educator of the year

Now Accepting Nominations through December 12, 2025

Nominations are now open for the 2026 IDEA Educator of the Year!

The IDEA Educator of the Year award honors current IDEA members who have made outstanding contributions integrating technology in education. The award is specifically designed to recognize IDEA educators at all experience levels—from the beginner to the advanced user.

There are THREE categories for the annual Educator of the Year awards:

K-12 Classroom Teachers

Tech Leaders (Tech Directors and Tech Coaches)

Administrators

Nominations are reviewed by the IDEA Awards Committee, and final selections are recommended to the IDEA Executive Board for confirmation.

Educator of the Year Awards are presented during IDEAcon each February.

If you have any questions, please contact the IDEA team at info@ideaillinois.org.

Nominate an Educator Today

Nominations close December 12, 2025

Congratulations to our 2025 recipients!

Administrator

Woman holding a McDonald's shake, wearing a blue and white cardigan, and a gray t-shirt that says

Stefanie Pitzer

Principal

Limestone Walters District #316

Classroom Teacher

Man in a black jacket stands in front of a Drone Soccer sign.

Charlie Bishop

Technology Teacher, Technology Mentor, Drone Soccer Coach, & Coding Club Mentor

Dixon Public Schools #170

Tech Leader

Smiling man in a navy polo shirt against a gray background.

Alex Mayszak

Director of Digital Learning & Innovation

East Moline School District #37

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