Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico has been recognizing exemplary teachers since 1996.  Over the years, 81 teachers have received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.  They represent 78 schools (elementary, middle, high school) in 37 different communities all over New Mexico.

Our Fellows demonstrate high levels of commitment not only to continue their own learning but also to ensuring that New Mexico’s next generation of teachers is successful in helping students learn.

The process for selecting these award-winning teachers is comprehensive and in-depth.

• Teachers are nominated in the fall by principals, colleagues, parents, students, or community members.
• Nominated teachers complete an application that includes reflection on their teaching practice.
• Prior winners of the Golden Apple Award read applications and select semi-finalists.
• The Fellows Nomination and Selection Committee (retired and active educators) reads applications of semi-finalists and selects finalists.
• Each finalist is visited by a team of three members for the Fellows Nomination and Selection Committee.  The all-day site visit includes classroom observation and interviews with principals, colleagues, parents and students, as well as with the finalist.
• The Fellows Nomination and Selection Committee meets to select the seven Award winners.

The Award includes:

• A $1,500 stipend
• Funding for a comprehensive professional development plan designed by the Award winner
• Ongoing professional development as a member of the Golden Apple Academy of Fellows
• A laptop computer donated by Intel Corporation