Celebrating Exceptional Teachers
Current Golden Apple WinnersEach year, the Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico names up to 7 teachers from across New Mexico for the Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award. These awards rotate every three years through different school levels: elementary, middle, and high school. Golden Apple award-winning teachers have been recognized in a broad range of subjects, from Physical Education, to Physics, from Special Education to Advanced Placement, from the core to elective subjects. Those who are recognized are illustrative of the many talented and skilled professionals working hard every day to inspire students in New Mexico classrooms.
2023 Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award Winners
Michelle Armijo
Third Grade Pinon Elementary School Santa Fe
Amanda Herman
Fifth Grade Bernalillo Elementary School Bernalillo
Tara Hughes
Early Childhood Special Education NYE Early Childhood Center
Norma Lujan Quioñones
Physical Education and Dance Dolores Gonzales Elementary Albuquerque
Julie Rombach Kendall
Music John Baker Elementary School Albuquerque
Shannon Ryan
Fifth Grade Lavaland Elementary School Albuquerque
Michelle Sanchez
Fifth Grade Pojoaque Valley Intermediate School Pojoaque
2023 Finalists
Katrina DeLima Garcia Spillman Gifted Edward Gonzalez Albuquerque
Adonis Fromme Gifted Puesta del Sol Rio Rancho
Tricia Grajeda Physical Education Rio Rancho Elementary Rio Rancho
Tina Martinez 4th Grade John Baker Albuquerque
Stephanie Ortega 5th Grade Math and Social Studies Cuba Elementary Cuba
Christina Trail 4th Grade Zia Elementary Albuquerque
Heather Willingham Library Mitchell Elementary Albuquerque
