The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, mentoring, honoring, and retaining great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, surprised Matthew Erbach, a ninth through 12th grade teacher at South Elgin High School in Elgin, with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Erbach is one of 11 teacher award recipients in Illinois.
Following a highly-competitive process, the 2025 teaching award recipients were selected from more than 470 nominations of ninth through 12th-grade teachers.
Matthew Erbach is an accomplished and innovative educator in the field of precision manufacturing, currently teaching at South Elgin High School. With almost two decades of experience, Erbach has been awarded the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence and an ISBE Award of Meritorious Service.
His excellence is supported by those who witness his teaching capabilities. One colleague notes that Matt’s passion and expertise, along with the positive impact and support he extends to students, serve as a “benchmark for quality, surpassing many other manufacturing programs in the state.”
“Exceptional teachers ignite curiosity, build confidence, and create pathways to lifelong success for their students,” said Alan Mather, president of The Golden Apple Foundation. “The educators we honor today exemplify teaching at its finest. They blend passion with expertise and innovation with compassion. As they join our community of excellence, these individuals will help us strengthen the teaching profession across Illinois, inspiring and mentoring emerging educators who will shape countless young minds for generations to come.”
The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher recipients demonstrate, in their teaching and results, a significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.
Each award recipient receives a $5,000 cash award and a spring sabbatical provided by Northwestern University at no cost. Award recipients also become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs, which are dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.
The nomination period for the 2026 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional 4th-8th grade teachers and Pre-K-12th grade school leaders in Illinois at www.goldenapple.org/awards.
—The Golden Apple Foundation