FORT MYERS, FL (October 20, 2026) – For 40 years, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has recognized educators who go above and beyond to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students through its Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program. As the program celebrates its 40th anniversary during the 2026–2027 school year, the Foundation is proud to continue a longstanding tradition of honoring outstanding teachers and highlighting the important role educators play in shaping the future of Lee County.
Established in 1986, the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching throughout the School District of Lee County. As the Foundation’s first major program, Golden Apple invites students, parents, fellow educators, school administrators, and community members to nominate teachers who make an extraordinary impact on their students and classrooms.
The community’s enthusiasm for recognizing outstanding educators is especially evident this anniversary year. For the 2026–2027 school year alone, the program has received more than 3,200 teacher nominations from across Lee County. This remarkable milestone reflects the community’s appreciation for educators who inspire learning, encourage students to reach their potential, and create meaningful experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
Over the past four decades, the Golden Apple program has honored 230 educators with the prestigious Golden Apple Award. The program continues to bring together local businesses, community partners, school leaders, families, and students to celebrate the teachers who help strengthen public education throughout Lee County.
Following the nomination period, eligible teachers complete an application process, and a selection committee made up of community and business leaders reviews applications to identify finalists. Finalists participate in personal interviews and classroom observations before six teachers are selected to receive the Golden Apple Award.
Each year, the program culminates in an elegant banquet honoring the six Golden Apple recipients, finalists, Teachers of Distinction, and members of the Academy of Teachers. The event provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate the dedication, creativity, and impact of Lee County educators.
The 40th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet will take place on April 23, 2027, bringing the community together to celebrate this milestone year and recognize the outstanding educators serving Lee County students.
“A good public education system is the cornerstone to an economically robust community and teachers are the heart and soul of that system,” said Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “Second only to our families, teachers have the most profound impact on preparing our community’s greatest asset, our students, for a bright and productive future. It is, therefore, important to honor our teachers and shine the spotlight on this most important profession.”
As the Foundation celebrates this milestone, the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program remains an important reminder that great teachers deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Their dedication reaches far beyond the classroom, influencing students’ confidence, opening doors to future opportunities, and strengthening the community as a whole.
For more information about the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program and The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, visit www.leeschoolfoundation.org.
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.