Clare Woods Academy Teacher Gets Golden Apple Award

WHEATON, IL — James Rowe received quite the surprise to kick off the work week teaching at Clare Woods Academy Monday when he was presented with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Rowe was one of just 11 teachers in Illinois selected for the award.

The winning 9th-12th grade educators were chosen from a field of over 470 nominees.

"Exceptional teachers ignite curiosity, build confidence, and create pathways to lifelong success for their students," Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation, said in a statement.

Mather added, "The educators we honor today exemplify teaching at its finest. They blend passion with expertise and innovation with compassion. As they join our community of excellence, these individuals will help us strengthen the teaching profession across Illinois, inspiring and mentoring emerging educators who will shape countless young minds for generations to come."

Rowe, who teaches 11th and 12th grade special education, has been an educator for over 25 years, according to The Golden Apple Foundation, which wrote,

"James integrates supportive and resilience-building teaching into his classroom, applying strategies from professional development workshops to create a safe and supportive environment. His approach helps students understand and manage their emotions, build resilience, and gain confidence in overcoming challenges.
He incorporates community engagement by organizing field trips to local libraries and museums, providing students with experiences that connect classroom lessons to their everyday world.
James fosters a supportive and uplifting school environment. Each morning, he decorates his vehicle with stuffed animals, creating a moment of joy for students as they arrive and reinforcing the importance of a positive start to the day. Colleagues admire his ability to connect with students, instill confidence, and create an environment where they feel valued and supported."

As a Golden Apple Award Winner, Row will get $5,000 in cash, along with a spring sabbatical courtesy of Northwestern University.

Click the link to learn more about the Golden Apple Awards.