Illinois State Historical Society | Strawbridge-Shepherd House | PO Box 1800 | Springfield, IL 62705-1800
Do you know an outstanding history or social studies teacher in Illinois? The ISHS Education Committee seeks nominations for the Olive Foster Outstanding Teacher Award. This award honors Olive Foster, former Illinois State Historian, Director of the School Services Program, and originator of the Illinois History Program for students. The annual award is designed to recognize and reward a full-time teacher for outstanding contributions to the study and teaching of state and local history. Recipients of this award actively promote Illinois history in schools as well as in their local communities, using the resources of one or more local historical societies, museums, the ISHS, and other Illinois-based historical organizations. Documentation of the teacher's work is required. A $1,000 award will be given in 2024 to an Illinois teacher from one of the following categories:
The award will be presented at the Illinois State Historical Society's Annual Awards Banquet in 2024. Nominations may be made by any group or person, including the nominee, and should be accompanied by the following information:
Informational Letter (PDF) Download Application (PDF)
Submission must be postmarked or emailed by January 15, 2024.
Nominations may be submitted via paper to: Illinois State Historical Society, Foster Award, PO Box 1800, Springfield, IL 62705-1800.
For more information, call the Illinois State Historical Society at 217-525-2781.
2023 ISHS Olive Foster Teacher of the Year Award winner Amanda Becker. Rockford Auburn High School, Rockford.
2022: Jodi Mitts, Lincoln Magnet School, Springfield 2021: Kelbey McMath, Clinton Junior High School 2020: Lance Boldt, Mt. Vernon Township High School 2019: Tammy Greene, Kings Consolidated School District 144 2018: Richard J. Hansen, Mt. Zion High School 2017: Mark McBride Tri Valley High School, Downs 2015: Debra Liu, Solomon School, Chicago 2014: Mark Motsinger, Carrier-Mills Stonefort High School 2013: Teresa Heinhorst, Midwest Central High School, Manito 2011: Robyn Williams, Harrisburg High School 2011: Darrel Dexter, Egyptian Community High School, Tamms 2011: Michelle Okrzesik, Worth Elementary School 2011: Sherry Strycker, Worth Elementary School 2010: Charles Hilmes, Breese Elementary School 2010: Donna Bowen Brown, Elizabeth Peabody Elementary School, Chicago 2010: Elizabeth Robbins, Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, Chicago 2008: Leonard White, Rockford School District 2008: Rick Williams, Judah Christian High School, Champaign 2007: Jeffrey Welker, Roxana Community School District #1 2007: Jenni Dahl, Springfield High School 2007: John Taylor, Springfield High School 2007: Mary Bellman, Chicago 2007: Katy Arme, Plainfield 2006: Betsy Brown, Lewis Elementary School, Carbondale