Congratulations to the four SHSD161 staff members who were honored in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards!
Indian Trail School First Grade Teacher Kristy Doody, Summit Hill Junior High Music Teacher/String Orchestras Director Katie Goddard, Summit Hill Junior High Principal Laura Goebel, and Mary Drew Early Learning Center Occupational Therapist Dr. Jackie Rozek were recognized for their work in our schools and the impact they make on students and their fellow staff members every day.
Goebel earned an Award of Excellence in the School Administrator category, Doody and Goddard both secured Awards of Meritorious Service in the Classroom Teacher category, and Dr. Rozek received an Award of Special Recognition in the Student Support Personnel category. All awardees will be celebrated at the annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet in April.
ISBE received a record number of nominations and applications for the 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, and honored nearly 450 educators, administrators, and other school staff for their dedication, innovation, and impact in schools across Illinois.
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. 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.