educator of the year

 Nominations are now closed for the 2025 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.


Congratulations to our 2024 recipients!

CLASSROOM TEACHER

PATTY SARKADY

Business & Technology Instructor and Coffee & Tea Club Sponsor

Riverside Brookfield High School

EDUCATOR

RENEE BOGACZ

Instructional Technology Resource Coach

Channahon SD 17

PAST HONOREES

TEACHER CATEGORY

  • Erin Bettenhausen, 2023
  • Sawsan Jaber, 2022
  • Tasha Ohotzke, 2021
  • Joanna Carroll, 2020
  • Dr. John Beerbower, Ed.D., 2019
  • Darcy O'Connor, 2018
  • Shannon Schroeder, 2017
  • Maggie Maslowski, 2016
  • Michael Biondo, 2015
  • Paul A. Solarz, 2014
  • Robert M. Lightfoot, 2013
  • Josh Stumpenhorst, 2012
  • Anthony Reibel, 2011
  • Laurelle Lonze Stuart, 2010
  • Melissa Gosche, 2009
  • Christy Marchessault, 2008
  • Diane Goerlitz, 2007
  • Jeff Doles, 2006
  • Brian Schultz, 2005
  • Susan Homes, 2004
  • Joe Brennan, 2003
  • Bob Shaw, 2002


TECHNOLOGY USING EDUCATOR CATEGORY

  • Tabitha Dunn, 2023
  • Mary Jo Minarich, 2022
  • Jason Rubo, 2021
  • John Connolly, 2020
  • Jennifer Waldvogel, 2019
  • Sheila M. Ruh, 2018
  • Lee Cook, 2017
  • Jennifer M. Smith, 2016
  • Phil Hintz, 2015
  • Marisa Burkhart, 2014
  • Lisa Perez, 2013
  • Ben Grey, 2012
  • Jay Blackman, 2011
  • Christopher Brown, 2010
  • Teri Rossman, 2009
  • Kate Isabelli, 2008
  • Charlene Chausis, 2007
  • Judith Satkiewicz, 2006
  • Marianne Fedak, 2005
  • Cheri Pinchot, 2004



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