Most every academic area of study at Olivet Nazarene University requires that students complete practical, real-world workplace experiences to support what they’ve learned in the classroom as they hone their skills and competencies. For example, nursing students complete clinical rotations, accounting students do mentored internships and ministry students work at churches.
Students in Olivet’s School of Education complete practicum observation hours throughout their college careers, but the bulk of their hands-on, preservice teaching work is done in their final semester on campus. For qualified Olivet students who are Illinois residents, the Golden Apple Scholars Program (offered by the Golden Apple organization) provides extra opportunities for vibrant career preparation, plus, a significant form of financial assistance to enhance their academic preparation.
The Golden Apple Scholars Program is open to rising freshman or sophomore education majors who, in addition to maintaining strong academic standing and participating in annual summer professional development institutes, plan to teach at an Illinois school-of-need for at least five of seven years following their college graduation. In exchange, these scholars benefit from up to $23,000 in financial assistance, including a stipend for the required professional development activities each summer; extended opportunities to gain classroom teaching experience; and job placement assistance and mentorship in the first years of teaching.
Professional Readiness
Junior Evelyn Gelacio first heard about the Golden Apple scholar opportunity from her older sister, Jasmine, who participated in the program while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Spanish education.
“What ultimately drew me to apply was Golden Apple’s mission of supporting future educators who are passionate about teaching in Illinois schools,” Evelyn says. “I was also encouraged by the fact that the program provides more than financial support, it offers meaningful professional development and hands-on experiences that help shape me into the kind of teacher I aspire to become.”
So far, Evelyn has completed her summer teaching hours in two different Chicago Public Schools, each with a different majority student group. These placements allowed her to experience working with diverse student populations and develop a greater cultural awareness and adaptability in her teaching.
“Summer programming has been one of the most influential parts of my journey,” Evelyn reflects. “The combination of professional development and practicum experiences gave me tools I could bring back to my education classes at Olivet. For example, I learned about classroom management strategies during professional development sessions and then was able to try them out in real classrooms, which deepened my understanding of theory and practice.”
“One of my biggest ‘aha’ moments came when I realized how important it is to view student behavior as communication,” she elaborates. “Instead of just reacting to misbehavior, I learned to ask what the student might need or be feeling. That shift helped me see teaching as more than academics; it’s about supporting the whole child. This perspective has already influenced how I plan lessons and interact with students.”
Sophomore Remington Schleyhahn received information about the Golden Apple Scholar program while he was still in high school. He was loosely interested in pursuing a degree in education, so he applied for the program. His acceptance to be a Golden Apple Scholar helped cement his calling to teach. This past summer, at his first professional development institute, Remington stayed at the University of Illinois-Chicago campus and was placed in a local Chicago public school to gain valuable hands-on student teaching experience in a classroom.
“Over the summer, my work delved into the Charlotte-Danielson Framework,” Remington shares. “This is a sort of guide that educators use when constructing lesson plans to make sure their lessons are academically filling and effective in the classroom. Spending time analyzing the framework has impacted the way that I look at teaching dramatically, and given me great material to base my teaching off of in the future.”
Scholarly Excellence
There are currently 16 Golden Apple Scholars enrolled in Olivet’s School of Education. The students meet throughout the semester for social events and to connect about their Golden Apple experiences. Not only do these pre-service teachers benefit from professional development opportunities, but they also have a built-in group of support on campus.
School of Education assistant professor, Kristin Mathews, Ed.D., serves as the Golden Apple Scholar liaison for Olivet students. She sees immense value for the scholars, both in terms of their own development and the ways they interact with their peers and colleagues.
“One of the things that I find incredibly impactful is that our pre-service teachers, from the very beginning, start to engage in purposeful, professional development around their teaching practice,” says Dr. Mathews. “By the time they graduate, I can see a maturity about them that is distinctive, because they’ve put in the extra work of professional development that most pre-service students don’t normally have to do. They’ve got a leg up already.”
Golden Opportunity
The application for current high school seniors in Illinois is now open, which is perfect for prospective Olivet School of Education students as they navigate the college search — and financial aid — processes.
“My advice is to apply with confidence,” Evelyn encourages. “Even if you feel unsure, this program surrounds you with mentors, peers and resources that will help you thrive. Golden Apple is so much more than a scholarship; it’s a community that invests in your growth as a future educator.”
“Apply now!” Remington adds. “The application is free and gives you the chance to add some extra money towards your tuition while also getting amazing experience and professional development with other education majors from across the state!”
For more information about the Golden Scholar Program, visit www.goldenapple.org/scholars-illinois
For more information about Olivet’s School of Education, visit Olivet.edu/academics
