The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring and supporting great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, recently announced the 2023 finalists for the distinguished Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Leadership, presented in honor of founding Golden Apple board member Stanley C. Golder. 

Michelle Navarre, principal at Polaris Charter Academy, is one of six finalists for the annual award. 

Michelle Navarre, Polaris Charter Academy, Chicago

Navarre is one of three Golden Apple award-winning teachers who founded Polaris Charter Academy.  Navarre strongly believes in establishing a school that encourages higher levels of collaboration. Her instructional leadership style includes an expanded definition of student achievement. At Polaris, Navarre’s staff tracks achievement in three dimensions: mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality work. This drives her annual professional development plan for teachers, who she encourages to learn by doing and learning in an environment where they can take risks and make mistakes. Navarre promotes lifelong learning by consistently requesting feedback from teachers at Polaris and inviting them to observe her teaching when she fills in for an absent teacher at the school. Navarre has taught every grade level at Polaris Charter Academy, which is just one example of the many ways she promotes a culture of openness, collaboration and transparency at her school.

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership honors exemplary performance in school leadership by a principal or head of school who has had a significant and sustained positive impact on the school created a culture of inclusivity, and delivered dramatic student growth.

“These school leaders are transformative and have shown the ability to empower teachers so their students may thrive,” said Alan Mather, President of Golden Apple. “We recognize their leadership, commitment to success, and dedication to elevating those they serve within their school communities.”

View the 2023 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership Finalists 

“By designing a culture of high expectations for their school communities, school leaders like these finalists are creating positive outcomes for their teachers and students,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of Golden Apple. “Our 2023 finalists have demonstrated leadership skills that have led to sustained growth for their school communities, and we are proud to honor them.”

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recipients receive a cash award of $10,000, with $5,000 for the school leader and $5,000 for the school for a project of the recipient’s choosing. Award recipients become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs – dedicated to addressing Illinois’s teacher shortage.