Sanibel educator named Golden Apple winner
On March 6, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools surprised the 2026 Golden Apple Teachers at their schools with their award, including one educator from the island school.
For the 39th year, program sponsors, foundation officials, business leaders and the selection committee took part in the surprise day festivities. At The Sanibel School, elementary music teacher and Music Department Director Joey Giangreco — a first-time finalist for the recognition — was named a winner.
“I am so excited and very honored to be named one of the six winners of the Golden Apple Teacher,” he said. “It’s a celebration of my past 11 years as a teacher and the great journey that I’ve had.”
Previously honored three times as a Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction, mostly recently last year, Giangreco began his career in education at the island school as the music director. He has always taught K-5 general music, plus performing arts and the Steel Drum Band. Over the years, Giangreco founded the Seahorse Chorale, Elementary Choir and Orff Club for students.
He has been an elementary math tutor, a middle school team leader, part of school’s leadership team, and a teacher for sixth grade study skills and health, which was rebranded this year to sixth grade enrichment. Giangreco has also offered support for elementary teachers with small group instruction.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, majoring in music education with a concentration in chorale singing. Giangreco conducted his internship with the School District of Lee County, interning at both Three Oaks Elementary School and Cypress Lake High School.
The surprise announcement occurred during his performing arts class.
“I was working with the students on staging the scenes for our upcoming production,” Giangreco said, explaining that he was up on the stage in the cafeteria with them when the group of over 40 entered.
“I was so surprised and extremely honored for everyone that came to support the announcement,” he added, noting that there were colleagues, current and past administrators, school families, current and past school board members, foundation members and district leaders. “To see all of them that were there to celebrate me being named as a Golden Apple Teacher — it was phenomenal and inspiring.”
In announcing the winners, the foundation called them “the very best of the teaching profession.”
“Their dedication, creativity and commitment to their students make a lasting difference in classrooms and throughout our community. These outstanding teachers inspire their students every day and help shape the future of our community through education,” it shared. “We are incredibly proud to recognize their hard work and the positive impact they continue to make in Lee County schools. Thank you for everything you do for your students and for our community!”
Comprised of community and business leaders, the foundation’s Golden Apple Selection Committee is charged with the task of picking the recipients as the nominations are narrowed down to 30 finalists.
In the weeks after the finalists are announced, they are each personally interviewed and observed in their classrooms by the committee. Six are then selected as the Golden Apple Award recipients.
Giangreco reported that the committee observed all of his different grade levels and topics.
“I was excited to showcase all the great things that we have going on at the Music Department,” he said. “Every day we have something amazing going on.”
For the interview, Giangreco was asked about his views on teaching, education and more. He also had the opportunity to share the great things that have occurred over the current school year and beyond.
“And that I think I have really made a difference in my students’ lives,” Giangreco said. “My goal every day is to inspire my students though music.”
Asked what may have set him apart from the other finalists, he pointed to one interview question.
Giangreco was asked about the qualities of Golden Apple Teachers.
He explained that he replied they have to be an inspiration to their students and love the subject area that they are teaching, with the goal of inspiring their students. Second, they have to go above and beyond just “bell to bell” in the school day. Giangreco rehearses with his students almost daily after school, prepares them for All-State music ensembles, plans performance opportunities, and more.
“Third, a Golden Apple Teacher has to have love,” he said. “Love for their students — to care about their success and to help them become the best people that they can be and grow up into.”
“I think that I showcase all of those qualities every day with my students,” Giangreco added.
Each winner was presented with a $3,000 check. In addition, each principal was presented with a $500 one. He reported that the $500 will go toward the school’s Music Department to support the students.
“I would like to, first and foremost, thank the foundation for this humbling honor,” Giangreco said. “I would also like to thank my current students. They are a part of this journey with me — they should celebrate this win, as well, because they inspire me.”
He thanked his past students for also being an inspiration, along with his colleagues and past and present administrators for being supportive of his teaching and the school’s Music Department.
Additionally, Giangreco thanked those who nominated him.
“This recognition is all based off of student recommendations and nominations,” he said. “To be nominated by my students shows the impact that I have had on their lives and that truly means the world to me.”
The six recipients will be guests of honor for the Golden Apple Banquet on April 24 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers. Attendees will recognize the Golden Apple Teachers, as well as the Teachers of Distinction, Academy of Teachers members and all of the teachers in the district.
Giangreco shared that he is looking forward to the banquet.
“To celebrate alongside the other Golden Apple winners,” he said. “To celebrate this incredible win and the past 11 years and journey that I’ve had at the The Sanibel School, but also to celebrate all of my amazing students.”
“My goal as a educator is to make a difference in my students’ lives and leave a lasting impact on them as they go from kindergarten to when they are promoted on to high school,” Giangreco added. “I’m honored to be a part of that journey.”
The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program was the first major project founded and developed by the foundation. Since its inception as a way to enhance public education by recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching, the program has awarded 219 educators with the Golden Apple Teacher Award.
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2026 GOLDEN APPLE TEACHERS
– Cameron Brooks, of Tice Elementary School
– Alisa Brown, of Diplomat Middle School
– Darielle Callender, of Franklin Park Elementary School
– Joseph Giangreco, of The Sanibel School
– Elizabeth O’Connor, of Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School
– Quinn Schnabel, of Diplomat Middle School
Source: The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools