University News

Natasha Shallenberger (Plymouth, IL), a sophomore elementary education major at Western Illinois University, was named a Golden Apple Scholar this spring. The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois is a scholarship program that identifies talented high school seniors, as well as first- and second-year college students who have the promise and drive to be excellent teachers in high-need schools. WIU is one of 52 teaching institutions across Illinois that partners with the Golden Apple organization, which provides financial assistance and support for students pursuing careers in teaching. According to its website, to qualify to be a Golden Apple Scholar, candidates undergo "a rigorous selection process."
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Elementary Ed Major Named Scholar in Illinois Golden Apple Scholarship Program

May 17, 2016

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – As a newly named Golden Apple Scholar, Western Illinois University elementary education major Natasha Shallenberger (Plymouth, IL) will spend some of this summer in Chicago, where she will gain experience in what it's like to serve students who attend "high-need" schools.

Golden Apple is non-profit organization based in Chicago, and its Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois scholarship program "identifies talented high school seniors, as well as first- and second-year college students, who have the promise and drive to be excellent teachers in high-need schools."

Shallenberger, a sophomore at WIU, was named a Golden Apple Scholar this spring, after applying for the program. Western Illinois University is one of 52 teaching institutions across Illinois that partners with the Golden Apple organization, which provides financial assistance and support for students pursuing careers in teaching. According to its website, to qualify to be a Golden Apple Scholar, candidates undergo "a rigorous selection process."

"We look for individuals who exhibit a passion for teaching and potential to succeed in college. Potential scholars must submit [three] well-written essays, transcripts reflecting academic effort, strong letters of reference and must interview at the finalist stage. Additionally, we look for individuals who have shown an interest in community outreach and extracurricular activities (tutoring, teaching, coaching, babysitting, etc.)," states the website.

As result of her selection, she will receive a $7,000 scholarship, as well as attend a residential institute at DePaul University in Chicago. The institute will not only provide her with on-site classroom experience, but also mentoring from one of the program's "Golden Apple" teachers.

Shallenberger noted her own story has motivated her to become a teacher and help kids in high-need schools.

"Growing up, my family moved around a lot, and I was always one of the poor kids. We all have potential to do great things, but, many times, kids who grew up like I did, slip through the cracks. Often, they don't have anyone telling them they do have potential and no one is there to push them," she explained. "Looking back, I had a handful of teachers who I could tell truly cared about me and really wanted me to succeed in life. I want to be a teacher to let my students know that someone cares and wants them to succeed. I want to show them that they can do anything they put their minds to," Shallenberger added.

In addition to her pursuing her studies at Western, Shallenberger, who is the mother of a toddler, is a student worker for University Technology (uTech) on WIU's Macomb campus.

"Being a commuter with a 3-year old at home, I'm not nearly as involved with campus activities as I'd like to be, but being able to work for uTech is, by far, the best thing I could have possibly done. They are like family to me, and every day there I get to learn something new," she noted.

Although she has some reservations about being away from her son for a few weeks for the residential institute this summer, she recognizes that the opportunity will provide her with invaluable experience.

"I am not too sure what to expect, but I know we will spend four mornings out of five in some type of school setting, so I am really excited for that part. I'm excited to meet new people that share my passion and spend a whole month with them, too," she said. "Honestly, it is kind of hard for me to think about, because it will be the first time I will be away from my son for more than a night, so I am nervous about that. But when I look at him, I know that everything I am doing right now is for him."

Shallenberger noted that Western's elementary education program in the curriculum and instruction department provided her with a great local option to complete her degree in the field she loves. As a young mother and a busy college student, she credits her success to her support system.

"I would like to especially thank my family, my boyfriend and my high school teachers," she said. "They have all helped me get to where I am now."

For more information about the Golden Apples of Illinois scholarship program, visit www.goldenapple.org/golden-apple-scholars.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing