The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) sponsors the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program to honor educators who have made significant contributions to our state's public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Awards are presented in seven categories:

Classroom teachers (teachers with 5-plus years of experience)

Early career educators (teachers with 1-4 years of experience)

School administrators

Student support personnel

Educational service personnel

Community volunteers

Teams​

ISBE announces the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awardees in February. All awardees are honored at an annual banquet in the spring. The tentative date for the 2025 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year banquet is Saturday, May 17. Send a message to awards@isbe.net if you have questions about the program requirements or application materials. ​