Nomination Process Open For McHenry County Educator Of The Year

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — McHenry County residents who are looking to recognize local educators for their efforts in the classroom have the opportunity to nominate them for the Regional Office of Education’s annual Educator of the Year award.

Nominations are being accepted for countywide educators who work in local districts with the exception of District 300, 220, and 118, officials recently announced.

The annual awards, which are given in partnership with the Community Foundation of McHenry County, recognize teachers, administrators, and support staff who represent the best in their field, officials announced in a news release.

“Our annual Educator of the Year awards hold special significance after the COVID-19 pandemic put all of us – our students, our teachers, and our parents – to the test,” Regional Superintendent Diana Hartmann said in a news release. “Our educators stepped up to face these challenges and we look forward to honoring those who shined during the pandemic.”

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

• Preschool teacher
• Elementary school teacher
• Middle School teacher
• High School teacher
• Administrator
• Student Support personnel
• Early-career teacher
• Private-parochial school employee
• Educational support employee

Teachers must have a minimum of five years of experience and spend more than half their time in instruction, officials said. The early-career award is given to educators with between 2-5 years of experience.

The deadline to submit nominations is April 14 and more information about the nomination process can be found here. Nominees and winners will be recognized at the Educator of the Year dinner, which will be held May 7 at the Holiday Inn, Crystal Lake. Tickets are $40.