Highland Park Neighbors Magazine Articles

Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is proud to recognize Jennifer Sobel, seventh grade Dual Language Spanish/Spanish Language Arts teacher at Northwood Middle School, as the recipient of the 2025 HPCF Golden Apple Award.

Established in 2010 by HPCF in partnership with a local family foundation, the HPCF Golden Apple award honors outstanding teachers in the Highland Park public school system. To be eligible, nominees must have completed at least four full years of teaching. The award rotates annually among the elementary, middle, and high school levels; this year, full-time teachers working in grades 6-8 were eligible.

“A Selection Committee—comprised of exemplary current and retired educators, administrators, and former award recipients—carefully evaluates each application,” said Sara Sher, Chair of the HPCF Golden Apple Committee. “The Committee also conducts a full day of observation for each finalist, assessing instruction, content knowledge, interactions with students and staff, and contributions to the school and community.”

Jennifer Sobel

After a rigorous and thorough review, the Committee selected three semi-finalists: Michael Buss, Jennifer Sobel, and Sharon Steckel. Following classroom visits and evaluation, Jennifer Sobel was selected as this year’s award recipient.

Jennifer’s journey as an educator has been deeply influenced by her personal immigrant experience, which continues to shape her approach to teaching. She is dedicated to creating a classroom environment where students feel valued, challenged, and supported. As one colleague noted, “Jennifer is a passionate educator and leader committed to social justice, equity in education, and the pillars of Dual Language education. She has developed a curriculum for the Spanish Language Arts classroom that focuses on social justice and equity that allows students to see themselves represented in what they are learning.”

Jennifer’s observation team noted her deep dedication to her students and their families. She is passionate about empowering them to find and use their voices, both in school and beyond. One parent shared that Jennifer helped her gain the confidence to make phone calls, ask questions, and no longer feel afraid that she did not speak English.

Her colleagues describe Jennifer as “someone who teaches with passion and heart,” adding that “her infectious enthusiasm for education motivates others to develop the same mindset.” She is a teacher who makes a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. Beyond teaching the curriculum, Jennifer helps students learn life lessons, think critically, be kind, and approach challenges with confidence.

Jennifer’s administrator shared, “Jen’s classroom is a model of engagement, where students aren’t just learning the Spanish language; they are mastering how to read, write, communicate, and collaborate through authentic high-level assignments. Jen doesn’t just meet expectations, she exceeds them.”

Jennifer comes from a long line of educators, including her great-grandmother and grandmother, who taught in one-room schoolhouses in Mexico. Reflecting on receiving the award, Jennifer shared, “This is because of the people who made me who I am. What’s most important to me is that all of my students know the feeling of being loved and cared for, that they matter, and that there is always someone in their corner.”

HPCF Golden Apple Committee Chair Sara Sher, HPCF Board Member Jean Meadows, Jennifer Sobel, HPCF Chair Laurie Levin

Honoring the 2025 Semi-Finalists

Michael Buss, 7th grade Social Studies teacher at Edgewood Middle School, is known as a creative out-of-the box thinker who continuously finds innovative ways to enhance his students’ learning experiences. His students are eager to learn and strive to make him proud, knowing that he is “their personal cheerleader.” The mutual respect and trust between Michael and his students are evident. Michael’s ongoing commitment to professional growth positively impacts his students, parents, and colleagues. His kindness and compassion are felt not only at Edgewood but throughout the broader community. As one student shared, “He will always fight for us. Fight to make sure we have the best learning opportunities.” Another student said, “He is basically our sun.”

Sharon Steckel, art teacher at Edgewood Middle School, believes that art is more than a subject, it’s an experience that connects learning with personal growth. She promotes art as a landscape for life, emphasizing its ability to encompass many different areas of learning. Through her lessons, Sharon aims to create meaningful experiences for students, focusing on relationship-building and fostering a space where students can grow together. Her approach encourages students to engage with art in ways that extend beyond the classroom, shaping their perspectives and experiences in life. As one observer noted, her classroom is one “where the magic happens.”

The Award Presentation

The HPCF Golden Apple Selection Committee met in early May to choose this year’s award recipient. Jennifer Sobel learned she had been selected at a surprise celebration on May 13th, where she was presented with a golden apple statuette and The Sara Sher Excellence in Teaching Prize—a $2,000 honorarium and $500 Apple Store gift card. Jennifer, along with semifinalists Michael Buss and Sharon Steckel, was also honored at the May 20th NSSD 112 School Board meeting.

HPCF proudly recognizes these exceptional educators, underscoring the critical role teaching plays in shaping lifelong learners and helping young people reach their full potential. Jennifer Sobel, Michael Buss, and Sharon Steckel represent the very best of education in District 112.