Teachers are the heart of every school. Without them, classrooms would miss the spark that turns in-class assignments into lifelong lessons students hold onto for years to come. That idea embodies the spirit of Concept Schools’ Teacher of the Year program which honors the hard work educators across our network put in every single day.
Concept wants to congratulate this year’s Teacher of the Year winners and finalists who stood out among over 450 nominations that were submitted.
“As an organization, we are so proud of this group,” said Concept Schools’ Director of Primary Education Tamara Lieb. “Their unwavering dedication, inspiring teaching methodologies, and lasting impact on our students capture the heart of what we value most at Concept Schools.”
Here’s an overview of who took home this year’s Teacher of the Year honors.
Elementary School Winner
Raquel Dailey has been an indispensable addition to HSA Southwest’s staff ever since she joined the school in 2021. She is not only a stellar instructor but a natural-born leader. Dailey serves as Co-chair on the Race and Equity Committee and as Grade-Level Chair for grades 3-5. She is a proud CYSP mentor and teaches in the Saturday School program to prepare students for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness.
Dailey has spent her entire 20-year career building welcoming learning environments and has been recognized by media outlets of the likes of the Chicago Sun-Times, NBC News, and Latina Magazine. She is also in the process of working with Concept Schools to implement a culturally relevant reading curriculum. As a person and educator, she is fully invested in making every student at her school feel valued and respected.
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, as it runs in my family,” Dailey wrote in her application. “However, when I walked into my first classroom, I quickly realized that teaching is more than just a job; it is a responsibility and a calling.”
Dailey received high praise from her school community as a leader and unifier. She’s earned that respect through her teaching philosophy rooted in culturally responsive instruction, differentiated learning and student empowerment.
“I am nominating Ms. Dailey for Teacher of the Year because she embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator and leader in every aspect of her work,” one of Dailey’s colleagues wrote. “As the Grade Chair for our 3-5 department, Ms. Dailey has consistently demonstrated great leadership skills. She facilitates our monthly team meetings with professionalism and purpose, and ensures that every voice is heard.”
Congratulations to Raquel on winning this year’s Concept Schools Teacher of the Year at the elementary level!
Elementary School Finalists
- Megan Peifer, Gateway Science Academy South
- Jacklyn Phillips, Michigan Math and Science Academy Lorraine
Middle School Winner
Shaun Ballman has only been at Gateway Science Academy for two years but the impact he has had on his students would make you think he’s been there decades. In a short period of time, Ballman has built a reputation as someone who makes his classroom fun and productive while meeting his students where they are at in their educational journeys.
Ballman has won multiple teaching awards during his tenure at GSA. He was named the 2023-24 District Teacher of the Year for GSA of St. Louis School District and honored as a 2024 St. Louis Classroom Champion by the Missouri Charter Public School Association. He has also played a key role in curriculum development, facilitating district professional development, helping with student government leadership, and coaching scholars in national academic competitions (like the National History and Geography Bees).
Given his natural instincts to go the extra mile for his school, Ballman epitomizes what Concept Schools’ Teacher of the Year program is all about.
“Education is a collective responsibility,” Ballman wrote in his application. “It extends beyond the walls of our schools and into the fabric of our communities. Together, we must collaborate, innovate, and advocate to ensure every student receives the education they deserve. Let’s not just teach content––let’s inspire growth, model lifelong learning, and empower the next generation to build a better world.”
During the nomination process, it was abundantly clear Ballman is adored by his students. The words “chill guy,” “calm,” “patient,” and “funny” were frequently used to describe the eighth grade social studies teacher.
“I am nominating this teacher for teacher of the year because he has taught me a lot,” one of Ballman’s students wrote. “Out of all the social studies teachers I've had, I've learned the most from Mr. Ballman because his teaching tactics are really good and he makes learning fun and not stressful or boring. I actually get all my work done and have learned a lot from his class.
“Mr. Ballman makes learning social studies even funner especially since I already like social studies.”
Congratulations to Shaun on this well-earned honor!
Middle School Finalists
- Meghan Andreachi, Horizon Science Academy Belmont High
- Araz Suleymanli, Horizon Science Academy Columbus Middle School
High School Winner
Laura Sema Wilson is all about community and connecting with her students. Known for her kind heart and caring teaching style, Sema Wilson uses her polished communication skills and Turkish background to provide her students with a cultural experience they wouldn’t otherwise get in other Turkish classes.
Sema Wilson is literally all over the map. She spent the first part of her professional career in Turkey and worked as a manager at a tourism company and as a news reporter for a radio station. Both of those roles helped her refine her communication skills as she transitioned to teaching. She moved to the U.S. in 2006 and took on jobs that included teaching Turkish at HSA Cleveland High School and the Turkish Cultural Center in Chicago. Sema Wilson also runs a popular Instagram page (she has 27,000 followers and counting) where she highlights the intersections of Turkish and American culture.
All of these experiences have made her one of the best language teachers in the area.
“Throughout my career, I have learned that culture is not just something we teach, it is something we create,” Sema Wilson wrote in her application. “Whether it’s through language, history, or personal experiences, the way we engage students in learning shapes their sense of belonging. In my classroom, I have seen the power of connection firsthand, when students present projects on Turkish culture, learn about Afro-Turks, world famous Turkish people, or taste a traditional dish for the first time.
“These moments remind us that education is not just about knowledge; it is about understanding and inclusion.”
Sema Wilson, who has been featured in one of Turkey’s most prominent newspapers, Milliyet, is an active member in her school’s community. She has participated in Concept Schools’ Art & Language Festival as a performer and founded the Global Heroes project within the language department, an initiative designed to recognize outstanding language learners. Whether it’s a student or someone who is interested in Turkish culture, Sema Wilson’s passion is palpable any time someone steps into one of her learning environments.
“The reason why I am nominating Ms. Wilson is because she is a very amazing person,” one of her students wrote. “She goes out of her way to care for her students and assure that they are feeling well taken care of. She has such a big heart and is so very sweet to everyone even if they don't treat her with the same attitude. Ms.Wilson motivates her students to participate in class and to always try their best she would always make the class a very fun and lively environment.
“Ms. Wilson is the best most impactful teacher I have ever had, she was always there to support and comfort me and my friends whenever we needed it.”
Congrats to Laura for being this year’s Concept Schools High School Teacher of the Year!
High School Finalists
- Mara Thomas, Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High School
- Hamza Aftis, Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School
