Announcing the 2025 Alumni of the Year Winners
Teach For America (TFA) Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Alumni of the Year awards, recognizing three exceptional educators and leaders who have made a lasting impact on students, schools, and communities.
The Alumni of the Year awards celebrate outstanding alumni teachers, school leaders, and systems leaders who are dedicated to educational excellence and strengthening opportunities for all students. Winners receive a $5,000 award and will be honored in October at the Homecoming Summit, the weekend-long capstone event celebrating TFA Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana’s 25th Anniversary.
“We had so many strong candidates this year, making the selection process incredibly difficult. It is a testament to the incredible dedication of our alumni who are working tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education.”
Our network of over 3,500 TFA alumni in Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana is leading classrooms, schools, and districts, and working across sectors to create lasting change in education. While the decision was tough, these three women stood out as true champions for students, schools, and communities. Their leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence are truly inspiring.
The winners of the 2025 Alumni of the Year awards are:
Frances and Elliot Lehman Alumni of the Year Award – Jeraniqua Martin
Recognized as Teacher of the Year, Jeraniqua Martin is a 5th Grade General Education Monolingual Teacher at A.J. Katzenmaier Academy. This award honors an outstanding educator who exemplifies excellence in the classroom by fostering an engaging, and high-quality learning environment for all students. Jeraniqua prioritizes a classroom environment where differences are celebrated, collaboration is encouraged, and all students feel empowered to succeed together. In 2025, Jeraniqua was honored by the Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards—Award of Special Recognition.
Zell Family Alumni of the Year Award – Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn
Honored as School Leader of the Year, Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn is a proud Chicago native who witnessed firsthand the disparities that too often exist in urban education. Those experiences shaped her unwavering commitment as an advocate for change. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University, she joined Teach For America in 2007, beginning her career at Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School on Chicago's west side. For nearly two decades, she has dedicated herself to the Catalyst Circle Rock community, serving as a middle school teacher, mentor teacher, Director of Instruction, and, since 2015, principal. This award recognizes a school leader who has cultivated a thriving educational environment where students and teachers can excel. Under Elizabeth’s leadership, Catalyst Circle Rock has seen transformative progress, from increased student achievement to strengthen community partnerships. She is a champion for her students and staff, ensuring that every child has the support and resources they need to succeed.
Systems Leader of the Year Award – Jesse Ilhardt
Jesse Ilhardt, Executive Director and Co-Founder of VOCEL (Viewing Our Children as Emerging Leaders), is this year’s Systems Leader of the Year. This award celebrates a leader who drives meaningful change beyond the classroom, shaping policies and programs that expand educational opportunities. Jesse’s work at VOCEL has reimagined early childhood education by equipping families and educators with the tools to foster strong foundations for learning. Motivated by 10+ years spent teaching and coaching teachers at Teach For America, working alongisde parents of little ones, and now as a mother herself, Jesse is committed to supporting the parents and professionals whose everyday interactions with their young children are developing our world's future leaders.
“As I reflect on their accomplishments, I am immensely proud and inspired by their passion, resilience, and unwavering belief in what is possible for our students, Jeraniqua, Elizabeth, and Jesse exemplify the very best of what it means to be a Teach For America alum, and I couldn’t be more excited to recognize their achievements.”
Teach For America Chicago-Northwest Indiana extends its deepest congratulations to this year’s honorees and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments.
For more information on the Alumni of the Year, please visit https://www.tfachicagonwi.org/alumni-of-the-year.
For media inquiries, Jeraniqua Martin, Elizabeth Jamison-Dunn, Jesse Ilhardt, and Anajah Philogene are available for interviews upon request.