The Golden Apple Foundation, a leading nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring and mentoring educators who advance educational opportunities for students, announced the 2025 finalists for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.
A highly competitive award process resulted in the selection of 30 ninth-12th grade teacher finalists out of more than 470 nominations.
“Great teachers change lives. These finalists exemplify the dedication and passion that define exceptional teaching,” said Alan Mather, President of Golden Apple. “Their commitment to fostering student growth and inspiring a love for learning enriches not only their classrooms but also the entire educational community. We are honored to recognize their invaluable contributions.”
The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher finalists demonstrate — in their teaching and results — a significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.
“Amid the challenges facing education today, it is more important than ever to celebrate the educators who go above and beyond for their students and get results,” said Alicia Winckler, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Apple. “These finalists remind us of the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on shaping futures and building strong communities. We are proud to honor their extraordinary impact.”
Northwestern University provides a spring sabbatical to award recipients at no cost. Each recipient receives a $5,000 cash award. Award recipients become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs — initiatives dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.
Shelbyville High School teacher Timothy Aberle is one of 30 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalists in Illinois.
Aberle is a social studies and English teacher, dedicated to measurable academic growth and innovative instruction. His leadership has contributed to a graduation rate increase from 89% to 100% and major gains in science (33% to 76%), math (17% to 40%) and English (22% to 32%) proficiency.
In addition to classroom instruction, he prepares students for future careers in education through the future teacher cohort, offering mentorship and real-world learning experiences. His approach to history emphasizes civic engagement, using mock trials and case studies to challenge students to analyze historical events and their modern implications. In English, he enriches discussions by pairing classic texts like “The Great Gatsby” with “A Lesson Before Dying,” using literature to provide windows into different perspectives of the American experience.
Collaboration is central to his work. He actively discusses new curriculum and teaching methods with colleagues, seeking feedback to improve his instruction.
Recognized as one of the top educators by his principal, Aberle continues to drive student success and academic leadership at Shelbyville High School.