Celebrating Illinois teachers and classes who go above and beyond — nominated by the parents and students who know them best.
Every school year, there are teachers who light something up in their students — and classes that prove that learning together can be magical. The Romeoville Extraordinary Classroom Award exists to find them, celebrate them, and reward them with tools to keep doing what they do best.
We believe that teaching a child to communicate — clearly, confidently, and creatively — is one of the most powerful gifts an educator can give. That's why our prize connects directly to STEM-based new media skills: podcasting, storytelling, and digital literacy. Real tools for real futures.
We didn't ask superintendents to pick the winner. We asked the people who see the real impact every single day — parents, guardians, and the students themselves. Because the best teacher recognition isn't top-down. It's from the heart of a community that loves their classroom.
Public, private, charter, religious, or homeschool co-op — any Grade 3–6 classroom in Illinois was eligible. We believe great teaching happens everywhere, and great teachers deserve recognition regardless of their school's budget or profile.
Romeoville School Supplies is committed to putting meaningful, curriculum-connected tools in the hands of classrooms that are already doing extraordinary work. This award is an extension of that mission — not a marketing stunt, but a genuine investment in Illinois education.
No essay contests. No campaign voting. No follower counts. Just a simple nomination from a family who wanted to say: "Our teacher deserves this."
Families submitted a short nomination telling us what makes their teacher or class extraordinary. No minimum length. No rules about format. Just: tell us why.
Every nomination was read by a real person. We looked for stories of genuine impact — creativity, dedication, community, and the kind of teaching that students will remember for decades.
No public vote. No popularity contest. The winning teacher and class were contacted personally on May 10, 2026, and their school was notified with a congratulations package.
The award was open to any Grade 3–6 classroom in the state of Illinois. Here's a quick breakdown of who qualified.
The winning class receives a prize package designed to launch a real, lasting new media program in their classroom.
A complete STEM new media starter kit — plus an exclusive professional development course for the winning teacher.
A high-quality USB microphone for the classroom — so students can record, broadcast, and create from day one. Awarded to Ms. Shahid's Grade 3 class.
A curated Romeoville School Supplies selection of classroom supplies supporting creative, hands-on STEM learning. Awarded to Ms. Roberts' Grade 6 class.
A $100 Romeoville School Supplies Gift card to spend on anything in our store — the teacher and class choose what their classroom needs most. Awarded to Mr. Strickland's Grade 3 class.
Introduction to New Media for Teachers — our full 3-hour professional development course on podcasting and video podcasting for Grades 3–6. Ms. Shahid will receive her personal email invitation to join.
This year's nominations moved us deeply. After reading every single submission, we're proud to recognize three classrooms that reminded us why great teachers are the most important people in a child's world.
Thank you to every Illinois family who took the time to nominate their teacher or classroom. We were moved by the stories you shared — your children are in extraordinary hands.
The 2026 award has been presented. Keep an eye on romeovilleschoolsupplies.com for news about future award cycles.
Are you a Grade 3–6 teacher in Illinois? Introduction to New Media for Teachers — our free 3-hour STEM podcasting course — is available to the winning teacher and may be offered more broadly in future cycles.