On May 15, Golden Apple—an Illinois nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring and supporting exemplary educators who advance educational opportunities for students—surprised Jenine Wehbeh, a seventh and eighth-grade teacher at John B. Murphy Elementary in Chicago, with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.
For the first time in Golden Apple's history, the awardees are being notified differently than in the full-school environment, and Wehbeh—a former Windy City Times 30 Under 30 honoree—was surprised during a live TV segment on WGN Chicago.
Following a highly competitive process, the 2020 award recipients were selected from more than 730 nominations of 4th-8th grade teachers. The demand for recognition throughout the state was profound, with nominations for outstanding teachers and leaders received from 64 Illinois counties.
Wehbeh is one of 10 Illinois teachers in grades four through eight recognized for superior performance in the classroom and school community.
Northwestern University, Golden Apple's partner for more than 30 years, provides a spring sabbatical to award recipients at no cost. In addition, each Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient receives a $5,000 cash award. Award recipients become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who support current and future teachers and deepen the learning of students.
The nomination period for the 2021 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional Pre-K-third grade Illinois teachers and Pre-K through 12th-grade school leaders at GoldenApple.org/awards .
