Naples - Champions for Learning is excited to announce the 2019-2020 Teachers of Distinction for Collier County. As part of the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, each school in Collier County Public Schools has the opportunity to nominate a teacher and best practice to highlight on behalf of their school. From this group of 53 Teachers of Distinction, Champions For Learning’s community- based selection committee will identify the Golden Apple recipients.

The Teachers of Distinction not only receive a $250 cash award and multiple celebration activities, but also have the opportunity to share their ideas and practices across the county with their colleagues and the community through this process. With a vision of a community that is 100% engaged in support of student success, Champions For Learning creates opportunities for educators that support high impact learning experiences for every child.

The Teachers of Distinction and the Golden Apple recipients will be honored at the 30th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner presented by Suncoast Credit Union on April 3, 2020 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.

In Immokalee the following teachers were honored:

At Lake Trafford Elementary- Manoucheca Redding for Motivating Student Engagement and Accountability.

At Highlands Elementary - William R. Combes for Empowering all with all education.

At Pinecrest Elementary - Lori M. Snell forr Building Self-esteem Through Positive Affirmations.

At Village Oaks Elementary - Vanessa Anthony for Supporting Students Social Emotional Needs.

At lmmokalee Middle - Cynthia Gonzalez for Teaching, using a split class approach.

At lmmokalee High - David Stehlin for Engagement in Rigor & Empathy Promotes Learning.

At lmmokalee Technical College - Maria Leyva for Cultural Acclimation through Relevant Instruction.

Thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union for the support provided educators. Generous support is also provided by Golden Apple Major Sponsors: Conditioned Air, eBella Magazine, Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, NBC-2 Waterman Broadcasting, and Stock Development.

Opportunities to sponsor a school to attend the event are available. For more information on event sponsorships and ticket sales go to www.ChampionsForLearning.org/GA