Maine West Teacher Named Golden Apple Winner

A Maine West High School teacher has received a high honor for his outstanding work in the classroom.

Art teacher Gregory Regalado has been selected as Golden Apple award winner from a pool of 510 Chicago area nominees. Regalado learned of the news yesterday through a surprise visit to his classroom by Golden Apple representatives. Regalado said his passion for art and education has led him to become an art teacher and practicing artist.

“My students see that there is a connection between art in the classroom and my personal life as an artist,” he said in a Golden Apple press release.

In his classroom, students are able to experiment and investigate thoughtfully and safely without fear of criticism for venturing outside of the traditional parameters of the creative process is some classrooms.

Each Golden Apple recipient receives a tuition-free, spring quarter sabbatical to study at Norhtwestern University. They also receive a $3,000 cash award, and become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, providing a stronger voice and a larger stage from which to make an impact in education.