Help Us Celebrate Alumni Making an Impact Toward Education Excellence
Each year, Teach For America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana honors alumni who are shaping educational excellence across classrooms, schools, and systems in our region. These Alumni of the Year Awards recognize exceptional teachers, school leaders, and systems leaders whose leadership creates meaningful, measurable impact for students. Each honoree will receive a $5,000 award and be recognized in Spring 2026.
We know that many of the most powerful stories of impact come from those who witness the work firsthand—colleagues, partners, parents, and other alumni. The 2026 nomination cycle is now open through December 16, 2025. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination. By submitting a nomination, you’re helping us identify and celebrate the alumni whose dedication and results deserve recognition and uplift our network of changemakers. Thank you for helping us recognize the educators and leaders making a measurable difference for students across our region.
Teacher of the Year
The Frances and Elliot Lehman Alumni Award
Honors a TFA alum who is leading a classroom in Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana, whose practices exemplify and sustain educational excellence.
Nominees should demonstrate:
Exceptional Impact on Student Learning: Evidence of measurable student growth or improved outcomes (e.g., assessment data, student work, or engagement metrics).
Commitment to Classroom Excellence: Consistent implementation of high-quality, effective, and innovative teaching practices.
Leadership in the School Community: Contributions that strengthen school culture or teacher collaboration beyond the classroom.
Dedication to Student Growth and Potential: A deep belief in students’ potential, reflected in data and in daily practice.
School Leader of the Year
The Zell Family Alumni Award
Honors a TFA alum who is leading a school in the Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana region whose leadership has transformed teaching, learning, and school culture.
Nominees should demonstrate:
Exceptional Impact on Student Learning: Evidence of measurable student growth or improved outcomes (e.g., assessment data, student work, or engagement metrics).
Commitment to Classroom Excellence: Consistent implementation of high-quality, effective, and innovative teaching practices.
Leadership in the School Community: Contributions that strengthen school culture or teacher collaboration beyond the classroom.
Dedication to Student Growth and Potential: A deep belief in students’ potential, reflected in data and in daily practice.
Systems Leader of the Year
Honors a TFA alum in the Greater Chicago—Northwest Indiana region who leads at an organizational, community, or sector level, within or beyond education, and whose systems-level work has produced measurable results for students or schools.
Nominees should demonstrate:
Measurable Systems-Level Impact: Clear outcomes or data showing improved access, opportunity, or success for students, schools, or communities.
Strategic and Inclusive Leadership: The ability to mobilize others, build partnerships, and influence policies or practices that advance educational excellence.
Innovation and Sustainability: Implementation of solutions that create lasting, scalable change.
Excellence in Action: A visible commitment to high standards and tangible student-centered results.
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Past Alumni of the Year
