DeKalb County residents are invited to nominate a deserving education professional for an Excellence in Education Award before the February 10, 2023, deadline. Award winners receive $1,000 and public recognition during an awards ceremony and reception planned for summer 2023.

Given annually, the Excellence in Education Awards honor outstanding teachers, administrators, and support staff in DeKalb County. Every district in DeKalb County is eligible to nominate a person for each of the following areas:

• Pre-K – 5th Grade Teacher
• 6th – 8th Grade Teacher
• 9th – 12th Grade Teacher
• Support Staff (e.g., secretaries, classroom aides, custodians, food service, bus drivers, and maintenance)
• Administration

The awards are made possible through the generosity of Yvonne Johnson, a retired elementary school teacher in the Sycamore School District. Yvonne established the DeKalb County Excellence in Education Award Fund in 1999 at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. 

Submitted nominations are sent to the nominee’s school district for review by the district nomination committee. For more information, contact Community Foundation Grants & Scholarships Manager Becky Zantout at 815-748-5383 or b.zantout@dekalbccf.org.