Elmhurst University student wins Bob Haisman Student of the Year Award

The Illinois Education Association recently awarded seven educators from around the state for their outstanding commitment to their schools, students, communities and public education.

The awards were presented during the IEA Representative Assembly. The RA is the legislative body of the IEA and helps the state’s largest union set its agenda for the year. There are 1,200 IEA delegates, guests and state dignitaries who attend the RA.

The IEA award recipients were nominated and chosen for their awards by their peers.

Locally, Stephanie Chávez, an aspiring educator from Elmhurst University, received the Bob Haisman Student of the Year Award.

Chávez has consistently demonstrated strong values of leadership, reliability, compassion and consistency. As a College of DuPage student in 2023, she recognized the power of aspiring educators standing with faculty members. During tense negotiations between the COD Faculty Association and the board of trustees, she spoke out in support of her professors and showed up to their rallies. Chávez went on to be honored as one of two outstanding graduates at College of DuPage. As IEA Aspiring Educator chair, Chávez has been an advocate for paid student teaching and represented fellow members in 2024 by speaking on a panel at the NEA Aspiring Educators conference. Chávez is passionate about ensuring representation for educators of color in every space she is in. This past year, she was recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month by Rep. Delia Ramirez for her contributions to public education. As a first generation Mexican American, Chávez is committed to teaching her students to be proud of their roots, especially children of immigrant families. She will graduate from Elmhurst University in May 2026. Her commitment to public education, strong work ethic and unwavering kindness and compassion have made her an excellent leader in IEA Aspiring Educators.

Another suburban winner is Christopher Pettit, orchestra teacher at Bell Graham and Wasco elementary schools for St. Charles Unit District 303, with the Bob Haisman Early Career Teacher of the Year Award.

As an early career educator, Pettit has demonstrated outstanding involvement in our local, state and national associations. Pettit has served as a region council member, IEA Representative Assembly (RA) delegate, National Education Association Representative Assembly (NEA RA) delegate and building representative for his local, St. Charles Education Association. In addition to holding leadership roles, he contributes to the elections, grievance and school board elections committees. His commitment to union involvement at multiple levels is truly commendable for an educator in the first decade of his career. In terms of professional achievements, Pettit played an active role in creating the District 303 elementary orchestra curriculum, leveraging his strong understanding of state and national standards as well as his background in private instruction. He has created an orchestra program environment where students across the socioeconomic spectrum feel valued, capable and motivated to excel.

Perhaps most impressively, Pettit has enhanced the image of new teachers through his proactive approach to professional growth. As a graduate of the EMELT program, he has sought out opportunities to develop his skills and taken on responsibilities typically associated with more veteran educators. Pettit embodies the spirit of excellence, engagement and advocacy that this award seeks to recognize. His contributions to our association, his profession and public education as a whole make him an outstanding candidate for this honor.

The Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest union, representing PreK-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago, education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees, and students preparing to become teachers. The IEA Representative Assembly serves as the organization’s legislative body, setting the union’s agenda for the year.

To learn more about the 2025 IEA RA award winners, visit the IEA’s website, ieanea.org.