Golden Apple Foundation News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2023 Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence.

The nomination period will run Sept. 12 through Nov. 12. With the mission of recognizing outstanding educators and creating a professional learning community for educators—The Golden Apple Academy—to catalyze teaching excellence in New Mexico, the awards will recognize seven elementary teachers who have demonstrated classroom excellence, professional commitment, and a desire to elevate education in New Mexico.

Teachers can be nominated by colleagues, parents, students, administrators, or others. To qualify, teachers must be employed full-time by their school or district, have taught for at least six years (at least four in New Mexico), and the majority of their current assignment must be in an elementary school classroom in an accredited school (grades pre-k through 5).

Once nominated, teachers will then be given the chance to apply. Fifteen applicants will be selected as finalists, and finalists will be narrowed down through visits from the selection committee. The top seven winners will be notified by a surprise visit to the school of the winner. 

Winners will be recognized with a Tribute to Teaching Excellence. Each recipient will be honored on stage by a student introducing them, followed by the awardee giving a brief speech. Winners also receive a $4,000 grant for professional learning, a $1,500 cash prize, and a beautiful Golden Apple award.

Held annually since 1996, the Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence has been presented to 167 educators across New Mexico. Recognition rotates among high school, middle school, and elementary school teachers in a three-year cycle.

For more information or to nominate an outstanding educator, visit www.goldenapplenm.org