Honoring Teacher Excellence
Golden Apple Awards
Seven teachers receive the Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award yearly at our Tribute to Teachers Luncheon. Golden Apple Foundation seeks to honor teachers who demonstrate classroom excellence, professional commitment, and a desire to elevate education in New Mexico by contributing to the Golden Apple Academy. Recognition rotates among high school, middle school, and elementary school teachers in a three-year cycle.
The process for recognition includes a comprehensive process that begins with the nomination and application process. Those selected as finalists receive a full day evaluation visit, including interviews with representatives from the school community.
The seven recipients of the Golden Apple award receive a professional development stipend, an interview broadcast through our with KRQE, and the prestigious Golden Apple statue trophy. Golden Apple Foundation also recognizes Teachers of Distinction, selected from those who have completed the entire evaluation process.
Celebrating Community Leaders
Community Partner in Education
Through our Community Partner in Education Award sponsored by New Mexico Mutual., Golden Apple recognizes business and community leaders (individuals or organizations) who have demonstrated outstanding support of and service to education in our New Mexico communities. The award is presented each year at our Tribute to Teacher Excellence. Past recipients of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching and members of the Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico Board of Directors are not eligible to receive this award. Candidates for consideration may not nominate themselves.
Current Winners
Each year, seven teachers are honored with the Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award, and several contenders are recognized as Teachers of Distinction. These teachers work within the Golden Apple Academy, a community that includes past Golden Apple honorees.
Past Winners
Our Golden Apple Award winners join previous winners to form our community. The Fellows in The Academy truly represent the best teachers in New Mexico for the past 25+ years.