Champaign Unit 4 School District is proud to celebrate several outstanding educators who have been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) through the 2026 Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year awards.
These prestigious honors recognize educators who demonstrate a commitment to equity, student success, leadership, and service to their school communities.
The 2026 Award Recipients from Champaign Unit 4 Schools include:
Danielle Mallett – Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Stratton
Tiffany Klang – Award of Excellence, Educational Service Personnel - Windsor
Kendra Brauer – Award of Meritorious Service, Classroom Teacher - Barkstall
Amanda Lappin – Award of Special Recognition, School Administrator - Bottenfield
Danielle Mallett’s recognition as Bilingual Teacher of the Year places her among a select group of specialized educators recognized statewide for excellence in serving multilingual learners. During a congratulatory video call with State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders, Ms. Mallett’s class congratulated her in French!
The Award of Excellence, the highest honor within the Those Who Excel program, recognizes educators who inspire their school communities, collaborate with families and colleagues, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to equity and lifelong learning.
These honors reflect the incredible talent, dedication, and heart of our Unit 4 educators. Each of these individuals exemplifies our commitment to supporting Every Student, Every Day. Champaign Unit 4 Schools congratulates these remarkable professionals for representing our district with excellence at the state level, and for the daily impact they make in the lives of students and families.