RLAS-116 Celebrates 2026 Educator of the Year Nominees
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- News
Round Lake Area Schools District 116 is proud to recognize seven staff members who have been nominated for the 2026 Educator of the Year Awards through the Lake County Regional Office of Education. These individuals exemplify excellence in teaching, leadership, and service, and reflect the profound impact our educators and staff have on students, families, and the broader community.
Each nominee will be recognized alongside colleagues from across Lake County at the 5th Annual Educator of the Year Awards Banquet on Wednesday, May 6.
Additionally, two outstanding team members will also be recognized for significant professional achievements:
- Brian Peterson (Round Lake High School) will be recognized for earning the Illinois Principals Association Lake Region High School Principal of the Year Award.
- Carolyn Corcoran (CTE/CBE C&I Specialist) will be recognized for her impactful work with Navig8Lake.
Elementary/Early Childhood Teacher
Amy Dougherty - Kindergarten Teacher, Ellis Elementary School
Amy Dougherty is recognized for her leadership in advancing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning that honors how young children learn best.
Middle School Teacher
Christa Burris - ELA Teacher, Round Lake Middle School
Christa Burris is celebrated for her extraordinary ability to connect with students and support them both academically and emotionally.
High School Teacher
Cortney Payne - Wellness & Health Teacher, Round Lake High School
Cortney Payne is recognized for redefining wellness education through innovative, real-world learning experiences.
Diverse Learner Teacher
Alex Zermeno - ESL Teacher & Department Chair, Round Lake High School
Alex Zermeno is honored for her unwavering advocacy and leadership on behalf of multilingual learners.
School Administrator
Jeff Dees - Associate Principal for Curriculum & Instruction, Round Lake High School
Jeff Dees is recognized for his transformational instructional leadership and commitment to academic excellence.
Student Support Personnel
Kristi Van Ham - Occupational/Physical Therapist, Districtwide
Kristi Van Ham is honored for her tireless advocacy and dedication to students with diverse needs across the district.
Educational Service Personnel
Jorge Diaz - Maintenance, Round Lake High School
Jorge Diaz is celebrated for his exceptional dedication to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and fully functional learning environment.
We congratulate each of these outstanding individuals and honorees on this well-deserved recognition and wish them the best at the upcoming awards ceremony.