A Lawrence County Unit #20 teacher has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) among the top educators in the state.
Matthew Metz, who teaches at Lawrenceville High School, was named as a recipient of the Award of Special Recognition through the 2026 Those Who Excel Teacher of the Year Awards. The award honors those teachers whose leadership, dedication, and impact on students extends beyond the classroom.
According to ISBE, the Award of Special Recognition is presented to educators who are regarded highly within their school community and who have demonstrated exceptional skill, passion, and commitment to student success. The honorees were selected from a record number of nominations reviewed by a special panel of educators, administrators, support professionals and past Teachers of the Year.
Metz will be formally honored at the ISBE 52nd Annual Awards banquet in April.
Nightly lane closures planned on I-74 in Shelby County
Woman seriously injured in Decatur County crash
Education Union for ISTA staff files unfair labor charges
People urged to take precautions against tick-borne disease as risk increases with warmer weather
NFHS launches free course on risk of sports betting for high school students
Juvenile runaway Kylor Craig, 17, of Greenfield
Rushville man arrested after cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Officer involved shooting in Rushville, man killed
