroom visits. Members of the committee will also interview colleagues, administrators, students and community members, according to the foundation.

The winners will be notified in the spring with surprise visits at their schools. All recipients will be featured on an hourlong public television broadcast recorded and broadcast live May 18 and taped on future dates.

“Golden Apple is honored to recognize outstanding educators whose quality of teaching and passion for growing their students create an environment in which students are inspired to persevere and attain their dreams," said CEO Alicia Winckler.

Those awarded Golden Apples receive a $5,000 cash award and a spring sabbatical from Northwestern University at no cost. The winners also become fellows in the Golden Apple Academy of Educators to support present and future educators, including Golden Apple scholars, aspiring teachers who hope to teach in the state's most needy schools.