Plainfield Language Arts Educator Is ISBE Regional Teacher Of The Year

PLAINFIELD, IL — An eighth-grade language arts teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School has been named the 2025 Illinois State Board of Education Far South Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year.

Jennifer Gruca, an educator with 21 years of experience, was recognized for her "excellence in teaching and leadership and support of JFK's learners," Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 officials wrote in a news release.

The honor also means Gruca is one of 13 finalists for the Illinois Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced this spring.

JFK Principal Amandeep Hundal and ISBE leaders surprised Gruca earlier this week with the announcement over a Zoom call.

"I was shocked," Gruca said, per the news release.

Throughout her career, Gruca has "cultivated a classroom where students fall in love with writing and literature through innovative learning experiences mixed with students’ interests and the power of storytelling," district officials said.

The veteran teacher also promotes literacy through global collaborations: She connects her English language arts classes with students in Portugal, Turkey, Albania, North Macedonia and Moldova.

Gruca is also a fellow with the Transatlantic Educators Dialogue Program and a Global Learning Fellow with the National Education Association Foundation, through which she conducted a field study in Costa Rica in 2024.

"I believe there is always something more to learn and grow as a researcher," Gruca said. "There are places to explore."

She continued: "This honor means that I can continue to grow as an educator and have an opportunity to celebrate great teachers."

Gruca was nominated for the award by Rachael Mahmood, her mentor and current ISBE Illinois Teacher of the Year.

ISBE received a record number of nominations and applications for the 2025 Teacher of the Year and Those Who Excel Awards, District 202 officials said. Three Liberty Elementary School teachers are among the recipients of this year's Those Who Excel awards:

• April Benish, fourth-grade teacher, Award of Special Recognition
• Diane Demos Spielman, music teacher, Award of Meritorious Service
• Kimberly Collier-Jefferson, fourth-grade teacher, Award of Excellence

A committee of administrators, teachers, educational service personnel, student support personnel, and past Illinois Teachers of the Year selected this year’s awardees.

State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders will select the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year from the finalists later this spring. All awardees will be honored at the annual banquet May 17.