Black Hawk Elementary teacher named 2025 Educator of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Fifth-grade teacher Lisa Schweska was honored as the Horace Mann Educator of the Year at Black Hawk Elementary.

As part of the recognition, she will receive a $1,400 prize and a commemorative award from Horace Mann.

The Horace Mann Educator of the Year program honors excellent teachers and is supported by a group of community and education leaders from Springfield.

Lisa Schweska found out about her award during a special assembly on Thursday afternoon at Black Hawk Elementary. Other outstanding teachers in the district were also recognized at this event.

Finalists for the Educator of the Year award included Emily Anderson from Springfield Learning Academy, Elizabeth House from Butler Elementary, Spring Shaon from Douglas PREP, and Veronika Young from the Early Learning Center. Each finalist will receive a $250 prize.

In addition to the Educator of the Year award, three teachers with four or fewer years of experience in District 186 received the Rising Star Award. They are Sierra Buske from Laketown Elementary, Kristin Cullen from Lanphier High School, and Adam Lanter from Franklin Middle School. Each Rising Star will also receive $250 and a crystal award.

This year, Erika Metz, Assistant Principal at Southeast High School, was named Administrator of the Year. She will receive $500 and a crystal award for her strong leadership.

Finalists for this award included Erica Filipiak from Wilcox Elementary and Kenyatta Revelle from Iles School, both of whom will get $250 for their commendable work.