2026
State Teacher of the Year

Victor Gomez

State/Territory:

Illinois

Content Area:

Science

Grade:

9-12

Biography:

Víctor Gomez is a science educator for grades 9–12 at East Leyden High School in Leyden High School District 212, which serves the communities of Franklin Park and Northlake, Illinois. Gomez, along with a colleague, was at the forefront of the proposal and development of the bilingual science program at East Leyden High School.

Gomez’s teaching philosophy centers on creating phenomenon-based science curricula that are relevant and engaging for his students. His focus is on mentoring and inspiring the next generation of students and educators to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, helping to address the shortage of professionals in these fields, especially in education.

Gomez received his Bachelor of Science in biology and secondary education from Elmhurst University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction in English as a second language/bilingual education from National Louis University.

State teacher biographies were contributed by individual teachers.
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