Loyola CSME Celebrates 2026 Golden Apple Award Recipients!
The Loyola University Chicago Center for Science and Math Education (CSME) proudly congratulates 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership recipients Misty Richmond and Shaka Rawls on this outstanding recognition of their impact on students, schools, and communities across Chicago. Both Richmond and Rawls have partnered with CSME through the Center’s professional learning and leadership programming, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing equitable, high-quality STEM education for all learners.
Misty Richmond, a 7th and 8th-grade science and health teacher at James Ward Elementary School in Chicago, was named a recipient of the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate significant and lasting impact on student learning and school communities. Selected through a highly competitive process, recipients are honored for creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences that help students thrive academically and personally.
Richmond has partnered with CSME in many capacities, including leading curriculum-based professional learning. Throughout her collaborations with CSME, Richmond has demonstrated a deep commitment to student-centered science instruction and collaborative professional learning. Her work reflects the type of innovative and equity-focused teaching that CSMEseeks to support through its partnerships with schools and districts.
Shaka Rawls, principal and president of Leo High School in Chicago, received the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership. The award recognizes exceptional school leaders who have demonstrated sustained positive impact within their schools and communities. As an educational leader and advocate for students on Chicago’s South Side, Rawls has been widely recognized for fostering a culture of opportunity, academic excellence, and community engagement at Leo High School.
Rawls has collaborated with CSME through the Big Shoulders Fund High Schools Plus program. Rawls consistently champions meaningful learning experiences that empower both educators and students.
CSME is thrilled to celebrate Richmond and Rawls for this well-deserved recognition. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to educational excellence embody the values that drive the work at CSME. CSME also extends congratulations to all 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients and finalists whose work continues to positively shape the future of education.
To learn more about the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership, read the press releases, and watch the surprise visits for Richmond and Rawls, visit https://www.goldenapple.org/awards.
To learn more about our programming and inquire about working with us, email csme@luc.edu.
The Loyola University Chicago Center for Science and Math Education (CSME) proudly congratulates 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership recipients Misty Richmond and Shaka Rawls on this outstanding recognition of their impact on students, schools, and communities across Chicago. Both Richmond and Rawls have partnered with CSME through the Center’s professional learning and leadership programming, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing equitable, high-quality STEM education for all learners.
Misty Richmond, a 7th and 8th-grade science and health teacher at James Ward Elementary School in Chicago, was named a recipient of the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate significant and lasting impact on student learning and school communities. Selected through a highly competitive process, recipients are honored for creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences that help students thrive academically and personally.
Richmond has partnered with CSME in many capacities, including leading curriculum-based professional learning. Throughout her collaborations with CSME, Richmond has demonstrated a deep commitment to student-centered science instruction and collaborative professional learning. Her work reflects the type of innovative and equity-focused teaching that CSMEseeks to support through its partnerships with schools and districts.
Shaka Rawls, principal and president of Leo High School in Chicago, received the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership. The award recognizes exceptional school leaders who have demonstrated sustained positive impact within their schools and communities. As an educational leader and advocate for students on Chicago’s South Side, Rawls has been widely recognized for fostering a culture of opportunity, academic excellence, and community engagement at Leo High School.
Rawls has collaborated with CSME through the Big Shoulders Fund High Schools Plus program. Rawls consistently champions meaningful learning experiences that empower both educators and students.
CSME is thrilled to celebrate Richmond and Rawls for this well-deserved recognition. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to educational excellence embody the values that drive the work at CSME. CSME also extends congratulations to all 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients and finalists whose work continues to positively shape the future of education.
To learn more about the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership, read the press releases, and watch the surprise visits for Richmond and Rawls, visit https://www.goldenapple.org/awards.
To learn more about our programming and inquire about working with us, email csme@luc.edu.