Three Lehigh Acres Teachers
Are Finalist for Golden Apples

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools surprised 30 teachers in their classrooms as they recognized them as finalists for the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program™. The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program™ brings awareness to the teaching profession in Lee County by recognizing top teachers in the district. Business and community leaders, school administrators, the Golden Apple Selection Committee and The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools’ staff gathered together and visited the school of each Finalist to make the announcements.

More than 5,000 nominations were submitted by students, parents and the community. Every nominated teacher was given the opportunity to apply for the Golden Apple Award. The Golden Apple Selection Committee, made up of 12 Lee County business and community leaders, selected the finalists from a group of more than 300 applicants. The group ranked each application, narrowing the field to 67 Teachers of Distinction and 30 Finalists.  In the coming months, the finalists will be observed in their classrooms and interviewed by the Selection Committee as part of the ongoing selection process. The Selection Committee looks for characteristics of outstanding teachers including control of their work environment, outstanding performance in the classroom, demonstration of imagination, commitment, communication skills and personal concern for the needs of students.

This year’s six Golden Apple recipients will be announced in March with a surprise presentation in their classroom. They will be honored at the 2013 Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet on Friday, April 5 at Harborside Event Center. In addition to recognition at the dinner, each recipient will receive a $3,000 cash award, the prestigious golden apple, a golden apple lapel pin, and membership into the Academy of Teachers. The schools of the six Golden Apple teachers will each receive a $500 grant to enrich and enhance curriculum.

All 30 finalists are invited to the televised Golden Apple Dinner and will be recognized on stage. They will be presented with a $300 Classroom Grant to create unique hands on projects to enhance student learning. The 67 Teachers of Distinction will also be invited to the Dinner.  Teachers of Distinction ranked high in the application process and will continue to be recognized through upcoming Golden Apple activities. These top 97 educators have the opportunity to attend a professional development teacher training, Collegium for the Advancement of Education, which focuses on best practices and student achievement.

List of Finalists and their schools