Illinois Honors Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week as 2025 Teacher of the Year Takes the Mound

CHICAGO - The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8, 2026) by recognizing educators statewide. As part of the celebration, 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Víctor Gómez threw the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field on May 5 during the Chicago Cubs' Teacher Appreciation Night. See photos here.

"Teacher Appreciation Week is a chance to put educators in the spotlight they deserve," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "Having Mr. Gómez take the mound at Wrigley is a celebration of the incredible work happening in Illinois classrooms every day."

Víctor Gómez, a Chicago-area bilingual chemistry teacher, was selected as the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year for his leadership in advancing bilingual education and ensuring students have opportunities to prepare for careers in STEM.

"Getting to throw out the first pitch for the Chicago Cubs on Cinco de Mayo meant so much to me, especially as a Latino educator," said Gómez. "As the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year, I'm deeply grateful for the chance to celebrate the impact of teachers on such a special stage. This moment is dedicated to all educators across Illinois whose daily work inspires and shapes the future. Thank you to the Cubs organization for recognizing educators and making this unforgettable experience possible."

The Illinois Teacher of the Year program, administered by ISBE, recognizes educators who exemplify instructional excellence, leadership, and deep commitment to their students and communities across the state. The ceremonial first pitch came as Gómez concludes his year of service as Illinois Teacher of the Year. During his state-funded sabbatical, he has served as an ambassador for the teaching profession, connecting with educators, inspiring future teachers, and highlighting the innovative work happening in Illinois classrooms.

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, Dr. Sanders shared a message of gratitude for Illinois educators. Additionally, members of the 2026 Teacher of the Year Cohort ​ are sharing reflections and memories of their favorite teachers across ISBE's social media channels, celebrating the lasting impact educators have on their students and communities.

Illinois teachers serve nearly 1.9 million students each day, helping to shape the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. ISBE invites communities, families, and students to take a moment this week to recognize and thank the teachers who make a difference in their lives every day. Nominations for the ISBE Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards are accepted year-round, giving communities across Illinois the opportunity to recognize outstanding educators. Learn more at ISBE's Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year webpage​.

View the Teacher Appreciation Week social campaign on Facebook and X​.