Celebrating Exceptional Teachers

Current Golden Apple Winners

Each 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.

2022 Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award Winners

Stephanie Gurule-Leyba

Stephanie Gurule-Leyba

Biomedical Science Teacher, Edward A. Ortiz Middle School in Santa Fe

Mary Guthridge

Mary Guthridge

Math Teacher, Quemado Middle School in Quemado

Levon Lytle

Levon Lytle

Science Teacher, Hoover Middle School in Albuquerque

Joaquin Martinez

Joaquin Martinez

Social Studies Teacher, Academy for Technology and the Classics in Santa Fe

Cynthia Rodriguez

Cynthia Rodriguez

Math Teacher, Rio Rancho Middle School in Rio Rancho

Dale Simpkins

Dale Simpkins

Drama Teacher, Hoover Middle School in Albuquerque

Annie Syed

Annie Syed

English Language Arts Teacher, Desert Ridge Middle School in Albuquerque

2022 Finalists

Blythe Tipton, Eisenhower Middle School in Albuquerque
Debbie Parke, Edward A. Ortiz Middle School in Santa Fe
Joann Isonhood, Hoover Middle School in Albuquerque
Kalyn Lopez Riblett, Garfield STEM Middle School in Albuquerque
Maya Mirabal, Turquoise Trail Charter School in Santa Fe
Melissa Galetti, Wilson Middle School in Albuquerque
Michelle VanSant, Rio Rancho Middle School, Rio Rancho
Rebecca Davis, Truman Middle School in Albuquerque

Thank You to our Fellows Sponsors

These sponsors enable us to give sizable cash grants to each Golden Apple Teacher Fellow. 

Goodgame Foundation
Wells Fargo Logo
Lang Family Foundation
Ralph K. Strong Endowment Logo
Martin J. And Pat Koldyke
Duffy And Jean Ann Swan Logo
Bank Of Albuquerque Logo
Redw Cpa Logo
Dions Logo
Bueno Foods Logo