Schools
Local Educator a Finalist for Golden Apple Award
Sherry DeBoeuf teaches preschoolers at Bonnie McBeth Learning Center.
District 202 early childhood teacher Sherry DeBoeuf knew when she was a child that she wanted to be a teacher. But she never expected to be honored for her life’s passion of helping children learn every day.
Yet, that is exactly what has happened.
DeBoeuf, a 31-year veteran educator is one of only 32 finalists for the prestigious Golden Apple award, which is given each year to 10 exceptional Chicago-area teachers. She has taught at the Bonnie McBeth Learning Center, District 202’s preschool since 2008.
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DeBoeuf is only the second District 202 teacher in the award’s history to be named a finalist. The other – former JFK Middle School teacher Holly Bontkowski – won a Golden Apple in 2008.
The Golden Apple Award, presented by the Golden Apple Foundation has been given to only 270 educators since the program’s inception in 1986. The 270 included 10 teachers in 2008 from Central Illinois, which is no longer included in the program.
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About 500 teachers from Cook, Lake, Kane, DuPage and Will counties were nominated this year. The 32 finalists will be honored April 21, 2012 at the “Celebration of Excellence in Teaching” held at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago.
This year’s 10 Golden Apple awards will be announced in mid-May. Golden Apple Award winners receive a paid quarter sabbatical at Northwestern University. Winners also receive $3,000 cash and induction into the Golden Apple Academy of Educators.
A panel of experienced educators selects each year’s Golden Apple winners who exemplify the highest standards and practices of the teaching profession.
Among the qualities considered are: demonstrating distinguished classroom practice; professionalism and collegiality; high standards for themselves and their students; the ability to create a classroom environment conducive to learning; the ability to reflect on practice; creativity; commitment to students and their learning; and contribution to the wider school community.
This story was submitted to Patch by Plainfield School District 202.
