Teacher Appreciation Night took place Wednesday, May 24, at Wrigley Field. As part of the pregame festivities Illinois Teacher of the Year Briana Morales threw out a ceremonial first pitch alongside two of her former students, Kendreah Jones and Malani Salazar. They were accompanied by her family, fellow TeachPlus teacher policy advocates, and Illinois State Board of Education staff supporters. “I’m grateful to the Chicago Cubs organization for celebrating Ms. Morales – and, by extension, all Illinois educators – with the honor of throwing out the first pitch,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. The 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year and 2023 National Teacher of the Year finalist Kim Radostits handed off the torch to Ms. Morales during last weekend’s Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year banquet. The ceremonial first pitch marked the start to Ms. Morales’ tour of Illinois and the nation while serving as 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year. “I am honored to have the opportunity to throw the first pitch at Wrigley Field during Teacher Appreciation Night. What a special moment to return to the city I love — where I’m from — which holds so much beauty and diversity that I have been committed to uplifting throughout my career in alternative education,” said Ms. Morales. “Thank you to the Chicago Cubs for elevating the work of educators, who are so many young peoples’ ‘biggest fans.’” Last month, the Illinois State Board of Education selected Ms. Morales, an English teacher at Gordon Bush Alternative Center in East St. Louis School District 189, as the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year. Her curriculum helps her students’ process trauma and find personal empowerment through writing poetry.

Photo Credit: The Chicago Cubs