Since 1970, The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has sponsored the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program to honor educators who have made significant contributions to our state's public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Awards are presented in seven categories:
Classroom teachers (teachers with 5-plus years of experience)
Early career educators (teachers with 1-4 years of experience)
School administrators
Student support personnel
Educational service personnel
Community volunteers
Teams
Application materials are evaluated by a selection committee composed of individuals who represent a variety of educational organizations. ISBE will announce the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awardees in February. All awardees are honored at an annual banquet in the spring. The tentative date for the 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year banquet is Saturday, May 16. Send a message to awards@isbe.net if you have questions about the program requirements or application materials. You can find more information about the process on the ISBE website: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/twe-toy-awards-process.aspx.
Nominations are accepted from educators, administrators, and community members and there is no limit to how many nominations can be submitted per individual, school, or district. Nominations are made directly through ISBE and are due by October 1, 2025. The application window is from October 15 - November 15. ISBE will announce the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awardees in February.
Please consider nominating a talented educator, support personnel or community member who has made a significant contribution in District 88!