Passing the Torch: A May of Milestones, Memories, and Moving Forward
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May has always carried the feeling of a turning point—the season of caps and gowns, of applause echoing in gymnasiums, and of closing chapters as new ones begin. For me, this May was exactly that: a month of full-circle moments, farewells, and fresh beginnings. As I prepare to pass the baton as Illinois Teacher of the Year, this month has become a journey of celebrating future educators, reconnecting with the past, and honoring the present. Whether I was giving pins to brand-new teachers or applauding veteran educators, every stop this month reminded me that our profession thrives because of those who dare to keep moving forward. This month and every month, "Happy Teacher Appreciation to all the amazing educators in Illinois and across the country!"
Here's a look back at a month full of milestones:
May 5 – Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL 7th Inning Stretch at Cubs’ Special Teacher Appreciation Game I kicked off the month in true Chicago fashion—standing in the broadcast booth at Wrigley Field, leading thousands in the 7th inning stretch during the Cubs' Special Teacher Appreciation game. It still doesn’t feel real. The honor of celebrating educators in a stadium full of fans reminded me how deeply our work resonates beyond the classroom. Click here to hear a clip of the
May 6–7 – Falls Church, VA Math Recovery Conference Next, I flew to Virginia to present two sessions at the Math Recovery Conference, focusing on how Advantage Math Recovery practices can be made culturally responsive. It was energizing to learn from and with passionate math educators from across the country—sharing strategies, ideas, and stories that connect students to mathematics in powerful ways.
May 9 (Morning) – Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Spring Teacher Send-Off -Returning to my alma mater to speak at the Spring Teacher Send-Off at NIU was deeply personal. Even more touching was hearing from Zak Burke, now principal at Highland Elementary—my own grade school. It was a full-circle moment, getting to wish the newest future teachers well as they begin their own journeys into education, and sharing the tradition of giving them a teacher pin to carry forward.
May 9 (Afternoon) – Leyden High School, Franklin Park, IL Future Educators Ceremony & Career Prep Keynote Later that day, I visited Leyden High School—home of the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Victor Gomez. I delivered an inspirational talk to students in the Future Educators program and watched as they took their pledge to return and teach in their community. They each signed a commitment letter. Then, I had the honor of keynoting for students completing Career and College Prep programs. The pride in the room was palpable, and seeing Victor's school and spending time with him and his colleagues made the day even more special.
May 17 – Bloomington-Normal, IL Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Banquet The annual “Those Who Excel” banquet was a night to remember. Over 1,000 guests gathered to honor incredible educators across Illinois. I was thrilled to celebrate dear friends and colleagues like Dr. Jen Rowe, the Lyons Township Equity Team, Laura Reyes, Sydnee Polk, Shirecia Holmes, Claire Johnson, Jill Gibson, from my Indian Prairie 204 family, as well as Kim Collier-Jefferson and Jennifer Gruca from my own children’s school. I also welcomed and celebrated the new 2025 cohort of Regional Teachers of the Year, and listened with teary eyes to Victor Gomez our 2025 IL Teacher of the Year's inspiring incoming address as the next IL Teacher of the Year. Click here for the full event album.
May 22 – Elmhurst University, Elmhurst, IL New Teacher Send-Off Celebration I closed the month at Elmhurst University, celebrating outstanding preservice teachers and joining in a pizza-and-dessert send-off. It was a relaxed, joyful evening filled with stories, laughter, and one more round of pin-giving. We also celebrated Victor Gomez for receiving the 2025 Michael Feldman Award for Educational Leadership.
Throughout the Month, Podcast Conversations -Amid all the travel and events, I also had the privilege of hosting a few incredible Illinois educators on my podcast. Their episodes will drop later this week! Click here!
Ashley Kannan (2022 Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year) shared how educators can write op-eds and use storytelling to advocate for equity.
Michelle Zurita Sharpe (2023 Early Childhood Teacher of the Year) talked about “preschool deserts” and the urgent need for early childhood advocacy.
As I reflect on this whirlwind of a month, the common thread is clear: we’re all moving forward, lifting each other up, and leaving trails for others to follow. Whether we’re just beginning, a few years in, or decades deep into this work, we all carry the torch—sometimes passing it on, sometimes receiving it, always lighting the way.