Morton Grove Teacher Named Golden Apple Finalist

MORTON GROVE, IL — Jerika Gill, a special education teacher at the Julia S. Molloy Education Center in Morton Grove, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. She is among 30 educators selected from nearly 600 nominations for the prestigious award, which honors outstanding teachers in Illinois.

According to the Golden Apple Foundation, Gill teaches fourth through eighth-grade students and focuses on replacing reactive discipline with skill-building. She utilizes Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Functional Communication Training (FCT) in her classroom. For example, she taught a student to use an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to request breaks, which reduced challenging episodes from 12 per day to two or three.

Her influence extends to her colleagues, whom she mentors in trauma-informed practices. When a classroom aide faced difficulties with a student's communication device, Gill created a "cheat sheet" and provided coaching. This approach reduced student frustration and built confidence among the team.

The Golden Apple Foundation said Gill believes in the visibility and value of students with disabilities within their communities. She designs real-world learning experiences, including a student-led recycling initiative. Her class used communication devices to teach the school proper sorting techniques.

Parents in the district, which serves families speaking more than 50 languages, describe Gill as "part of the family." They characterize her as a teacher who listens and believes in students often underestimated by others.

"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."

The 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients will be surprised in the spring. Each recipient receives a $5,000 cash award and a spring sabbatical provided by Northwestern University. They also become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, contributing to future teacher preparation programs.