The Golden Apple Foundation has announced the names of the teachers selected to move forward in the selection process for the 2026 Golden Apple Awards. Nine of the 20 finalists are from RPS 205 schools! These talented 6th-12th grade teachers were chosen by a committee of community volunteers who had the challenging task of selecting from the nominees.
Nicole Frazer, Jefferson High School
Joseph Free, Jefferson High School
Christopher Galetsis, Auburn High School
Greg Johnson, Roosevelt Community Education Center
Amy Kepner, East High School
Justin Saichek, West Middle School
Chelsea Spinello-Johnson, Marshall Middle School
Bryce Thomas, Guilford High School
Ana Weickert, Auburn High School
These teachers will be observed in their classrooms by trained community volunteers on four separate occasions between Jan. 20 and Feb. 18, 2026. They will also be interviewed by a set of community volunteers. The process culminates with the selection of five teachers who will receive the prestigious Golden Apple Award in March in surprise classroom presentations.
Each Golden Apple award-winning teacher will receive a $1,000 cash award from Members Alliance Credit Union and Golden Apple Foundation; a $500 professional development stipend from the Regional Office of Education; an electronic tablet from Entre Computer Solutions, and a Rockford University scholarship. In addition, they will be inducted into the Golden Apple Teacher Academy where, as members, they will work to increase public awareness of Golden Apple Foundation and educational excellence in our schools, promote the profession of education, and provide mentoring to both new and veteran teachers.
The Annual Golden Apple Banquet recognizing Excellence in Education and honoring the Golden Apple Teachers will be held Friday, April 24, 2026, at Tebala Event Center.