Kane County Educator of the Year
School District U-46 social media post 5/4/2026 9:00AM
Congratulations to Noemi Hernandez, a first grade Dual Language teacher at Washington Elementary School, who was named Educator of the Year at the 50th annual Kane County Educator of the Year awards banquet on May 1, 2026.
Noemi has taught in U-46 for more than 25 years, yet her relationship with the district stretches back to her childhood. She was in the district’s bilingual program as an elementary student and graduated from Elgin High School.
Being nominated for the honor, Noemi said, was “surreal.”
“It made me remember all the people who took care of my family, my parents, as first-generation immigrants, and who helped them navigate the system,” she said.
Those early experiences inspired her to pursue a career that allows her to play an important role in not only her students’ lives but also those of their families.
“I truly believe in what I do,” Noemi said. “I am in the classroom because I believe that is where I can make the biggest impact as I advocate for my students and teach their parents to advocate for them.”
Noemi was accompanied to the dinner by a number of family members, her Washington Elementary colleagues, and both former and current student teachers she has mentored. Among those celebrating Noemi’s honor were Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson and U-46 Board of Education members.
This information was provided by a social media post by School District U-46.
