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Naperville Today
By the People, for the People
Beloved Naperville Central Teacher Named 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year
Social studies teacher Seth Brady surprised with top state honor for his two decades of impactful work
Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:50pm
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A pop art-inspired celebration of the teaching profession, honoring the passion and creativity of Illinois' top educator.Naperville TodaySeth Brady, a longtime social studies teacher at Naperville Central High School, was named the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year. Brady was surprised with the honor during a celebration at the school, where colleagues and students praised his ability to build community, encourage critical thinking, and help young people understand each other both locally and globally.
Why it matters
The Illinois Teacher of the Year award is the state's top honor for educators, recognizing one standout teacher each year. Brady's selection highlights the powerful impact teachers can have in shaping students' perspectives and preparing them to be engaged citizens. His story also showcases the deep respect and appreciation Naperville Central students and staff have for his teaching approach.
The details
Seth Brady has been a social studies teacher at Naperville Central High School for over 20 years. During a surprise celebration at the school, he was named the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year by the State Superintendent of Education. Brady appeared shocked and emotional as he was presented with the honor in front of his students and colleagues. In his remarks, Brady thanked his fellow teachers and reflected on his passion for helping young people understand different perspectives, both in their local communities and around the world.
- On April 16, 2026, Seth Brady was named the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
The players
Seth Brady
A veteran social studies teacher at Naperville Central High School who was named the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Tony Sanders
The State Superintendent of Education who presented the Illinois Teacher of the Year award to Seth Brady.
Jackie Thornton
The principal of Naperville Central High School who praised Seth Brady's work in challenging students and staff to think differently.
Ellen Small
A senior student at Naperville Central High School who spoke about the profound impact Seth Brady has had on the school community.
What they’re saying
“We have done a lot of these and the reaction of your students to your entry into this room far beyond exceeds anything I have seen before. So it says a lot about the way your students feel about you and your colleagues here from Naperville Central.”
— Dr. Tony Sanders, State Superintendent of Education
“Seth, your work has challenged us all to think bigger about what teaching and learning could be. You have reminded us that the most powerful classrooms aren't built on answers, but on curiosity, on courage, on the ability to ask 'What if?'”
— Jackie Thornton, Principal, Naperville Central High School
“The classes I have taken with him as my teacher have been by far the most defining experiences of my high school years and I know I can speak for an entire community of students when I say that his guidance and support and unwavering amount of belief in us not only shapes how we learn, but who we are becoming. He has built a space where students feel safe, respected, and deeply connected, and I have rarely seen anyone ever take a room full of total strangers and turn them into a genuine community the way that Mr. Brady does. And that has left a permanent mark on our school culture.”
— Ellen Small, Senior, Naperville Central High School
“I really think about it, not to get too, ya know, touchy-feely here, I am already, you know, welling up that my soul was pulled towards helping young people understand one another, not just in their own communities, which there's plenty to understand in your own community, but worldwide. And I also think that my soul was pulled to all of you, so thank you so much.”
— Seth Brady
What’s next
The Illinois State Board of Education will honor Seth Brady and the other finalists for the Teacher of the Year award at a ceremony later this year.
The takeaway
Seth Brady's recognition as the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year underscores the profound impact that dedicated educators can have in shaping the next generation. His ability to build community, foster critical thinking, and help students understand diverse perspectives has left a lasting mark on Naperville Central High School.
