Scott Baeseman was presented the Golden Apple Award for teaching on Friday in a surprise morning ceremony at Lake Forest Country Day School.
“I can’t believe this day,” Baeseman, a music teacher and chair of the school’s Fine Arts Department, said in a phone interview. “It’s amazing.”
More than 600 teachers in the Chicago metropolitan area applied for the Golden Apple Award, according to a press release from the Golden Apple Foundation. Baeseman and 33 others were chosen as finalists.
The award comes with $5,000 and a free term at Northwestern University. Baeseman said he may spend the money on travel that would enrich his teaching.
As for Northwestern University, Baeseman said there are a couple of programs he wants to look into.
“I’m always looking for things in curriculum design,” Baeseman said. “And anything to do with diversity or world music.”
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After being nominated for a Golden Apple Award, the teacher then writes several essays that are read by as many as 40 people, including superintendents, university faculty, principals and former award recipients, according to Dominic Belmonte, CEO of the Golden Apple Foundation.
Members of the selection committee then conduct site visits, where they observe the teacher and talk to students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
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