Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 is proud to announce that Julie Chalberg, a first grade teacher at Field School, has been named one of 30 finalists for the 2015 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.
Now in its 30th year, the awards recognize and honor outstanding teachers for their role in building a stronger, better-educated society. This year’s finalists were selected from a pool of more than 600 nominations, and represent grades pre-K through 3 teachers throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Ms. Chalberg has been with District 64 for seven years, all at Field School in first grade. Ms. Chalberg is the second District 64 teacher to receive the Golden Apple finalist accolade. Debbie Graziano, now a Channels of Challenge teacher at Roosevelt and Washington schools, was named a finalist in 2009 while teaching 2nd grade at Carpenter School.
“Golden Apple celebrates teachers who make a difference in the lives of students, and we couldn’t be prouder that Julie was selected for this honor,” District 64 Superintendent Laurie Heinz said.
According to Dr. Heinz, a parent commented that Ms. Chalberg ensures that all of her students master the basics – especially reading – so they can continue to progress with their lifelong learning. “At the same time, without them even knowing it, Ms. Chalberg ignites a spark of energy within her students that builds a passion for learning that remains with them throughout the joys and challenges they experience during their many years of education,” the parent noted to Dr. Heinz.
The 30 finalists will experience a final round of review and classroom observations prior to the selection and announcement this spring of the 10 award recipients. The selection committee also will conduct interviews with the teachers’ colleagues, supervisors, students and parents.
Golden Apple’s award selection committee is comprised of college and university professors, administrators and former Golden Apple Award recipients. Committee members utilize industry and research based professional standards to identify teachers who exemplify the best of the teaching profession.
“All of the selection committee members are so impressed by the dedication, passion and drive for excellence in teaching that these finalists have demonstrated. They exemplify the powerful role that an outstanding teacher can play in transforming students’ lives,” said Dominic Belmonte, president and CEO of Golden Apple.