iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Looking for an engaging speaker for your next professional development? The Illinois State Teachers of the Year (ILSTOY) Speakers Bureau connects schools and organizations with some of Illinois’ most accomplished educators ready to share their expertise. Book us today at the link in the bio!

000

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from the 2026 Illinois State Teachers of the Year Cohort! To every teacher: thank you for the impact you make each day. Your work matters, and your students are better because of you. #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ILSTOY

011

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Congratulations to Seth Brady, the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year! 🍎✨ Your work represents the very best of education in Illinois, and your students are better because of you. Thank you for showing what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and heart!

000

Reposted by ILSTOY

WBEZ @wbez.org · 17/04/2026

Naperville Central High School social studies teacher Seth Brady was named the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year Thursday during a surprise ceremony, and will represent the state nationally.

wbez.org

Naperville social studies educator named Illinois' 2026 Teacher of the Year

071

Reposted by ILSTOY

Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 16/04/2026

Naperville Central’s Seth Brady named Illinois’ 2026 teacher of the year

chicagotribune.com

Naperville Central’s Seth Brady named Illinois’ 2026 teacher of the year

051

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

We’re wrapping up our Cooking Up Greatness series with Leslie Rennick, 2025 NW Regional IL Teacher of the Year. Leslie’s Jar of Goodness creates space in her classroom to reflect on bright spots and reconnect with joy — especially when the world feels heavy.

000

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Do you wonder how teachers find fellowship opportunities, including ones that pay? Do you want to present at conferences, but don't know where to start looking for opportunities? Are you looking for ways to grow your leadership resume? This is the session for you! Email or DM us for the link!

010

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Today’s Cooking Up Greatness spotlight features Nina McLean, Southern Regional Teacher of the Year! Through Choice Boards, Nina empowers her students to take ownership of their learning, make meaningful choices, and build confidence!

000

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

We’re Cooking Up Greatness with Víctor Gómez, the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year from Leyden HS District 212! His secret ingredient? Phenomena-based science instruction — where real-world questions fuel curiosity and drive discovery!

010

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

We’re Cooking Up Greatness with Jennifer Gross, the 2025 Illinois Special Education Teacher of the Year from District 215! Her recipe: the Gradual Release of Responsibility — I do, we do, you do. Because in her class, scaffolding isn’t just instruction… it’s empowerment.

010

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Today’s Cooking Up Greatness spotlight features Tracy Selock, East Central Regional Teacher of the Year! Tracy uses Notice and Wonder to create a learning space where students slow down, observe deeply, and share ideas confidently.

010

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Up next on our Cooking Up Greatness feature is Heidie B. W. Dunn, 2025 Far North Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year! In Heidie’s classroom, students don’t just learn, they teach, question, and lead through student tutorials and Socratic seminars — where every voice matters!

010

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

We’re Cooking Up Greatness with Jessica Suarez Nieto, 2025 Illinois Bilingual Teacher of the Year! Jessica invites her students to the circle, where math meets meaning. Through topics like social justice and community impact, her students take the lead, discovering how mathematics connects us all!

010

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

As we close out Teacher Appreciation Week, hear from former ILTOYs, our ILSTOY executive committee/leadership team—dedicated champions of our profession who work tirelessly to celebrate educators. To every teacher reading this: we see you, & we’re grateful for all you do!

000

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We’re thrilled to share messages of gratitude and inspiration from our incredible 2025 Illinois State Teachers of the Year! Their passion, dedication, and love for teaching remind us why everyday educators like YOU are truly the heart of our communities.

000

ILSTOY @ilstoy.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Congratulations to the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Víctor Gómez! Your passion and impact inspire us all. We also celebrate the full ISTOY cohort—an extraordinary group of changemakers representing the very best of Illinois education. Thank you for all you do! 🧵

132