THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY logo

Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Award

THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY

Foundation Annual Grants for TeachersGrants for K-12 SchoolsGrants for Education
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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.

  • Private, 501(c)3 organization established in 1986

  • 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)

    • How to Apply

    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

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    teachersk-12-schoolseducation

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Grants for TeachersGrants for K-12 SchoolsGrants for Education

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) Grant

    Amount

    Up to US $10,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    Adams State University Presidential Teacher Award

    Amount

    $1,500 per recipient

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual
    Foundation

    Teacher Grants

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    August 31, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Outstanding Educator Award

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    July 1, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Robert L. Bowen Industry Residency

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    July 1, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Educator Mini-Grant

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual

    Ready to apply for Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Award?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more