- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Naperville Today
By the People, for the People
Naperville Central Teacher Wins Regional Award, Finalist for Top Honor
Seth Brady recognized as 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year, now in running for Illinois Teacher of the Year
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Seth Brady, a social studies teacher at Naperville Central High School, has been named a 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education and is now a finalist for the prestigious Illinois Teacher of the Year award. Brady is being recognized for his dedication to global education, civic engagement, and fostering inclusive, inquiry-based learning environments.
Why it matters
This award highlights the exceptional teaching and leadership taking place in Naperville schools, and Brady's selection as a finalist for the statewide Teacher of the Year honor brings further recognition to the district's commitment to educational excellence and innovation.
The details
As a Regional Teacher of the Year, Brady is one of 14 educators honored by the state board. Under his guidance, Naperville Central students have helped author and inspire Illinois legislation on issues like climate education, media literacy, fentanyl awareness, and maternal health equity. Brady also serves as the project director for the Illinois Global Scholar program, which he co-designed to expand global education opportunities for students statewide.
- Seth Brady has taught at Naperville Central High School since 2004.
- Brady was named a 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year in February 2026.
- The Illinois State Board of Education will name the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year this spring.
The players
Seth Brady
A social studies teacher at Naperville Central High School who has been recognized as a 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year and is a finalist for the Illinois Teacher of the Year award.
Naperville Central High School
The high school where Seth Brady teaches social studies and leads courses in Peace Studies, World Cultures, Anthropology, World Religions, and the STEM/Humanities Capstone.
Illinois State Board of Education
The state agency that named Seth Brady a 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year and will select the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year from the 14 regional honorees.
Jackie Thornton
The principal of Naperville Central High School, who praised Seth Brady as an "outstanding Redhawk educator" committed to inquiry-based learning and promoting equity.
What they’re saying
“We know Seth Brady as an outstanding Redhawk educator who has demonstrated commitment to implementation of inquiry-based classroom practices and learning experiences that build understanding of cultures, religions, ideologies and perspectives that promote equity and support the success of all students.”
— Jackie Thornton, Principal, Naperville Central High School (Naperville School District 203)
What’s next
The Illinois State Board of Education will name the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year this spring from the 14 regional and specialized teachers of the year.
The takeaway
Seth Brady's recognition as a Regional Teacher of the Year and finalist for the statewide honor underscores Naperville Central High School's commitment to innovative, globally-minded, and equitable teaching practices that are inspiring students and shaping education policy in Illinois.
