Downers Grove North High School Science Teacher Jeff Grant is a recipient of the 2016 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching
North High Science Teacher Jeff Grant is a recipient of a 2016 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Golden Apple is a leading nonprofit committed to celebrating and developing great teachers with the ability and passion to make life-changing differences in the lives of students. According to Golden Apple, the awards recognize and honor outstanding teachers for their role in building a stronger, better-educated society.
Grant was surprised by students and family with the news on April 11, 2016. Click here for photos.
“The students, families and staff members who know Jeff know first-hand that he is an exceptional teacher, and are proud that he is being recognized as one by Golden Apple,” says District 99 Superintendent Dr. Mark McDonald. “Jeff challenges himself daily to be the best teacher he can be, and all of us benefit from his hard work and dedication.”
Grant always is looking to push the boundaries on new methods for students to experience science. He is a curricular leader, and restarted the Anatomy and Physiology classes at the school. Reported as a defining moment in their high school science career, students visit a local hospital to view cadavers as part of Grant’s class. Although he has an extensive scientific background, he has partnered with the Morton Arboretum to bring a world-class researcher to his classroom to help students understand the research process and to learn about real science.
This year’s ten recipients were selected from a pool of more than 400 nominations, and represent 9th-12th grade teachers throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. As part of the awards selection process, distinguished retired teachers, college/university professors, administrators, and former Golden Apple Award recipients served on Golden Apple’s selection committee. Committee members applied research-based professional standards to identify teachers who exemplify the highest standards and practices of the teaching profession. The selection process included classroom observations of the finalists and interviews with colleagues, administrators, students, and parents.
"Research has shown that teachers set the course for student success and have the greatest effect on student learning," said Dominic Belmonte, president and CEO of Golden Apple. "Through their dedication, resourcefulness, inspiration, and genuine caring demeanor, this year’s award recipients have created meaningful learning experiences that have changed their student’s lives.”
Grant has taught at North High since 2003; he is also a member of the North High Class of 1998. Grant received a bachelor’s in secondary education from DePauw University and a master’s in the art of teaching from Aurora University. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher.
The 2016 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 20 at WTTW/Channel 11 Studios in Chicago. The dynamic program will highlight the incredible work of the recipients and all they do to transform teachers and teaching, enriching both students and teachers lives. The event will be live streamed, and include live interviews with former students and guests of the award recipients. WTTW will broadcast the awards in a one-hour television program following the event. Check goldenapple.org/awards for updated information on the broadcast dates.
###