(WSIL) -- The 2025 Golden Apple Award of Excellence in Teaching finalists have been announced, and one of them happens to be a teacher from southern Illinois. Karen Engelmann, a 15-year teacher at Cobden High School, is now one of 30 finalists in the competition. Engelmann's strong career, and on-hand teaching practices, helped her stand out from the more than 470 nominations.
A local teacher is one of the finalists in the prestigious 'Golden Apple Awards' in Illinois.
According to Engelmann's colleagues, "She's an educator who inspires leadership, challenges students to reach their full potential, and creates a learning environment where every student feels valued." Engelmann is said to have a "hands-on" approach to teaching, introducing her students to a variety of global perspectives through food and traditions, put into practical application. It's through these different topics and conversations that Engelmann is said to foster discussions on global issues and broaden student's understanding of the world. Engelmann also founded the Future Teachers program, meant to mentor future teachers in our area.
The final selection of the 2025 Golden Apple Award recipients will be announced in the spring. Each recipient receives a $5,000 award.
"Great teachers can change lives," said Alan Mather, President of Golden Apple. "We're honored to recognize their invaluable contributions."
The Golden Apple is a prestigious award given in Michigan, New Mexico and Illinois. According to their website, they're "committed to making a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage by expanding the pipeline of highly effective, diverse educators, especially in schools-of-need through our teacher preparation programs."
In 2024, the process was so highly competitive that 30 Pre-K to 3rd grade teachers were selected as finalists, including Christina Beck from West Side Primary School in Harrisburg.
You can find more information about the program and past finalists at:
