2024 Golden Apple Finalists

Jeremy Toledo of Rockford teaches choir, guitar and drama at Harlem High School, where he’s been the past 3 of his 17 years teaching.

Chelsea Spinello-Johnson of Machesney Park has taught 8th grade literature and publications at Thurgood Marshall Middle School for 8 of her 16 years of teaching.

Ariana Sanders of Rockford has taught Social Studies the entire 7 years of her career at Belvidere High School.

Marianna Ruggerio of Rockford has taught physics at Auburn High School the past 8 of her 15 years teaching.

Kathleen Podraza of Winnebago has been teaching English at North Boone High School 12 of her 15-year teaching career.

Tim Perian of Machesney Park has taught music at alma mater Harlem High School all 8 years of his teaching career.

Dr. Teresa Kruger of Rockford teaches social studies at Belvidere North High School. She’s been there 22 of her 28 years of teaching.