School District 186 Educator of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 6, 2022) - Jill Borah, math teacher at Grant Middle School, has been named the 2022 Horace Mann Educator of the Year in Springfield Public Schools. She was surprised with the news at Grant where students and staff lined the hallways to celebrate her win.

"Jill is able to see exactly what each child brings to the Grant community, and her whole teaching approach involves finding and using children's unique strengths to help them overcome their struggles and develop a positive self-concept," according to a colleague. "In many ways, she works as a social worker as well as a teacher."

Borah has worked for District 186 for 18 years. She received a $1,400 cash prize and a crystal owl. Educator of the Year finalists were David Curry (Butler Elementary), Abbey Dirksen (Southeast High School), Kari Lutchka (Addams Elementary) and Missy Netznik (Wilcox Elementary). Each will receive $250.

Ken Gilmore received Horace Mann Administrator of the Year in Springfield Public Schools. Gilmore received the surprise news at Ridgely Elementary School followed by a schoolwide celebration including staff and students. He received $500 and a crystal award. Administrator of the Year finalists were Karon Durrett (Student Support Services) and Cody Trigg (Southeast High School). Each will receive $250.

The Rising Star award was given to three promising teachers who have been with the District four years or less. The Rising Stars are Lindsey Dunbar (Iles School), Marcy Hale (Lee School) and Dalton McGhiey (Lanphier High School). They each receive $250 and a crystal award.

Horace Mann has sponsored the Springfield Educator of the Year program since its inception in 1988. An independent panel of Springfield-area community and education leaders selects the Educator of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and the Rising Stars.