Rep. Barbara Hernandez Encourages Nominations of Local Educators for ‘Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year’ Awards

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is encouraging the local community to show appreciation for gifted educators by nominating teachers and other school personnel for the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2024 ‘Those who Excel and Teacher of the Year’ awards.

“I was lucky enough to have great teachers when I was in school, and I know Aurora still has the privelege of gifted educators in its schools. Recognizing those teachers with ISBE’s “Those who Excel and Teacher of the Year” awards would be a great way to honor their contributions,” Hernandez said. “If students or parents or any other Auroran feels like an educational professional is doing a great job that’s worth distinguishing, I encourage them to nominate that educator for this award.”

ISBE opens applications for the ‘Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year’ awards every year to distinguish the incredible work of educators and support staff. Nominees are eligible if they fall under one of the following categories:

• Teachers
• Early career educators
• Administrators
• Student support personnel
• Educational service personnel
• Community volunteers and teams.

Anyone can nominate an outstanding educator for these awards, but those nominated must complete an application for consideration. Applications for these awards are due Oct. 15.  More information on the application process is available here.

“Great educators make powerful impacts on the lives of thousands of kids over the course of their tenures. While I doubt any of those people do the work they do for the sake of an award, they are no less deserving,” Hernandez said. “I’m proud that Aurora has some of the best schools in the state, and this is a great opportunity to honor that.”