ISBE Recognizes Outstanding Educators Through 2026 Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year Awards

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced 14 Teacher of the Year Cohort members and recognized nearly 450 educators, administrators, and other school staff through its annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards. The awards spotlight individuals whose dedication, innovation, and leadership are making a meaningful difference for students and school communities across Illinois. See the full list of awardees.

"I'm incredibly proud to congratulate the 2026 Those Who Excel awardees and Teacher of the Year Cohort, an outstanding group of leaders in education from up and down the state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "These honorees have dedicated themselves to inspiring our students, setting the next generation up for success, and working tirelessly to make their schools - and our state - a premier place for education."

"Illinois' educators are the heart of our schools and the foundation of our future," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "The 2026 Those Who Excel awardees and Teacher of the Year Cohort exemplify the passion, leadership, and commitment it takes to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. I am grateful for their service to schools, families, and communities across Illinois - congratulations to this year's honorees."

"Illinois educators show up for students every day with commitment, creativity, and care," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "The 2026 Those Who Excel awardees and Teacher of the Year Cohort represent the very best of our profession. Their work strengthens school communities and helps ensure students feel supported, valued, and inspired. Congratulations to each of this year's honorees - we are grateful for the difference you make in the lives of students across Illinois."

The Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards recognize individuals making a significant impact in Illinois schools. ISBE presents awards in six categories: classroom teachers; early career educators (teachers with one to four years of experience); school administrators; student support personnel; educational service personnel; and community volunteers. Team awards were retired beginning with the 2026 cycle.

Víctor Gómez, the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year, began his state-funded, yearlong ambassadorship in July, championing bilingual STEM education across Illinois. He has led professional development, engaged with university partners and aspiring teachers, and presented at statewide conferences and parent events to advocate for multilingual learners, uplift bilingual educators, and celebrate linguistic diversity.

"This journey of being the Illinois Teacher of the Year has been not only an honor but an opportunity to advocate for bilingual education," said Gómez. "Traveling around the state, I have had the privilege to see the dedication and care educators put into this profession. I have learned that teaching isn't just a job; it is a vocation - a calling to serve our communities. To all the 2026 Those Who Excel awardees and Teacher of the Year finalists, felicidades! Thank you for your dedication and love for this profession."

The Teacher of the Year Cohort includes Regional Teachers of the Year along with statewide honorees in Bilingual Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood, plus one Outstanding Early Career Educator. Educators with at least five years of classroom experience are eligible to be named Illinois Teacher of the Year - the state's highest honor for teaching.

Members of this year's cohort learned of their selection through surprise video calls from Dr. Sanders, celebrating their impact alongside colleagues and school leaders.

The 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year Cohort and finalists include:

• Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year - Elyse Smith, Kindergarten, Horace Mann Elementary School, Oak Park ESD 97
• Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year - Bryan Soto, Health and Wellness, The Academy for Global Citizenship, Chicago Public School District 299
• Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year - David Ligman, Applied Technology, Hoffman Estates High School, Township HSD 211
• East Central Regional Teacher of the Year - Donald Whitman, Technology and Engineering, Normal Community High School, McLean County USD 5
• Far North Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year - Rebecca Grazier, Elementary, River Trail School, Gurnee SD 56
• Far West Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year - Seth Brady, Social Studies, Naperville Central High School, Naperville CUSD 203
• Far South Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year - Ghazala Manzoor, Mathematics, Brooks Middle School, Valley View CUSD 365U
• Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year - Courtney Gaulrapp, Elementary, Oregon Elementary School, Oregon CUSD 220
• Southern Regional Teacher of the Year - Angie Neilson, Family and Consumer Sciences, Civic Memorial High School, Bethalto CUSD 8
• West Central Regional Teacher of the Year - Erinn Setterlund Ambrosch, Spanish, Metamora Township High School, Metamora Township HSD 122
• Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Danielle Mallett, Elementary/Dual Language, Stratton Academy of the Arts, Champaign CUSD 4
• Early Childhood Teacher of the Year - Laura Eichberger, Kindergarten, Troy Hofer Elementary School, Troy CCSD 30C
• Special Education Teacher of the Year - Dr. Lisa Jackson, High School/Special Education, Woodland High School, Woodland CUSD 5

ISBE also recognizes one Outstanding Early Career Educator, honoring a teacher with fewer than five years of experience who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact:

• Outstanding Early Career Educator of the Year - Noelia Martínez-Voigt, Art, Greenfield CUSD 10

ISBE received a record number of nominations and applications for the 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards. A diverse committee of educators, administrators, educational service personnel, student support professionals, and past Illinois Teachers of the Year reviewed applications and selected this year's honorees.

Dr. Sanders will announce the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year later this spring. All awardees will be honored at the annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet on April 18.

For photos, biographies, and more information about the 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, visit ISBE's Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year webpage​.