Golden Apple Foundation Honors Shelby County Teacher for Outstanding Education Efforts

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SHelbyville, Ill. (WCIA) -- Every year, The Golden Apple Foundation honors multiple educators throughout Illinois for their significant influence on students and communities. This year, an educator was recognized from Shelbyville High School.

Tim Aberle, an instructor specializing in world history and psychology, has been chosen and honored by the foundation. Out of almost 500 nominations for educators teaching grades 9 through 12, he stood out as the selectee.

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"I was simply attempting to absorb everything to the fullest extent possible, going along with whatever happened, observing my surroundings, and striving to stay present and savor the experience," Aberle stated.

Aberle has been employed in the district for five years. He mentioned that his inspiration for entering this profession came from those who preceded him.

I enjoy learning, and during my childhood, school felt like a warm, secure, inviting space for me," Aberle stated. "It was a place at school where my passions were cultivated, and I encountered instructors who both inspired and encouraged me.

Now he’s able to take what he’s learned over his 10-year career and implement that into the classroom.

“I’ve been blessed to have Mr. Aberle as a teacher,” said Kenna Prosser, student of Aberle.

The senior in high school said Aberle is one teacher she connected with.

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“I have truly observed that he genuinely cares about his students. He regularly follows up with us and inquires about our aspirations for the future,” Prosser stated. “Should we face difficulties, he takes the time to sit down and figure out how best to assist us.”

These are some of the reasons why The Golden Apple Foundation chose him.

It's astounding, truly astounding, which makes me reflect once more on all those challenging days and nights," Aberle stated. "The journey isn't always seamless; sometimes it can be quite tough.

Aberle stated that this accolade demonstrates the power and fortitude in persevering.

I'm constantly acquiring new knowledge and adapting, and I gain insights from all of my students," Aberle stated. "Hopefully, I can immediately share what I've learned with them; however, interacting with and building relationships with them makes me a more effective educator.

He received a $5,000 check along with a spring break from Northwestern University. As a result, he will have the opportunity to enroll in complimentary courses next year to study whatever subjects interest him.

Aberle along with the remaining ten recipients will now contribute to shaping the upcoming cohort of educators through the Golden Apple’s scholars and accelerators initiatives. These programs aim to tackle the educator shortfall in Illinois.

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