2026 Golden Apple Award Winner Announced

Tandem is proud to announce that Music teacher Mark Goldstein has been named our 2026 recipient of a Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching. Mark began teaching Upper School Music at Tandem in 2014, leading Jazz, Rock and Acoustic bands, teaching a variety of other music classes as desired, pulling off the annual Winter Concert, adding in the 8th grade Rock band, and so much more. An extremely talented musician himself, Mark brings great passion and energy to his classroom, as well as an encyclopedic knowledge of music and musicians. He is also responsible for helping students plan and run the annual Mother's Day Music Festival. Check out a CBS-19 report about this year's nominees.

Golden Apple Awards are presented each year by sponsor Richard L. Nunley (Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry) to honor outstanding teachers in our community's schools. The awards are presented to teachers from both public and private schools (VAIS members) in Albemarle County and the city of Charlottesville. One winner is selected from each school, based upon parent and student nominations (thanks to all who participated), which were solicited via form all winter. In addition to receiving a Golden Apple, each recipient also earns a grant of $500, which can be used for classroom materials or to support professional development. Golden Apple Award recipients will be honored in person in a ceremony in May. Congratulations, Mark!