Zion Elementary School District 6 recognized several staff members as final nominees for the 2025-2026 Educator of the Year during its April board meeting, according to an announcement on Apr. 21.
The recognition highlights educators and support staff who have demonstrated dedication and impact within the district. These nominees will represent Zion Elementary School District 6 at a Regional Office of Education event scheduled for May 6.
The finalists include Nathan Sweet from Elmwood Elementary (Elementary Teacher), Duane Brienen from Zion Central Middle School (Middle School Teacher), Ana Lobato De La Torre from East Elementary (ELL Classroom Teacher), Daniel Esposito from Zion Central Middle School (Student Support Personnel), Emelyn Gonzalez Garcia from Beulah Park Elementary (Educational Service Personnel), and Kelli Blakeslee from Shiloh Park Middle School, who received Guest of Honor Recognition for Library Media. “Their dedication, passion, and impact on students truly set them apart,” the district said in its statement.
Zion Elementary School District 6 serves Lake County and includes Beulah Park Elementary, East Elementary, Elmwood Elementary, Lakeview School, Shiloh Park Elementary, West Elementary, and Zion Central Middle School according to Illinois Report Card. The district enrolled 2,483 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade during the 2019-2020 school year according to Illinois Report Card.
Data shows that there are currently 164 teachers in the district earning an average salary of $58,629 before pension contributions; women make up over four-fifths of teaching staff according to Illinois Report Card. The student population is diverse: approximately half are Hispanic students while Black students account for more than one-third according to Illinois Report Card.
In terms of spending and attendance patterns, Zion ESD spent $27,927 per student in fiscal year 2020 with a total expenditure exceeding $69 million according to Illinois Report Card. Chronic truancy affected about seven percent of students—lower than the statewide average—defined as missing five percent or more school days without valid excuse according to Illinois Report Card.
The upcoming regional event offers an opportunity for these recognized educators to be celebrated beyond their local community.
