Do you know a special teacher who demonstrates a contagious enthusiasm for teaching and learning? Are they someone who regularly inspires all students to take on new challenges and to recognize their full potential? Have you met a teacher who thinks outside the box and advances new approaches to teaching and learning?
Golden Schools Foundation is holding the 15th annual Golden Teacher Recognition Awards to reward and encourage excellence in teaching at our articulation schools. These Golden schools include Kyffin, Mitchell, Ralston, Shelton and Welchester Elementary, Bell Middle, and Golden High School.
The two winning teachers will be awarded $1,000 each to be spent in their classroom for supplies, a crystal apple, and recognition at their school. They will also be acknowledged in local press/newspapers among the Golden community. Winning teachers will also be featured on our website showcase of winners.
Award Criteria & How to Nominate:
Write a one page letter showing how the teacher you wish to nominate demonstrates the following criteria. Please provide one or more examples for each category and include the teacher’s name, their school, grade/subject they teach, and your name and connection to the school.
• Innovative and effective teaching methods that demonstrate critical and creative thinking. Give examples of how the teacher uses imagination, innovation, and ingenuity to teach.
• Commitment to all of their students that goes above and beyond official job requirements. Show how they advocate for the needs of their students.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to create a positive school environment. Please illustrate the teacher’s collaboration with peers & ability to lead by influence.
Who Can Nominate:
Parents, students, principals, or other staff members may nominate a teacher. Teachers can be nominated more than once, and group nominations of one teacher are also accepted.
Previous winners cannot be nominated again. View previous winners at
https://www.goldenschoolsfoundation.org/teacher-recognition
All nominations are due by 5pm (MT) on April 3, 2026. Applications past this time and date will not be considered. Winners will be announced the week of May 4, 2026 (Teacher’s Appreciation Week)
Choose one of the following options for submitting your nomination:
1. Send a PDF via email to tsmith@diversifiedbldrs.com and also copy chair@goldenschoolsfoundation.org. 2. Submit online via THIS FORM
The Golden Schools Foundation is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization - tax ID: 80-0674143