By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Lincoln Elementary Spanish teacher Rocío Jacoby was named the 2026 Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 announced Monday.
The award recognizes Jacoby’s work in world language education at the suburban school, located in Oak Park just west of Chicago. “Please join us in celebrating Lincoln Elementary Spanish teacher Rocío Jacoby,” the district said in a news post published Oct. 19 on its website.
The Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, known as ICTFL, is a professional organization that advocates for world language education across the state. The Teacher of the Year honor is the group’s highest individual recognition, awarded annually to an educator who demonstrates excellence in language instruction.
District 97 serves approximately 5,400 students across eight elementary schools and two middle schools in Oak Park. The district’s language program introduces students to Spanish and other world languages at the elementary level, building foundations for continued study.
Jacoby’s recognition comes during a period of renewed attention to world language education in Illinois. Research consistently shows that early exposure to a second language supports cognitive development, cultural awareness and academic performance across subjects.
Oak Park has a long tradition of investment in arts, language and cultural programs in its public schools. The village’s school districts have repeatedly been recognized for innovation in curriculum and instruction.
The award also reflects broader trends in suburban Cook County education, where districts have expanded dual-language and world language offerings to serve increasingly diverse student populations. Oak Park itself is one of the most racially and economically diverse suburbs in the Chicago metropolitan area.
District 97 recently welcomed several new central office team members and appointed Vincent Gay to its Board of Education in June. The board has focused on student safety and community engagement as priorities for the 2026-2027 school year.
Jacoby joins a roster of Illinois educators who have received the ICTFL honor over the years, representing districts from across the state. Past recipients have gone on to play leadership roles in language education at the state and national levels.
The district did not provide additional details about a formal award ceremony in its announcement. Information about District 97 programs and news is available at op97.org.
