Niles Teacher Wins First Golden Apple At Nelson Elementary

NILES, IL — Nelson Elementary art teacher Tina Daskalopoulous was surprised Wednesday with the news she had been named the winner of a Golden Apple Award.

Winners of the annual awards for the very best educators in the Chicago area are selected from more than 600 nominations. The awards are open to teachers of 4th-8th grades.

"Art isn't something you rush," Daskalopoulous said. "You must take your time with it."

She said each piece of art created becomes a part of its creator. She sees herself as a guide for the creative journeys of her students, who she remains in contact with long after they graduate. Students and parents both recalled treasuring art created during her class because of what positive experiences they had, award organizers said.

Daskalopoulous has taught at the East Maine District 63 school since 1988. She said even being nominated among the 34 finalists came as a surprise.

In the Golden Apple's 32 year history, this marked the first time a teacher at Nelson has won, officials told Pioneer Press.

Each winner gets a $5,000 cash prize and a tuition-free spring quarter sabbatical to study at Northwestern University. A broadcast of the awards ceremony in scheduled for May 20 on WTTW.

» Video of Daskalopoulos surprised with Golden Apple Award:

Top photo: Tina Daskalopoulous (Courtesy Golden Apple Illinois)