School of Educational Studies
Golden Apple Scholars
The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois awards scholarship funding to high school seniors and first and second year teacher
candidates who are committed to teach in high-need schools. Aside from scholarship
funding, Golden Apple scholars participate in four year residential summer institutes,
are mentored by excellent Golden Apple teachers, and benefit from networks of support
throughout their professional teaching career. Since 1994, there have been 14 IWU
Golden Apple scholars who have completed the program, 3 scholars currently teaching
in high need-schools, and 4 pre-service teachers completing their education degree
on campus. Eligible first and second year education majors can also apply to the program.
Read how Golden Apple scholars improve IL teaching retention.
Read about Cara Spitzner '03, the IWU alum who won the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching!
Eileen Conklin '26
Samantha Perez '25
Charlie Bialek '28
Natalie Anderson '24
Maya Black '24
Brandon Chavez-Jimenez '24
Marissa Hagler '25
Emma McGrath '25
Jasmine Reyes '25
Sawyer White '26
Leah Nillas
Golden Apple Liaison
Leah Nillas - Chair and Associate Professor of Educational Studies
Department - School Of Educational Studies