Glenbard East educators receive state recognition from ISBE

Glenbard East High School teachers Brandon Catt and Tim Fawkes have been honored with 2025 Those Who Excel Awards by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

ISBE spotlights educators across the state with the annual Those Who Excel Awards, which recognize the exemplary educators who go above and beyond to make positive impacts in their school communities.

Catt, who serves as a music teacher and fine arts department chair at Glenbard East, has been named as a Those Who Excel – Award of Excellence recipient in the school administrator category. Fawkes, who is a music teacher at Glenbard East, has been selected as a Those Who Excel – Award of Excellence honoree for classroom teaching.

Glenbard District 87 Superintendent David Larson said, “Brandon and Tim are great examples of committed and caring educators who work tirelessly to help our students excel, both now and in the future. They both embody the characteristics in our Profile of an Educator: advocates, empathizes, adapts and learns, embraces diversity, innovates and collaborates. We are excited to see that their dedication, talent and abilities are being recognized with these awards.”

The Award of Excellence is the most prestigious category of achievement in the Those Who Excel Awards. To receive the Award of Excellence, educators must have demonstrated a commitment to equity and to the success of all students. They regularly collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create positive school cultures. They are lifelong learners who connect their schools to the community at large and who inspire other education professionals within and beyond their schools.

“Brandon Catt is more than well deserving of this honor and recognition,” said Glenbard East Principal Antoine Anderson. “As a leader, he has been steadfast in his commitment to support the Fine Arts staff and students in their effort to perform at their full potential. As a school, East is fortunate to have Brandon as his intentional efforts to serve have had a long-lasting and positive impact in the building and in the community at large.”

“Tim Fawkes is an exceptional teacher and a true asset to our school community,” Anderson said. “He engages students by sharing his love and passion for music on a daily basis. He is well deserving of this honor and recognition.”

Find more information on the application process and awards in ISBE’s Overview of Awards. ISBE will celebrate the awardees at a banquet on May 17.