Being A Golden Apple Scholar

In 2007, upon graduating high school, I became a proud and honored recipient of the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program. The Golden Apple Foundation is based in Chicago, IL and the foundation is dedicated to challenging education, providing useful techniques/training to current teachers and internships/training for future teachers of Illinois. Students interested in education can apply either their senior year to receive the scholarship as a college freshmen or students can apply as college sophomores. It is a wonderful opportunity and I feel privileged to have received this scholarship from such a prestigious organization.
Core Components of the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program include four years of some form of teaching exposure. The first two summers we are assigned to Chicago Public Schools and work as teachers' aides. Depending on that teacher, you may be able to create lessons plans and even act as the teacher working one on one with students and running the classroom. The third year in the program you can find your own job/internship as long as it involves children/teens at least five hours a day and five days a week. The fourth summer we receive more personal training since we will then be college seniors closer to having our own classroom in a Chicago Public School.
Overall, I have completed two years of the program and it has been a tremendous experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world. As a teacher, as a Golden Apple Scholar, I make a difference. Do you?