IACEA, the Voice of Adult Education in Illinois, values the adult education and literacy practitioners in this state.  We affirm their dedication, their hard work, and the heart they have for the people they serve.

We also recognize the strength and perseverance of our adult learners.  It is a highlight of our annual conference to demonstrate our appreciation by honoring those who have been selected through our nominations process at the Awards Luncheon.  Each year we spotlight an administrator, an instructor, a support services staff member, and an adult learner.
If there is someone with whom you work who every day does the ten things that are needed and then one more.  There are adult education students whose accomplishments exceed everyday expectations.  Please consider placing their names before the Awards Committee for consideration.

​Please contact the Awards Committee at [email protected] for more information.

CLICK THE TITLE OF THE AWARD TO NOMINATE A STAFF MEMBER

Administrator of the Year

The Administrator of the Year Award is an annual award to recognize an Administrator who has:

• Shown a commitment to the Adult Education profession.
• Has made an outstanding contribution toward fostering the concept of education as a process continuing throughout life.
• Demonstrated contribution to adult education at the community, state, and/or national levels.

Paul Simon Adult Learner of the Year Award

The Paul Simon Adult Learner of the Year award is designed to recognize an Adult Education student who has:

• improved the life situation(s) of self/others as a result of learning experiences.
• demonstrated leadership within formal or nontraditional learning.
• has maintained family, civic or employment responsibilities while concurrently pursuing educational goals.
• has overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue adult learning experiences.
• has been supportive of others engaged in adult learning.
• earned awards or honors for educational achievement granted by educational institutions, community or civic groups.

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Support Staff of the Year Award

The Support Staff of the Year award recognized a support staff member who:

• demonstrates a commitment to the adult and continuing education profession
• demonstrates a willingness to perform above and beyond assigned duties.
• accepts each learner’s cultural and ethnic uniqueness.
• provides a non-threatening, supportive atmosphere.
• communicates effectively with students, colleagues and supervisors.
• fosters and maintains linkages with appropriate community resources.
• demonstrates an ability to be flexible and innovative.
• expresses and demonstrates a commitment to his/her lifelong learning.

Arthur J. Stejskal Teacher of the Year Award​

The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a teacher who:

• demonstrates a commitment to the adult and continuing education profession
• recognizes and understands the physical, psychological, social, and cognitive characteristics of adult learners.
• accepts each learner’s cultural and ethnic uniqueness.
• provides a non-threatening, supportive atmosphere for learning which fosters freedom of thought and expression.
• assists learners in formulating personal learning objectives and assessing progress toward those objectives.
• communicates effectively with learners, colleagues and supervisors.