Our Work

Educator Programs

Champions For Learning’s Educator Programs are designed to value, empower, and support our educators to experience professional success. Classroom Grants and Golden Apple are our two Educator Programs that work with over 400 educators in traditional public, charter, and private schools in Collier County. Classroom Grants aim to provide funding for supplies, classroom items, and enrichment activities not included in the school’s budget. Golden Apple is a highly competitive teacher recognition program that identifies the best teaching practices, celebrates the profession, and provides continued professional development.

Recruitment and retention of teachers remains a serious struggle for the state of Florida and Collier County, reaching record breaking levels, according to the Florida Education Association. The National Education Association reports that Florida ranked 48th in the nation for teacher salaries. Teachers are often spending their own money, beyond traditional school supplies in school districts classified as high need, including fans to keep classrooms cool and snacks to ensure that students are focusing on schoolwork instead of feeling hungry.

Classroom Grants
Golden Apple

We Need Your Help

40%

of new teachers in Florida left the classroom within their first five years

150%

increase in the number of teacher shortages within the past six years

90%

of all teachers spend their own money on school supplies

$500

is the average amount that teachers spend of their own money annually

Champions For Learning Educator Testimonials
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Our Impact On Educators

“Throughout the years, Champions For Learning has supported my students through classroom grants, and now they have personally supported me. It is amazing to know that our education foundation not only supports teachers when it comes to their classrooms, but teachers as individuals.”
CCPS Educator Recipient of Hurricane Relief Funding
“Through Golden Apple, I have been able to make so many connections with other teachers that I would not have normally been able to interact with. I have learned a great deal about myself as an educator and really been able to reflect on what is working and what I can always improve.”
Krista Fusco Golden Apple Recipient 2019
“Champions For Learning is a true champion for educators and students in Collier County. We are lucky to have this organization in our district.”
Heather Stallings Golden Apple Recipient 2022
“Champions For Learning puts 100% of their efforts toward the ultimate goal of student success. Whether through the classroom grant program, teacher and school recognition, or student scholarships and mentoring, Champions provides invaluable resources to students and educators. Our schools, staff and most importantly our students are so fortunate to have the support of Champions For Learning for over 30 years.”
Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli CCPS Superintendent
“As a principal, I can speak to the support provided by Champions for Learning. We all appreciate the teacher grant process, the inspirational Golden Apple program with a teacher representing each school, and the Take Stock in Children program. So many former students have shared that college would have never been an option without it. It is such a comfort to know that support is always there for all Collier County schools.”
Dr. Brian Castellani Collier County Public Schools 2023 Principal of the Year

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