DuPage Regional Office of Education Announces 2026 Educators of the Year

The DuPage County Regional Office of Education named Jeff Grant, a science educator from Downers Grove North High School, as the 2026 DuPage County Educator of the Year at its second annual Educator of the Year awards celebration on April 30, 2026. The event, which brought together educators, administrators, and community partners from across DuPage County, recognized individuals across six additional categories as well.

Grant, who has served Community High School District 99 for 23 years and is currently teaching AP biology and anatomy, is known for transforming how students experience science. His students design and conduct complex experiments, engage in authentic research, and explore real-world challenges such as climate change and environmental sustainability.

Thomas Marszewski, one of Grant’s colleagues, explained that Grant manages a prairie next door to the school to use as a living laboratory. “He uses this natural space as a way of inspiring students to see science and the natural world in their everyday lives,” said Marszewski.

Grant, in turn, expressed deep humility and surprise at being selected for the award, noting the many exceptional educators across DuPage County. He emphasized that his work is made possible by the support of his colleagues and students, adding that they are a big part of what makes teaching science so enjoyable and fulfilling.

“Jeff Grant represents the very best of our profession,” said Regional Superintendent Amber Quirk. “He is deeply committed to his students, constantly pushing them to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around them.”

Grant’s recognition came during an evening dedicated to celebrating educators from across the county. The event, held at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, opened with a choir performance by students from Lakeview Junior High School in Downers Grove. Quirk then led the formal program, which included remarks from Dr. Adrian Talley, Indian Prairie School District Superintendent and 2025 Educator of the Year, and a keynote address by the Illinois State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tony Sanders.

In addition to the overall award, the DuPage Regional Office of Education recognized these outstanding individuals:

• Private/Parochial Educator of the Year: Mr. Matt Davidson, superintendent, Timothy Christian Schools
• Educational Support Person of the Year: Ms. Kerry Gustafson, paraprofessional, Washington Junior High School (CUSD 203)
• Elementary/Early Childhood Educator of the Year: Mrs. Katie Poch, fifth grade teacher, Carl Sandburg Elementary School (District 200)
• Middle School Educator of the Year: Mr. David James, middle school math teacher, Hill Middle School (IPSD 204)
• High School Educator of the Year: Mr. Todd Holmberg, social studies teacher, Naperville Central High School (CUSD 203)
• Administrator of the Year: Dr. Elizabeth Vander Woude, assistant director of programs, School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED)

Each honoree was selected from nominations submitted by school districts across the county, reflecting the depth of talent and dedication within DuPage County schools.

“This event is about recognizing and honoring the people who shape futures every single day,” Quirk said. “Our educators are leaders, mentors, and role models whose influence extends far beyond the classroom.”

The DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE) serves as a central support hub for schools, educators, and communities across DuPage County. It provides resources, outreach, and education through accessible educator licensure services, comprehensive school safety training, high-quality professional development, hands-on student programs, and supportive family services. Working both behind the scenes and on the front lines, the ROE helps ensure schools are safe, effective, and student centered. Through collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to service, it supports 42 school districts, 256 schools, and more than 140,000 students.