Two teachers from Niles Township High School District 219 are finalists in the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Elizabeth Dribin-Khoshaba, a special education teacher at Niles West High School, and Dillin Randolph, an English teacher at Niles West High School, are among 30 finalists out of more than 470 nominations of 9th-12th grade teachers this year.

The Golden Apple Awards honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. According to the Golden Apple’s news announcement, teacher finalists demonstrate—in their teaching and results—a significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.

Elizabeth Dribin-Khoshaba has been working at D219 since 2012 and has been a Special Education teacher at Niles West since 2018. A D219 alumnae (Niles North Class of 2006), she has also served as the sponsor of the Exceptional Child Club. 

“Congratulations to Elizabeth on a job well done. We are proud of her student-centered approach and excellence in the classroom setting,” remarked Niles West Principal Jeremy Christian. “I am profoundly impressed and happy that she represents OUR HOUSE, Niles West High School, well.”

Dillin Randolph has been teaching in the English Department at Niles West since 2020. He is the sponsor of the school's Black Student Union (BSU) and has served as a coach in the Athletic Department in the past.

“Dillin is a consummate professional who has illustrated a student-centered approach to instruction, " said Niles West Principal Jeremy Christian. “He continually exceeds expectations in various areas of his instructional practices.”

Read media interviews with Elizabeth Dribin-Khoshaba and Dillin Randolph in the Chicago Tribune. For more information about Golden Apple programs, visit goldenapple.org.