Wilmette 2nd Grade Teacher Named Golden Apple Award Finalist

WILMETTE, IL — A Wilmette teacher has been named a finalist in the annual Golden Apple Awards. Gwendolyn Faulkner teaches all subject second graders at McKenzie Elementary school in District 39.

"I am incredibly grateful to be a Golden Apple finalist and want to express my sincere gratitude to my students and talented co-workers at McKenzie and in District 39 for inspiring me on a daily basis," said Faulker, a New Trier High School graduate with a master's degree from Northwestern University.

"I have never felt more exhilarated, challenged, and profoundly moved than within the walls of my classroom," she told Patch via email.

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.

"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.

"Ultimately, the greatest reward as an educator is to see my students embrace the joy of learning and realize the profound positive differences they can make in the world,” Faulkner said.

Faulkner 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.