Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) held a reception on March 8 in Bloomington-Normal to honor the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Cohort. The event celebrated educators who have made significant contributions to schools and communities across Illinois.

During the program, several speakers highlighted the impact these educators have had and encouraged them to use their platform for advocacy and leadership. Dr. Tony Sanders, state superintendent of Education, remarked, "These extraordinary educators represent the very best of Illinois’ teaching profession. They are the heartbeat of our education system."

Dr. Steven Isoye, ISBE Board chair and 1998 Illinois Teacher of the Year, emphasized that being named a Teacher of the Year is an opportunity for educators to amplify their voices and advocate for transformative ideas in education. He stated, "I cannot wait to see the impact that each of our Teachers of the Year will continue to make."

Dr. Rachael Mahmood, 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year, expressed her admiration for this year's finalists: "Their dedication and passion for education are evident, and we wholeheartedly celebrate their remarkable achievements."

The annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards recognize teachers, administrators, teams, volunteers, and school support personnel who have positively impacted students and communities. The ISBE will host its annual banquet on May 17.

This year's honorees include Comfort Agboola from Poe Elementary Classical School in Chicago; Víctor Gómez from East Leyden High School; Joshua Lerner from Peirce Elementary International Studies School; Tracy Selock from Lincoln Cultural Center-Montessori Elementary; Heidie B.W. Dunn from McHenry Community High School; Michele Oberlin from Madison Early Childhood Education Center; Jennifer Gruca from John F. Kennedy Middle School; Leslie Rennick from Stark County Elementary School; Nina McLean from James Avant Elementary School; Katie Welch from Rolling Acres Middle School; Jessica Suarez Nieto from Telpochcalli Elementary School; Amber Sims from Alton School District Early Childhood Center; Jennifer Gross from Thornton Fractional South High School; and Jena Kleindl from Freeport High School.

Nominations for outstanding educators can be submitted year-round through ISBE’s Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year webpage.