The most common charge hurled towards our organization is the perception we are elitist. How could we name ten teachers each year when all teachers deserve praise? The criticism is parallel with the viewpoint that we all, arm in arm, march through the step-and-lane teacher salary schedule together, no one teacher being italicized.
This week we will honor teachers for the 27th consecutive year, this year pre-k through 3rd grade teachers. Somewhere in the blogosphere someone will harrumph, but I say more than ever we need to show the general public excellent teachers, especially of those who teach the littlest of our children. With all the brickbats and harangue leveled at our profession by the indolent, the subtextual and the ulterior motived, we should look at the ten we honor this week, turn to those castigators and say one collective “REALLY?” As we do every year, the process uncovered heartening stories of triumph over travail, personal sacrifice for children, and a talent level that should bring attention to the national stage, what our little ship endeavors to do through our annual process. Sure there are terrific teachers we don’t name because of the limitation of ten presented to us by our founders’ vision of what could be encompassed within an hour television broadcast, and still others for their good reasons choose not to engage in our process and continue on as had the inspirational mentors of generations earlier before them. But in this time, those we find should serve as a reason to say to those who detract, these are professionals. Do not try this at home.
Golden Apple 
Eloquently and succinctly said. Thank you.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! I applaud the GAF for continuing to recognize excellence in teaching. I would like to see GAF also ask teaching teachers to nominate and recognize for Excellent Principals and school leaders, who have the unique ability to positively impact students by implementation of great school policies.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! I so agree that it is important to recognize excellent principals and school leaders. Golden Apple Foundation recognizes each principal, along with the teacher nominated from his or her school. Without an innovative principal – one who shares – or respects – the diversity of innovative teaching strategies, of methods – a teacher may not be able to make his or her individual vision come to life in a classroom. The support and encouragement of a principal to teachers makes ALL the difference! It’s my understanding that different districts in Illinois, through several support organizations, do honor principals each year with Outstanding Principal Awards. High schools, schools of the Arts in Chicago, I do believe participate annually in honoring excellent principals. Canada, I am told, has an active program supporting the same. I think your idea is terrific – and the positive recognition of such a respected award, does ignite the entire school community! Recognition of outstanding principals, by all means, hopefully will be forthcoming. The focus of Golden Apple Foundation covers a wide spectrum of the world of teaching — varied techniques, supports, professional development, workshops, seminars – all to help us make that difference in the life of a child, along with our passing that knowledge and inspiration to our Scholars, who will be the teachers of tomorrow. Teaching is the area of expertise shared by each and every member of GAF. I do so agree that a foundation honoring, giving professional recognition — focusing on the world of a school principal,and their essential leadership skills — is yet another vision that hopefully will come to be. Mike Koldyke’s vision made Golden Apple Foundation, honoring teachers, come to be, making his vision happen! We strive to uphold this honor each and every day, never losing sight of that trust, passed on to us, to keep that light shining brightly. Principal honors — onward!