GACI is a new program of the Golden Apple Foundation, an organization that has been celebrating and teaching educators in the Chicagoland area since 1985. Golden Apple’s principle focus is: All Children Deserve Excellent Teachers. Since its inception, Golden Apple Chicago annually has presented the coveted Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching to over 200 extraordinary teachers in the five-county Chicago area (10 awards each year) through a rigorous selection process. Those honored teachers are provided a two-semester sabbatical of study, a computer, $3,000, and through induction into the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, the opportunity to consider programmatic responses to the needs of students in their area, which Golden Apple helps establish and fund.

Great teaching exists throughout Illinois, not just in the Chicago area. The Golden Apple Central Illinois organization is expanding the celebration and education of teachers to 18 counties in Central Illinois. Each year, GACI will accept nominations of excellent pre-K-12th grade teachers each September 1 through December 1. In spring each year, 10 outstanding teachers from those nominated will be selected, awarded, and celebrated.

Golden Apple Central Illinois Award-winning teachers will receive a sabbatical to study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a laptop computer, $3,000, and the opportunity through the GACI Academy of Educators to create educational programs that will positively impact the students of your community.

Golden1 Apple Central Illinois will be a vehicle to highlight the exceptional teaching that exists in your community and will recognize the strong civic values that characterize Central Illinois. Fresh and innovative ideas for improving education in our region will emerge from the supportive environment Golden Apple provides. This commitment to the nurturing and inspiration embodied in the teaching profession is symbolized by the hands in the Golden Apple logo.