The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Collier County Teachers of Distinction. On Monday October 20th, they came together for the Teacher of Distinction Kickoff Event, the starting point for the Golden Apple Program, Collier County’s premier educator recognition program.
Golden Apple unites the community in honoring, thanking, and celebrating teachers who inspire their students and exemplify the very best of the teaching profession. At the request of our community, parents, students, and colleagues had the opportunity to thank a teacher by nominating them to represent their school as a Teacher of Distinction with Thank-A-Teacher Nomination Cards. Over 5,700 Thank-A-Teacher submissions for nearly 1,500 educators were made in just a few weeks. This community-wide outpouring demonstrates a deep appreciation for our educators and how they change lives inside and outside of classrooms. Based on community nominations, these 59 teachers from 59 Collier County schools have been selected as this year’s Teachers of Distinction (click here for the complete list).
This group of educators will present their best practice to Champions For Learning’s volunteer selection committee. The committee will identify and select six educators to honor as the Golden Apple recipients in March 2026. The process culminates in April with the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers, a first-class community event that shines a spotlight on educators.
The 36th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner will be held on April 17th at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. This year’s event will return as an elegant dinner event celebrating the 2025-2026 cohort of Collier County Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple Recipients, who exemplify teaching excellence.
Also returning for this year’s event is The Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers television program, in partnership with Gulf Coast News. A date and time for the broadcast will be announced at a later date.
“We are so excited for the 2026 Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers to return as an elegant, sit-down dinner to honor our outstanding educators for the incredible work they achieve in their classrooms and within our community,” said Eric Williams, President and CEO of Champions For Learning. “This dinner reflects our partnership with Collier County Public Schools and our commitment to serve as a catalyst for educational success.”
Details regarding tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers will be coming soon. Please visit Championsforlearning.org/goldenapple/ for the most up to date information.