The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning invites students, parents, and community members to recognize the extraordinary educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of Collier County students through Thank-A-Teacher nominations for the 37th Annual Golden Apple Program.
Golden Apple is Collier County’s premier educator recognition program, uniting the community in honoring, thanking, and celebrating teachers who exemplify excellence in education. Last year marked the return of community-wide Thank-A-Teacher nominations, resulting in an overwhelming outpouring of gratitude. In just a few weeks, more than 5,700 Thank-A-Teacher cards were submitted recognizing nearly 1,500 Collier County educators, demonstrating the community’s deep appreciation for the professionals who inspire students every day.
Beginning Friday, August 21, students, parents, and members of the community are invited to nominate a Collier County Public Schools educator—including classroom teachers, Related Arts teachers, school counselors, and other educators who work directly with students—to become a Teacher of Distinction in the 37th Annual Golden Apple Selection Process. Each nomination gives community members an opportunity to share a brief story about a time a teacher helped, inspired, or encouraged someone, capturing the personal moments that make these educators so special.
Nominations may be submitted by one of the following methods:
- Filling out a nomination card and dropping it off or mailing it to Champions For Learning’s office (3606 Enterprise Ave., Suite 150, Naples, FL 34104).
- Filling out a nomination card and dropping it off at your school’s front office.
- Completing the online nomination form at Champions For Learning’s website. Link: https://educators.championsforlearning.org/form2/entry/entry.asp
Nomination cards will be available at Champions For Learning’s office and at Collier County Public Schools. Nominations close September 16.
From these nominations, Teachers of Distinction will be identified and announced to the public. These educators will advance to the Golden Apple Selection Process by submitting examples of their best instructional practices and participating in classroom visits and presentations with Champions For Learning’s volunteer selection committee. Following a comprehensive review, the committee will select six educators who will be honored as the 2026-2027 Golden Apple recipients.
“Exceptional educators change lives every day, but too often they don’t receive the recognition they deserve for the extraordinary impact they have on students and our community,” said Dr. Eric Williams, President & CEO of Champions For Learning. “The Golden Apple Program exists to change that. By celebrating outstanding teachers and giving students, families, and the community an opportunity to express their gratitude, we shine a light on the profession, elevate teacher morale, and remind our educators that their dedication matters. Recognition is more than a thank you—it is an investment in the future of education.”
The Golden Apple Selection Process will culminate with the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers on Friday, April 9, at the Naples Grande Beach Resort, where this year’s Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple recipients will be honored. The celebration will also be shared with the community through the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers television broadcast airing on Gulf Coast NBC later in the spring.