Applications open for Golden Apple’s Scholars, Accelerators teacher prep programs

By Editor | September 25, 2025 |

Aspiring teachers encouraged to apply to programs aimed at addressing Illinois’ teacher shortage crisis

ILLINOIS – Golden Apple, a non-profit committed to recruiting, preparing and supporting aspiring teachers, is now accepting applications for both its Accelerators and Scholars programs. Golden Apple seeks to provide pathways for aspiring educators to enter the profession and fill crucial open teaching positions across the state. There are nearly 3,000 active participants across the organization’s teacher preparation programs.

Illinois faces an ongoing teacher shortage crisis, leading to classrooms lacking the highly-effective, well-qualified educators our students deserve. A recent report from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents found that there were still nearly 4,000 teaching positions unfilled for the 2024-2025 school year, with 87% of school leaders indicating experiencing a teacher shortage.

“Teaching is the profession that makes all other professions possible, and we’re thrilled to open applications for our Scholars and Accelerators programs, which help grow the next generation of educators right here in Illinois,” said Golden Apple President Alan Mather. “These programs don’t just prepare people to teach, they support individuals who feel called to shape students’ lives and communities. For decades, Golden Apple has been working to ensure every student has access to a great teacher, and these programs are a vital part of that mission.”

The Scholars program focuses on teacher preparation and tuition assistance for high school seniors as well as freshman and sophomore college students in Illinois who have the determination and drive to teach. Scholars receive up to $23,000 in financial assistance, extensive classroom teaching experience, academic and social-emotional support, job placement assistance and mentoring from Golden Apple’s award-winning teaching faculty.

“Golden Apple’s Scholars and Accelerators programs are proven, life-changing pathways into the teaching profession,” said Golden Apple CEO Alicia Winckler. “They provide future educators with the preparation, support, and mentorship needed to thrive in the classroom. At a moment when too many schools face empty positions, these future teachers represent hope and opportunity for students across Illinois.”

The Accelerators program is a 15-month teacher residency and licensure program that expedites the preparation of highly-effective teachers in areas-of-need throughout the state. Geared toward career changers with a bachelor’s degree and current college students not already on a teaching path, program participants take courses at a partner university, receive instruction from established educators, and work with mentors who provide ongoing support throughout the school year and into their first years of teaching. Accelerators receive a $10,000 stipend and have their university-based licensure tuition and fees funded by the program.

To learn more and apply for either the Accelerators or Scholars program, interested parties can visit www.goldenapple.org/accelerators and www.goldenapple.org/scholars.