The 49th Educator of the Year Banquet is set for Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Q Center in St. Charles, Ill.
This annual event is designed to honor the dedication, leadership, and inspiration that shape our schools and enriched the lives of our students. We pay tribute to the countless hours the Kane County Educators have spent engaging and nurturing the minds of our future. This ceremony brings educators from all positions together with families, friends, colleagues, and their students for an unforgettable celebration.
Do you know an educator you would like to nominate? Everything you need is below.
Looking for something more visual? Watch our help video below for a step-by-step guide on putting together your nomination.
PAST EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR WINNERS
- 2023-24: Cyntha Martinez – D131
- 2022-23: Dr. Charles Hiscock – D129
- 2021-22: Jillian Yaggie – D302
- 2020-21: Susan Jones – D101
- 2018-19: Tina Scruggs – D301
- 2017-18: Kyle Libberton – D30
- 2016-17: Matt Gain – D304
- 2015-16: Holly Yee – U46
- 2014-15 Sherry L. Douglas – D300
- 2013-14: Carol A. Mertes – D131
- 2012-13: Anette Bliss – D301
- 2011-12: Edward W. Brouch – D131
- 2010-11: Dr. Denise M. Hobbs – D303
- 2009-10: Francisco de los Santos – D131
- 2008-09: Deborah Perryman – U46
2007-08: Terri Dawson -D300 - 2006-07: Donna Lynn Letzter – D129
- 2005-06: Paul R. Hardt – D300
- 2004-05: John Walker – D101
- 2003-04: Luis Cabrera – U46
- 2002-03: Dr. John Struck – D131
- 2001-02: Janet Hornbostel – D303
- 2000-01: William Kane DuBois – U46
- 1999-00: Becky Furnish – D304
- 1998-99: Mark Bettcher – D300
- 1997-98: Gwendolyn Miller – D131
- 1996-97: Susan Khalaieff – D304
- 1995-96: Ron O’Neal – U-46
- 1994-95: Joan Brown – D300
- 1993-94: Jo Ann Zentz – D129
- 1992-93: Gary Jewel – D129
- 1991-92: Stan Sanderson – D300
- 1990-91: Liz Starnes – D300
- 1989-90: Yvonne Hollingsworth – D131
- 1988-89: Irwin Johnston – U46
- 1987-88: Rita Smith – D129
- 1986-87: Page McCloud – D101
- 1985-86: Mara Lapsa – D302
- 1984-85: Bonnie Bray – D302
- 1983-84: Ronald Babcock – D300
1982-83: Virginia French – D300 - 1981-82: Elaine Parker – D129
- 1980-81: Richard Johnson – D129
- 1979-80: James Valesano – D131
- 1978-79: Carol Ruby – D129
- 1977-78: Deane Westland – D303
- 1976-77: Harry Patterson – D129
- 1975-76: Robert Gemmer – D129
