Turner Drew Language Academy Teacher Wins Prestigious ‘Golden Apple’

Turner Drew Language Academy students celebrates teacher Alicia Carlisle’s Golden Apple Award (Credit: Tacuma Roeback).& Grade school children at the Turner Drew Language Academy on the South Side held pom poms or signs that read “#TeachGolden” but barely held onto their excitement over what would transpire at the school gym.& As soon as the door flipped open and first-grade teacher Alicia Carlisle stepped into the room, it all came to a glorious head. They and staff members erupted. They cheered, shrieked, clapped and/or jumped because Carlisle, one of their own, earned one of the top awards in her profession in Illinois: “The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.” Carlisle was recognized for her exceptional commitment, innovative spirit and transformative influence on her students and school community. She was one of the ten teacher award recipients in the state, chosen from over 600 nominations of Pre-K to third-grade teachers. Alan Mather, president of The Golden Apple Foundation, said that what sets Carlisle apart is her ability to tailor her instruction to diverse learners and captivate them.& “When we went and observed her, there was joy in the classroom,” said Mather, recalling a visit. “So while she is focusing on what...