Naperville Central Teacher Finalist For Illinois Teacher Of The Year

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville Central High School social studies teacher Seth Brady was recently named among the 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year award recipients by Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The distinction makes Brady a finalist for the Illinois Teacher of the Year Award.

Brady was chosen as the Regional Teacher of the Year for Chicago's Far West suburbs as part of ISBE's "Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year" cohort. He is among 14 educators chosen for the honor, which recognizes, "individuals whose dedication, innovation, and leadership are making a meaningful difference for students and school communities across Illinois," per a news release from ISBE.

Brady was hired by Naperville Central in 2004, teaches classes that include Anthropology, Peace Studies, World Religions and World Cultures.

“We know Seth Brady as an outstanding Redhawk educator who has demonstrated commitment to implementation of inquiry-based classroom practices and learning experiences that build understanding of cultures, religions, ideologies and perspectives that promote equity and support the success of all students,” Naperville Central High School Principal Jackie Thornton said in a statement.

Thornton added, “But, Mr. Brady is more than an educator at Naperville Central. This award recognizes and celebrates the impact Seth has had on professional education at the local, state and national level. We could not be prouder that Seth Brady is a Redhawk. Congratulations, Seth, on this outstanding and well-deserved honor.”

District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges remarked, “Seth is a phenomenal educator who inspires our students to think critically and engage deeply with the world around them. "This recognition is a perfect reflection of the heart he puts into his teaching every day."

The Illinois Teacher of the Year will be selected in late spring of 2026.