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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
Eileen Conklin '26
Samantha Perez '25
Samantha Perez '25
Charlie Bialek '28
Charlie Bialek '28
Natalie Anderson '24
Natalie Anderson '24
Maya Black '24
Maya Black '24
Brandon Chavez-Jimenez '24
Brandon Chavez-Jimenez '24
Marissa Hagler '25
Marissa Hagler '25
Emma McGrath '25
Emma McGrath '25
Jasmine Reyes '25
Jasmine Reyes '25
Sawyer White '26
Sawyer White '26
Leah Nillas
Leah Nillas
Golden Apple Liaison

 

 

Leah Nillas - Chair and Associate Professor of Educational Studies

Department - School Of Educational Studies