Three Evanston teachers have been named finalists for an award that showcases teachers in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs who strive to make differences in the lives of their students.

Andrea Macksood, a third-grade teacher at Oakton Elementary School; Gregory Daniels, a kindergarten teacher at Oakton Elementary School; and James Schamber, a second-grade teacher at Orrington Elementary School, were all recognized as finalists for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, the organization announced.

Golden Apple is a non-profit organization that works to recognize teaching excellence in Illinois. The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes teachers who have helped create a more educated society.

Macksood, Daniels and Schamber are three of 30 finalists chosen from more than 600 nominees, according to Golden Apple. The finalists will undergo a final round of review and classroom observation before the 10 award recipients are announced later this spring.

“All of the selection committee members are so impressed by the dedication, passion and drive for excellence in teaching that these finalists have demonstrated,” said Dominic Belmonte, president and CEO of Golden Apple, in a news release. “They exemplify the powerful role that an outstanding teacher can play in transforming students’ lives.”

Each teacher who wins the award will receive $5,000 and a sabbatical to study at Northwestern for free during a Spring Quarter, according to the news release. A celebration to honor the finalists will be held April 11 at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare.

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