RPS 205 is proud to celebrate 317 PreK-5 teachers nominated for the 2027 Golden Apple Teacher Awards, recognizing educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families.
See the full list of 2027 Golden Apple Teacher Award nominees: https://goldenappleofrockford.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Golden-Apple-Nominee-LIST-2026-2027.pdf
This year, parents, students and community members submitted 1,464 nominations for 662 teachers across 70 schools in Winnebago and Boone counties. The nominations shared powerful examples of how teachers inspire students, build relationships and help children succeed.
A student from Lewis Lemon Elementary School summed up their teacher’s impact simply: “She helps me and makes me smart.” A parent from Gregory Elementary School praised a bilingual teacher for helping students and families feel understood, included and valued. “As a bilingual educator, he has the unique ability to make students and their families feel understood, included, and truly seen,” the parent wrote. “He inspires and makes a difference that his students will remember long after they leave his classroom.”
These comments represent just a few of the many stories shared in this year’s nominations.
A reception honoring this year’s nominees will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Rockford University, 5050 E. State St.
The nomination is the first step in the selection process. Eligible teachers will next submit reflective essays and letters of recommendation. To qualify, teachers must be certified, have at least five years of teaching experience and teach in a PreK-5 classroom. A selection committee will review teachers’ professional portfolios and select 20 finalists to advance to classroom observations and interviews conducted by community volunteers.
Six teachers will receive the 2027 Golden Apple Award and be honored at the Excellence in Education Banquet on April 23, 2027. Each award recipient will receive:
A $1,000 cash award.
A professional development stipend through the Regional Office of Education.
A Rockford University scholarship.
Membership in the Golden Apple Teacher Academy.