Buffalo Grove High School Teacher Named Golden Apple Finalist

Buffalo Grove High School's Peter Duffer, who teaches advanced placement micro and macro economics, is among 32 finalists for Illinois' 2013 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

The finalists, selected from a pool of 510 nominations and 215 applicants, represent high school teachers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.  

Since 1986, Golden Apple has recognized outstanding teachers throughout Illinois each year. The awards recognize outstanding teachers for their roles in building a stronger, better-educated society. 

Duffer and the 31 other finalists will participate in a final round of review and observations prior to the announcement of the 10 recipients in May.

“The tenacity and passion that these teachers possess for their classrooms, schools and communities are inspiring," said Dominic Belmonte, president and CEO of Golden Apple. "They represent the epitome of excellence in education. We are proud to have them represent Golden Apple’s mission to inspire, develop and support teacher excellence in Illinois.” 

Golden Apple’s selection committee is made up of prominent retired teachers, college and university professors, administrators and former Golden Apple Award recipients. Committee members implement industry and research based professional standards in their selection process. The goal is to identify those teachers who exemplify the highest standards and practices of the teaching profession.  

As part of the process, the finalists are observed in their classrooms and the selection committee conducts interviews with the teachers’ colleagues, supervisors, students and parents.   

Each Golden Apple Award recipient receives a tuition-free, spring quarter sabbatical to study at Northwestern University. Each recipient also receives a $3,000 cash award. Recipients also become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, giving them a stronger voice and a larger stage from which to address improving the education experience of children.