Addison Trail alumnus and ISBE 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year shares life journey to becoming a bilingual educator

On Sept. 4, Addison Trail alumnus Víctor Gómez (class of 2012) – who is the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year – served as the keynote speaker for Addison School District 4’s “Bilingualism & Beyond: Empowering our Multilingual Educators” event.

During his presentation, Gómez told his life story, including how his parents met and immigrated to the U.S. and the people and events along the way that guided his journey to becoming an educator. He also spoke about the teachers and coaches from Addison School District 4 and Addison Trail who mentored, encouraged and influenced him through the years. Gómez thanked and shared memories about Addison Trail social studies teacher Brad Donaldson, science teacher Carolyn Erwin, science teacher Aileen Sullivan, English Department Head Amy Ferraro, math teacher Kirsten Olson and world language teacher Enza Spilotro. He said they instilled within him a passion and love for teaching and the confidence to pursue education as a career.

“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 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 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.”