Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Award

Purpose: Recognition and honor for outstanding educators in the School District of Lee County. This was the first major project funded and developed by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.

Geographic Scope: School District of Lee County, Florida

Eligibility:

• Teachers from the School District of Lee County
• Open to community-wide nominations

Selection Process:

• Community-wide invitation to nominate teachers (begins in September)
• Three-step selection process:
  1. Blind comprehensive application review
  2. Classroom observations of teaching style and skill
  3. Personal interviews with the Golden Apple Selection Committee
• Selection Committee includes sponsors, board members, and community representatives

What Makes Awardees Stand Out:

• Exceptional educators who exemplify qualities of educational leadership
• Outstanding performance and dedication to the teaching profession
• Representatives of the caliber of educators in the district

Recognition:

• Six recipients selected annually
• Honored at an annual black-tie banquet event (typically held in May)
• Banquet event broadcasted via local media
• Celebration and recognition of their contributions to education
• Invitation to join the Academy of Teachers

Organization Information:

• The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.
• Rated as Platinum 4-star nonprofit organization by GuideStar

Contact Information:

• Phone: 239.337.0433
• Foundation Office Address: 2266 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1608, FL 33902
• Marketing Director: Brittany Carroll (Brittany@LeeSchoolFoundation.org)

Selection and Recognition Process

1. Nomination Phase: Community-wide invitation to nominate teachers (begins in September)
2. Application Phase: Nominees complete comprehensive application
3. Observation Phase: Selection Committee conducts classroom observations to assess teaching style and skill
4. Interview Phase: Finalists participate in personal interviews with the Golden Apple Selection Committee
5. Selection: Six finalists selected through three-step process
6. Recognition Event: Recipients honored at annual black-tie banquet (typically May)
7. Induction: Recipients invited to join the Academy of Teachers

Contact for more information:

• Phone: 239.337.0433
• Email: Brittany@LeeSchoolFoundation.org