State superintendent surprises Chicago-area bilingual chemistry teacher at East Leyden High School with state’s top educator honor
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today named Víctor Gómez (pronounced “VEE-khtor gO-mez”), a Chicago-area bilingual chemistry teacher in Leyden High School District 212, as the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders surprised Gómez with the announcement during a visit to East Leyden High School. View photos from the event.
Gómez, a 2025 Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year, is a sixth-year bilingual educator in Leyden High School District 212 and a leader in advancing bilingual education. He co-developed East Leyden’s bilingual program and helped launch the school’s first Bilingual Chemistry course. A dedicated advocate for English learners, Gómez ensures multilingual students receive high-quality instruction and access to opportunities to prepare for careers in STEM — such as earning college credit through Elmhurst University’s STEM Academy.
Dr. Sanders selected Gómez from 13 finalists across the state.
“Mr. Gómez is ready to meet the moment,” said Dr. Sanders. “Illinois’ fastest-growing student population is English learners. Mr. Gómez recognizes that bilingual students are poised for success in STEM – possessing the creativity, problem-solving skills, and non-linear thinking that are critical for innovation. I know Mr. Gómez will inspire other educators around the state with his high expectations for his students, his willingness to chart new paths, and his commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive instruction. I look forward to the ways in which Mr. Gómez will uplift the teaching profession and inspire young people to pursue careers in education.”
Gómez also fosters cultural connection and belonging outside the classroom through initiatives like the Alianza Latina student club and the Mariachi Águilas de Leyden ensemble. He mentors aspiring bilingual educators in partnership with Elmhurst University and the Noyce PRIDE STEM Teacher Scholars Program, helping to grow the pipeline of teachers who reflect and support the state’s diverse student population.
“Our students are the heart of everything we do,” said Gomez in his Teacher of the Year finalist interview. “Our transformative practices — advocating for the emergence of the bilingual program, creating spaces for bilingual students to celebrate their heritage and language, having students make a difference in their communities, and providing access to academically challenging, relevant curricula — creó equidad y oportunidades para ellos. It is imperative to uplift multilingual students’ cultural and linguistic assets as a valuable and necessary part of our educational institutions.”
“Víctor is an incredibly talented and dedicated educator who gives of himself for the betterment of Leyden students,” said Leyden High School District 212 Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak. “This is an honor he deeply deserves and we look forward to having Victor represent our district, our state, and our profession over the next year. We ask our students, parents, staff, and communities to join us in congratulating Víctor, and to share in the pride we feel in knowing the 2025 Illinois Teacher of Year comes from Leyden.”
“Víctor is a phenomenal educator who can inspire students to love science at the high school level, including those who did not envision themselves taking interest or finding success in science,” said East Leyden High School Principal Dr. Julie Lam. “He has collaborated with several colleagues to develop our bilingual science curriculum and continues to reflect and improve upon his work and practice.”
As the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Gómez will begin a state-funded one-year sabbatical in July. He also will represent Illinois in the National Teacher of the Year program sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Learn more about 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Víctor Gómez and ISBE’s Teacher of the Year program on the ISBE Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year webpage.
***Courtesy of the Illinois State Board of Education***
