Teach For America Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana is thrilled to announce the finalists for the prestigious Alumni of the Year Awards. Every year, these awards honor one alumni teacher and one school leader who have left an indelible mark on the education landscape and have significantly contributed to the strength of our alumni community. There are six finalists for each of the two awards and one winner from each of the two categories will receive a $5,000 prize for their commitment to educational equity. Winners will be announced in April of 2024.

The first award, The Frances and Elliot Lehman Alumni of the Year Award, annually recognizes an outstanding teacher in the Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana region who is an alumnus of Teach For America. This award acknowledges exemplary culturally responsive teaching that empowers students both in learning and in life. The distinguished finalists for this award are:

Brittanei Cain (Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, ‘20)
Haley Ford (Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, ‘15)
Maria Camila Henao (Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, ‘21)
Brendan McGovern (Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, ‘21)
Brittanee Rolle (Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, ‘14)
Ithzel Sandoval (Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana, ‘21)

Below, they are pictured top to bottom, left to right as their names appear above.

The second award, The Zell Family Alumni of the Year Award, is presented annually to an outstanding school leader in the Chicago-Northwest Indiana region who is an alum of Teach For America. This accolade celebrates leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to building and maintaining excellent schools, ensuring that all students are equipped to shape their own pathways in life. The finalists for this esteemed award are (including where and when they entered the corps):