Oak Park Teacher Named Illinois Educator of the Year
Lincoln Elementary Spanish teacher Rocio Jacoby received the 2026 award on October 8.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Language Learning
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Rocio Jacoby, a Spanish instructor at Lincoln Elementary School, was named the 2026 Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The award was officially presented to Jacoby on October 8, 2026.
Why it matters
This recognition highlights the success of the comprehensible input teaching method in local elementary education. It acknowledges long-standing contributions to language learning in Oak Park Elementary School District 97.
Jacoby has taught at Lincoln Elementary School since 2008 and delivers Spanish lessons in 30-minute daily increments. She utilizes a curriculum involving songs, games, books, and stories to engage students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
The players
Rocio Jacoby
She is a Spanish teacher at Lincoln Elementary School who has worked for Oak Park District 97 since 2003.
Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
This organization promotes the study of world languages and presented the 2026 Teacher of the Year award.
The details
Jacoby has served in the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 since 2003, consistently applying the comprehensible input approach to language instruction. She instructs younger students three times a week and older pupils twice a week.
Timeline
2003: Jacoby began her tenure with Oak Park District 97.
2008: Jacoby commenced her teaching position at Lincoln Elementary School.
October 8, 2026: Jacoby received the Teacher of the Year award.
Culture Shift
The selection of an elementary educator marks the first time since the 2014 elementary teacher recognition that a teacher from this level has received the state honor. This shift highlights a broader appreciation for early-childhood foreign language immersion.
Students at Lincoln Elementary School continue to receive specialized Spanish instruction in 30-minute blocks throughout their school week. This consistent language exposure supports the district's ongoing commitment to multilingual education for local children.
The takeaway
Effective language instruction often relies on immersion through storytelling, songs, and books rather than traditional rote memorization. Parents and educators can implement these comprehensible input techniques at home to boost children's engagement with a second language.
Further reading
Discover how local educators are innovating in the classroom by visiting Language Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wednesday Journal.
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