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3 Indian-origin faculty named finalists for Illinois’ teaching award
The recognition places them among a select group of educators across Illinois acknowledged for their impact on student learning and school communities.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 21, Mar 2026
- 18:15 EDT
- 22
(From L-R) Anuj Chopra, Nita Sengupta, and Shweta Shah / Golden Apple Award
Three Indian-origin educators have been named among the finalists for the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching, which honors outstanding educators for their impact on students and school communities across Illinois.
Shweta Shah, Nita Sengupta, and Anuj Chopra, were acknowledged for their contributions in Illinois classrooms.
Also Read: Three Indian origin students named Luce Scholars
Shah, a fifth- and sixth-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Dewitt Clinton Elementary School, has led initiatives in personalized learning and is guiding a transition to competency-based education.
Her work includes introducing student-led conferences and flexible assignments designed to increase student ownership in learning.
Sengupta teaches grades 6–8 mathematics at Salazar Elementary Bilingual Center in Chicago and was recognized among top middle-grade educators in Illinois.
She was also highlighted in Chicago Public Schools communications as a standout teacher.
Chopra, a science educator at Pope John XXIII School, has more than 15 years of experience teaching STEM subjects. His approach focuses on learning through experiments, discussions, and project-based instruction.
He has trained at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and has experience teaching across classroom and online platforms.
The awards recognize teachers who demonstrate a significant positive impact on students’ growth and learning through their teaching and results.The Golden Apple Foundation said 30 fourth- to eighth-grade teachers were selected as finalists following a highly competitive process that drew nearly 600 nominations statewide.
“Exceptional teachers remind us every day what is possible for students,” said Alan Mather, president of Golden Apple. “They create classrooms where curiosity and challenge are encouraged, confidence is built, and learning feels meaningful.”
“The educators recognized this year demonstrate a consistent commitment to student achievement and measurable growth,” said Alicia Winckler, chief executive officer of Golden Apple. “By modeling excellence in the classroom, they help students build the persistence and critical thinking required for long-term academic success.”
Award recipients will be announced in the spring. Each recipient will receive a $5,000 cash award and a spring sabbatical provided by Northwestern University and will join the Golden Apple Academy of Educators.
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