Oswego Elementary Teacher Named 1 Of 30 Golden Apple Award Finalists

OSWEGO, IL — A veteran fifth-grade teacher at Prairie Point Elementary School is a finalist for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Jennifer Van Dusen, who teaches general education, is one of 30 finalists for the prestigious award that honors outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive impacts on their students. The finalists were narrowed down from almost 600 nominations of fourth- through eighth-grade teachers across the state.

As an educator, Van Dusen is not formulaic but rather reflective and responsive, according to Golden Apple. She observes students and tailors her teaching to fit their needs.

"Students describe her room as feeling 'like home,' and that feeling of community allows them to take academic risks, think critically, and take ownership of their learning," a Golden Apple representative wrote in a news release. "Jennifer places student well-being at the center of her practice, establishing strong relationships that help students develop confidence alongside skills."

In an effort to push the boundaries of the classroom, Van Dusen teaches students the value of service and community, encouraging them to participate in food drives, volunteer at food pantries and visit senior living communities. Her class once organized a penny drive that raised more than $3,500 for tornado relief.

"The educators recognized this year demonstrate a consistent commitment to student achievement and measurable growth," Alicia Winckler, CEO of Golden Apple, said in a statement. "By modeling excellence in the classroom, they help students build the persistence and critical thinking required for long-term academic success."

The 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients will be announced in the spring. Northwestern University provides a spring sabbatical to award recipients, who also receive $5,000 in cash.