A Sandwich elementary teacher has been named the state's top educator. Pam Reilly teaches second grade at Woodbury Elementary School in Sandwich Community Unit School District 430.
Reilly was selected from 11 finalists recognized at the Illinois State Board of Education’s annual Those Who Excel banquet in Normal.
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, teachers earning an Award of Excellence are finalists for Illinois Teacher of the Year. Illinois has named a state Teacher of the Year since the mid 1950’s. In 1970, the Illinois State Board of Education became involved in the Teacher of the Year selection, and the first banquet was held in 1974.