Addison Trail alumnus named ISBE 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year

Addison Trail is proud to share alumnus Víctor Gómez (class of 2012, pictured above) has been named as the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

“Addison trail holds a special place in my heart,” Gómez said. “Through the dedication and care of outstanding teachers and their unwavering commitment to not only educate their students, but prepare them for postsecondary careers, is what nurtured and prepared me in many aspects of life; making me the educator I am today.”

Gómez, a 2025 Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year, is a sixth-year bilingual chemistry teacher 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 Learner (EL) students, Gómez ensures they 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.

While at Addison Trail, Gómez was a member of the Boys Track and Field Team and the Boys Cross-Country Team.

“I wanted to model what my teachers at Addison Trail did for me – making lessons engaging, demonstrating they cared for their students as individuals and creating a supportive environment, where every student felt valued and motivated to succeed,” Gómez said. “The impact they had on me was profound, and I wanted to do the same for my students.”

Gómez especially thanks social studies teacher Brad Donaldson, science teacher Carolyn Erwin, English Department Head Amy Ferraro, math teacher Kirsten Olson and world language teacher Enza Spilotro for instilling within him a passion and love for teaching and the confidence to pursue education as a career.

“I pursued a career in education, because I saw a deficit of educators who shared my cultural and linguistic background,” Gómez said. “I knew that one day, I could use my bilingualism to serve a community of learners who needed to see themselves reflected in their teacher.”