EIU alum Dr. Angie Codron a finalist for 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership
Mar-05-2026Normal West High School principal a distinguished, celebrated ambassador in Illinois K-12 public education
(Charleston, IL) — Eastern Illinois University alumna and current principal of Normal West High School Dr. Angie Codron has been named one of seven finalists for the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership.
The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recognizes outstanding school leadership by a principal or head of school who has demonstrated a lasting and meaningful impact on their school community, fostered a culture of inclusivity, and driven significant student growth.
“Great school leaders understand that their influence reaches far beyond their individual responsibilities,” said Alicia Winckler, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Apple. “This year’s honorees have cultivated school communities built on trust, collaboration, and a shared dedication to student success.”
“Strong schools are guided by leaders who inspire excellence in those around them,” added Alan Mather, President of Golden Apple. “By supporting educators, promoting continuous growth, and keeping their communities at the heart of their work, these leaders have created environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Described by the Golden Apple Foundation as “a principal who leads by example,” Dr. Codron began her career at Normal West High School in Normal, Illinois 20 years ago as a science teacher and coach, quickly establishing herself as a strong advocate for students. Today, she also serves as a district-level professional development leader, designing and delivering training for more than 2,000 staff members each year and helping advance aligned instructional practices across schools.
She remains actively involved with students through several leadership development initiatives, regularly speaking with Freshmen Mentoring groups and working with student leaders in the Advanced Mentoring Program, PACK Athletic Leadership Council, Paw Print Journalism, and the school’s student podcast. Throughout her career, she has maintained a visible presence in student-led programs and continues to create opportunities for students to lead, influence, and connect with the broader community.
Now in her 10th year in school administration at Normal West High School, Dr. Codron served as associate principal for seven years before becoming principal three years ago. Over her 25-year career in education, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including science teacher, assessment coach, basketball coach, and member of multiple district strategic planning committees. She says her work is fueled by a passion for building effective, trust-based systems that encourage accountability and high achievement among teams.
Last summer, Dr. Codron was named President of the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) for the 2025–2026 academic year. According to IPA Executive Director Dr. Jason Leahy, the appointment reflects her exceptional leadership and vision.
Dr. Codron earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Eastern Illinois University, where she was also recognized as a Women’s Basketball Academic All-American. She later continued her education in Illinois, earning her Type 75 and Superintendent Certificates as well as a doctoral degree. She lives by three personal philosophies: be the difference people need when they need it, leave things better than you found them, and never stop teaching and coaching. She is the proud mother of two sons, AJ and Carson.
A highly competitive selection process produced seven Pre-K–12 school leader finalists from nearly 100 nominations submitted this year. Previous finalists from EIU include alumnus Tron Young (2023), alumna Belinda Hill (2019), and alumnus Justin Johnson (2016). In 2020, EIU was also named a Golden Apple Partner in recognition of its longstanding success in teacher education, particularly in preparing middle and high school educators in fields such as math, science, English, social science, world languages, and career and technical education. Those strengths reflect EIU’s long tradition of preparing future teachers for the state of Illinois.
The Golden Apple Foundation—Illinois’ leading nonprofit dedicated to preparing, honoring, and retaining outstanding educators who expand educational opportunities for students—announced the 2026 finalists earlier this week. The award is named in honor of founding Golden Apple board member Stanley C. Golder. Recipients receive a $10,000 award—$5,000 for the school leader and $5,000 for the school to support a project of the recipient’s choice. Award winners also become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a professional community that helps prepare the next generation of teachers through the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs, initiatives aimed at addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.
About Golden Apple
Golden Apple's mission is to inspire, develop, and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Its leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make an impact. The organization helps students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since its beginning, Golden Apple has annually recognized those who prepare the next generation of teachers. Its vision is one in which every classroom has a great teacher, and to realize this, Golden Apple is committed to making a material difference in resolving the state's teacher shortage. Learn more at goldenapple.org.
About Eastern Illinois University
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
