Celebrating Success
Every year, the College of Education hosts multiple award programs that honor educators who demonstrate excellence in education and carry on the Illinois State legacy of “Gladly we learn and teach.” These honors recognize alumni who serve to inspire others through their career, citizenship, and character.
Hall of Fame
This honor recognizes College of Education graduates who have distinguished themselves through accomplishments and contributions to the field of education.
Nominate a COE Hall of Fame Inductee
Award criteria
- Holds a degree from the College of Education at Illinois State University;
- Demonstrates an exceptional level of professional accomplishment in education;
- Provides voluntary service on a local, state, regional, national or international level;
- Improves education at the local, state, regional, national or international level; special honors or recognition should be submitted for consideration.
Current Inductees
Jerry Barrio ’98, M.S. ‘00
Bachelor’s in History Education Master of Science in Special Education
Dr. John Bierbaum ’05, M.S. ’09, Ed.D. ’19
Bachelor's in Social Science Education Master of History Doctorate in Teaching and Learning
Dr. Tamera Foley ’80
Bachelor's in Special Education
Dr. Trudy Gross ’92
Bachelor's in Special Education
Dr. Lindsey Jensen '20
Doctorate in Teaching and Learning
Dr. Dana Karraker ’85, M.S. ’07, Ed.D. ’18
Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Doctorate in Education
Dr. Tara Mathien '03
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Dr. Diane Ryndak ’74
Bachelor's Degree in Special Education
Legacy Award
The Legacy Award is a career lifetime achievement award. This honor recognizes College of Education graduates or friends who have made a lasting and meritorious contribution to their chosen field.
Award criteria
- Is an alum or friend the College of Education at Illinois State University;
- Demonstrates an exceptional level of professional accomplishment in their chosen field;
- Improves their chosen field at the local, state, regional, national or international level; special honors or recognition should be submitted for consideration.
2022 Inductees
- Gail Lamb
- Jeanne Morris
- Pam Silverwood
Outstanding Young Alumni
This honor recognizes College of Education graduates (those 10 or less years from their bacherlor's degree) who have made significant contributions to the field of education.
Nominate a COE Outstanding Young Alumni Inductee
Award criteria
- Holds a degree from the College of Education at Illinois State University and has received their bachelor's degree in the past 10 years;
- Demonstrates an exceptional level of professional accomplishment in education;
- Provides voluntary service on a local, state, regional, national or international level;
- Improves education at the local, state, regional, national or international level; special honors or recognition should be submitted for consideration.
Current Inductees
Dr. Cody Pullium ’20
Bachelor Degree in Special Education
Brittany Wiggins '14
Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education
Teacher of the Year
This honor recognizes current classroom teachers who excel in their field.
Award criteria
- Graduated from any Illinois State University teacher education or education graduate program*;
- Ten or more years of teaching experience**;
- Demonstrates expertise in their field and works to contribute to students of all backgrounds and abilities;
- Leads and shows innovation in their school and community;
- Shows a commitment to students;
- Mentors colleagues and/or future teachers;
- Commits to continuous professional growth that impacts school and/or community.
*Nominees for the Laboratory Schools Teacher of the Year do not have to be ISU graduates and must be currently employed at an ISU laboratory school.
**Nominees for the Teacher Legacy Award must show a long-term committment to teaching and be retired with 25+ years of classroom teaching.
Current Honorees
Brad Marcy '09
Bachelor's in History Education
Nancy Powell '74, '90
Bachelor's in Mathematics Education and Master's in Educational Administration
April Schermann '02
Bachelor's in Mathematics Education
David Harnish
Pursuing doctorate in Education in the School of Teaching and Learning
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