Lake View Teacher Receives Golden Apple Award

CHICAGO — A Lake View teacher has received a Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching award, which recognizes and honors outstanding teachers for their roles in building a stronger, better-educated society. Ten teachers from across the state received the annual award. Golden Apple is an Illinois nonprofit that's dedicated to recognizing exemplary educators and developing future educators.

The organization surprised Erin Unander, a high school teacher at Lake View High School, with the award Tuesday in front of students, family and school leadership.

Following a highly competitive process, the 2019 award recipients were selected from more than 550 nominations of high school teachers.

The demand for recognition throughout the state was "profound," Golden Apple said. Nominations for outstanding teachers and leaders were received from 71 Illinois counties.

“The historic opportunity to bring the recognition of the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching to all of the schools and teachers in Illinois is thrilling and we are delighted to honor Erin Unander this year,” said President of Golden Apple Alan Mather.

Teacher finalists demonstrate — in their teaching and results — significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning, Golden Apple said. Fellow educators, students, parents and community members nominate teachers for the awards. Teachers may not self-nominate.

“We believe that recognizing exemplary educators helps to elevate the teaching profession to its rightful place of honor,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of Golden Apple. “Golden Apple is inspired by the high standards set by these outstanding educators. The quality of their teaching and passion for supporting their students’ growth create an environment in which students are inspired to persevere and attain their dreams. Their work as educators is critical to realizing a better future and we are proud to recognize their valuable contributions.”

Award recipients are selected by "master educators" with extensive knowledge of instructional best practices, the organization said. They use professional standards to evaluate exemplary teachers and school leaders.

In her teaching, Unander places great emphasis on access and equity in math education, Golden Apple said. With a student body that is culturally and socioeconomically diverse, Unander "strives to create lessons that are culturally relevant and unbiased," the organization said.

"Her goal is to take every student from where s/he is to where s/he should be — and that path is different for each of her students," the organization said in a statement. "Lake View High School Principal Paul Karafiol credits Unander with successfully turning around the school’s entire math department over the past three years. Math teachers and students are reaping the benefits of her hard work."

For the first time in the school’s recent history, students are showing expected year-to-year gains in mathematics, Golden Apple said.

"Unander’s students say they love her enthusiasm, energy and the genuine interest that she has for what’s happening in their lives. They say she believes in them and challenges them to be better, even when they are doing well."

Members of the selection committee viewed video evidence of instruction and observed finalists’ teaching in-person in their classrooms — a comprehensive day which included direct observation of in-classroom teaching, accompanied by interviewing finalists’ colleagues, school leaders, students, parents and community members.