The Golden Apple Foundation recently released the list of finalists for the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership. Joshua Veath, a 2013 master of education graduate from Olivet Nazarene University’s School of Education was recognized as one of the 30 finalists for the Excellence in Teaching award. These select finalists were chosen out of a pool of more than 600 nominations of 4th-8th-grade educators across the state of Illinois.
Joshua is a 5th-grade teacher at Mascoutah Elementary School, where he has spent the past 16 years teaching math, science and social studies. In his nomination bio, Joshua was specifically recognized for a professional development partnership with the University of Northern Iowa which enhanced his math instruction techniques to “shift his focus from teaching procedures to strengthening number sense, incorporating number talks, and helping students understand the ‘why’ behind mathematics.” In addition to providing excellence in the classroom, Joshua leads the Recycling Club at Mascoutah, organizes donation drives for local families and brings in guest speakers to inspire his students to see themselves as leaders.
The 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients will be announced later in the spring. For their contributions to excellence in the classroom, these recipients will receive a cash prize, a spring sabbatical and become fellows in the Golden Apple Academy of Educators. This group also mentors aspiring teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars program. As of this past fall, Olivet had 16 undergraduate students who were participating in the Golden Apple Scholars program.
For more information about graduate degrees, certificates and endorsements offered through Olivet’s School of Education — including a master of arts in education and a doctorate in ethical leadership — visit Olivet.edu/Graduate.
