Downers Grove North Teacher Wins 2016 Golden Apple Award

Downers Grove, IL - Jeff Grant, A.P. biology, anatomy and physiology teacher at Downers Grove North High School, was surprised Monday with a 2016 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

Grant has taught at North High since 2003, and he is a member of the North High Class of 1998.

He received a bachelor’s in secondary education from DePaul University and a master’s in the art of teaching from Aurora University, according to Community High School District 99. He is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Grant is a curricular leader who restarted the anatomy and physiology classes after the school went 22 years without them.

For the past five years, he has organized science meetings at 7 a.m. for teachers to gather to discuss ideas and activities, according to Golden Apple. Grant has also partnered with the Morton Arboretum to bring a world-class researcher to his classroom to help students understand the research process.

The Golden Apple awards recognize outstanding teachers for their role in building a stronger, better-educated society. The recipients were selected from more than 400 nominees. Recipients were nominated by students, community members and colleagues.

Each Golden Apple Award recipient receives a tuition-free spring quarter sabbatical to study at Northwestern University. They also receive a $5,000 cash award. Award recipients also become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators.

The 2016 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony May 20 at WTTW/Channel 11 Studios in Chicago. Check goldenapple.org/awards for updated information on the broadcast dates.

Photos courtesy of Golden Apple.