Victor Gomez, from East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, wins Illinois Teacher of the Year award

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A bilingual teacher in suburban Franklin Park got a big, surprise honor Wednesday.

Victor Gomez at East Leyden High School is the recipient of the Illinois Teacher of the Year award.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Gomez has dedicated six years to teaching at East Leyden High School and has been a strong supporter of multilingual learners. His dedication and hard work were recognized with a special announcement on Wednesday.

Gomez thought he was bringing his class to the music room because of a leaky ceiling.

It was a ruse to bring him to a celebration in his honor.

Gomez was named teacher of the year by the Illinois State Board of Education.

“Doing what’s right for the kids, making sure they have every opportunity to succeed has been the one mission as an educator,” Gomez said.

Gomez launched the school’s first bilingual chemistry course.

Principal Julie Lam highlighted Gomez’s impact by stating, “He reminds our students, especially those who may not see themselves reflected in textbooks or leadership positions, that they belong, they matter and that they are capable of excellence.”

English learners comprise 80% of the student body.

And Gomez wants to help them prepare for careers in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.

A former student, Jesus Osuna, expressed his gratitude towards Mr. Gomez, saying, “Thank you, Mr. Gomez, for believing in your students, for sharing your love of learning and for making us feel at home.”

State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders selected Gomez from 13 finalists across Illinois.

“He is doing things with students outside of the school day, with growing a mariachi program here at Leyden,” Sanders said.

Gomez helped start a mariachi ensemble at the school to nurture cultural pride.

“Just knowing that teachers can make that much of an impact is something profound,” Gomez said.

Gomez will begin a state-funded one-year sabbatical in July. He’ll also represent Illinois in the National Teacher of the Year program.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
How to Watch All the ‘Final Destination’ Movies in Chronological Order on Streaming

Streaming Guide: Watching the ‘Final Destination’ Movies in Chronological Order

Final Destination is making a comeback with the upcoming movie, Final Destination…
R&B singer Cassie set to testify in Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial in New York City

Cassie to testify in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking trial – New York City

NEW YORK — Cassie, the R&B singer, might take the stand as…
Lori Healey, former Chicago Mayor Daley chief of staff, Obama Foundation executive, remembered at South Loop celebration of life

Memorial event in South Loop honors Lori Healey, ex-chief of staff to Mayor Daley and executive at the Obama Foundation

CHICAGO (WLS) — A celebration of life took place Tuesday for Lori…
Chicago Sky Foundation looking for small businesses, women-owned businesses to support | Applications open now

Apply Now: Chicago Sky Foundation Seeking Small Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses for Support

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Sky Foundation is looking for small business…
Fatal fall in Washington’s North Cascades kills 3, leaves 1 survivor

Tragic accident in North Cascades, Washington claims 3 lives and leaves 1 person alive

Three climbers from Renton, Washington died over the weekend after falling during…
TEASER: '9-1-1: Nashville' joins 'DWTS,' 'High Potential,' 'Abbott Elementary' and more in ABC's primetime fall lineup

Sneak Peek: ABC’s fall schedule includes ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ along with popular shows like ‘DWTS’ and ‘High Potential’

LOS ANGELES — Thursday nights on ABC just got hotter with “9-1-1:…
Trump’s revamped Coast Guard surges with ‘skyrocketing’ recruiting to secure maritime borders: DHS memo

Newly strengthened Coast Guard under Trump sees significant increase in recruitment to protect borders at sea: Department of Homeland Security memo

Daniel Davis, a retired Lt. Col. with a distinguished military career that…
College senior killed after 'accidentally' falling from tropical island hotel balcony days before graduation

College senior dies in a fall from a hotel balcony on a tropical island shortly before graduation

A college student is dead after a pre-graduation trip to the Bahamas…
Cannes Film Festival 2025 red carpet: All the celebrity looks

Celebrity Fashion at Cannes Film Festival 2025: Must-See Red Carpet Outfits

It doesn’t get more glam than Cannes. The Cannes Film Festival will…
11 Fort Dearborn Elementary School students taken to hospitals after possibly eating laced cookies in Brainerd: sources, parents

Sources and parents report that 11 students from Fort Dearborn Elementary School were taken to hospitals following suspected consumption of spiked cookies in Brainerd.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Eleven students from a South Side elementary school have…
Feel the Bern of Senator Sander's Private Jet's Massive Carbon Dioxide Output

Experience the Environmental Impact of Senator Sanders’ Private Jet’s Significant Carbon Dioxide Emissions

One of the left’s actions that can’t help but make you chuckle…
Florida State University alleged mass shooter appears in mugshot with disfigured face after hospital release

Florida State University Accused Gunman Revealed in Mugshot with Altered Appearance Following Hospital Discharge

Phoenix Ikner, the alleged shooter at Florida State University, displayed a disfigured…