IL Teacher Of The Year Gets Her Own Holiday In Aurora

AURORA, IL — This year's Illinois Teacher of the Year, an educator from Aurora, officially has her own holiday in her hometown.

Rachael Mahmood, who teaches fifth grade at Georgetown Elementary School, was surprised by a visit from Mayor Richard Irvin. He presented her with flowers and a proclamation naming May 31, 2024 — the final day of school for Indian Prairie School District 204 — as Dr. Rachael Mahmood Day in Aurora.

"This is such an honor," Mahmood said, per a city news release. "I can’t believe I have my own day!"

In February, the Illinois State Board of Education honored Mahmood with the Far West Suburban Teacher of the Year title. On May 2, the Board presented her with the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year Award, the first for District 204. Mahmood was also the first Aurora teacher to win the award in almost 40 years, according to Chief Engagement Officer Clayton Muhammad.

As the Illinois Teacher of the Year, Mahmood will take a one-year sabbatical, funded by ISBE, to represent Illinois teachers on the national stage.

"Dr. Mahmood is an award-winning educator who has dedicated her nearly 20-year career to the students and families in Indian Prairie School District 204," Irvin said in a statement. "We mark this milestone school year for her by naming the last day of school in her honor."