Awarded annually, the Excellence in Educations Awards are a great way to highlight and show appreciation for education professionals in the community. All residents of DeKalb County are encouraged to nominate a deserving individual before the November 1 deadline.

Nominations are welcome for any of the following five categories:

• Teacher grades Pre-K to 5
• Teacher grades 6 – 8
• Teacher grades 9 – 12
• School support staff, and administration

A committee of teachers and administrators review each application submitted. Nomination form and additional details are available online. Submit nominations electronically to becky@dekalbccf.org or in person/by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation (475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore).

The Excellence in Education Awards are possible through the generosity of retired Sycamore elementary school teacher, Yvonne Johnson. Through an endowment fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation, the awards honor and acknowledge outstanding teachers, administrators and support staff from school districts throughout DeKalb County. Award winners receive $1,000 and recognition during an awards ceremony and reception in March.

“The DeKalb Regional Office of Education is proud to have been a part of this long-standing honorary event of educators,” said DeKalb County Regional Superintendent Amanda Christensen. “We entrust our students’ well-being and future to teachers; it is only appropriate that we honor those educators who are nominated as excellent and hold them as examples to us all.”

For more information, please contact Grants Manager Becky Zantout at 815-748-5383 or becky@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured: The Excellence in Education Awards honor and acknowledge those who go above and beyond in the education field.