State Board asks all Illinoisans to nominate outstanding teachers, administrators, and school personnel
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today issued a call for nominations for the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, the program that recognizes outstanding teachers, administrators, school personnel, and volunteers. These awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Illinois’ public and nonpublic preK-12 schools. Any person or organization may submit nominations for the awards on the ISBE website.
ISBE will honor the 2023 Teacher of the Year finalists and all Those Who Excel award winners at a banquet on April 29, 2023.
“Over the past few years, our educators have faced and overcome great challenges. Submitting a nomination for Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards is such an incredible way to say thank you,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “Beyond expressing gratitude, the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program seeks to celebrate and elevate the incredible work done across Illinois. We encourage everyone to help us honor their colleagues, supervisors, and communities by submitting a nomination for the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards.”
Out of the applications submitted statewide, a team of reviewers will select the 2023 Teacher of the Year from the group of finalists, consisting of the 10 Regional Teachers of the Year and the Bilingual, Special Education, and Early Childhood Teachers of the Year. ISBE will also recognize an Outstanding Early Career Educator with less than five years of teaching experience.
“Whether you are a teacher, administrator, or someone who supports those in education, I appreciate you and I admire you for everything you give to our students each and every day,” said current Illinois Teacher of the Year Kimberly Radostits.
ISBE’s Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards honor excellence in several additional categories:
- Classroom Teacher
- Administrator
- Team
- Community Volunteer
- Student Support Personnel (school nurse, psychologist, social worker, school counselor, or speech/language therapist)
- Educational Service Personnel (aides/paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, custodians, administrative assistants, bus drivers, resource officers)
ISBE will accept nominations now through Nov. 18. After being nominated, each nominee then submits an application. All applications are due by Dec. 2. Learn more about both the Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year program requirements and submit a nomination on the ISBE website.