Nominations are now closed for the 2025-2026 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.


The 2025-2026 Educator of the Year awards are sponsored by:

Logo of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Features a sunburst with an

Educators of the Year

Administrator

Woman in black headscarf and embroidered shawl, arms crossed, leaning against a white brick wall.

Dr. Sawsan Jaber, NBCT

Assistant Professor in the Education Division

Saint Xavier University

Classroom Teacher

Woman with light brown hair smiles, wearing a black and white striped shirt and a white jacket.

Crystal Ellis

Third Grade Teacher

Kinnikinnick School District

Tech Leader

Woman smiling, wearing a sleeveless maroon top and a thin necklace.

Lisa Berghoff

Director of Instructional Technology & Peer Mentoring Teacher

Township High School District 113

PAST HONOREES

Administrators

  • Stefanie Pitzer, 2025

Classroom Teachers

  • Charlie Bishop, 2025
  • Patty Sarkady, 2024
  • 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 Educators

  • Alex Mayszak, 2025
  • Renee Bogacz, 2024
  • 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