Applications to nominate the 2026 Horace Mann-Springfield School District 186 Educator of the Year, Administrator of the Year and Rising Stars are available on the District’s website or Click Here. Anyone in the community is welcome to nominate an individual.
This is the 39th year Horace Mann is honoring excellence in education with its Educator of the Year awards. The Educator of the Year program recognizes the top teachers in District 186 and the Administrator of the Year program honors the top administrators. In addition, the Rising Star award is given to teachers who have no more than four years of experience and are showing great promise.
Nominations for all three awards are due by end of day Friday, February 27, 2026 , after which a committee composed of educators and community members will review nominations and select finalists.