Horace Mann celebrates Springfield's 2025 top educators
Black Hawk Elementary’s Lisa Schweska named Springfield School District 186 Educator of the Year
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 10, 2025 - Lisa Schweska, a fifth grade teacher at Black Hawk Elementary, has been named the Horace Mann Educator of the Year. She was surprised with the news during an assembly at the home of the Bees, where students and staff cheered in celebration. She will receive $1,400 and an award from Horace Mann.
Educator of the Year finalists were Emily Anderson (Springfield Learning Academy), Elizabeth House (Butler Elementary), Spring Shaon (Douglas PREPl) Veronika Young (Early Learning Center ). Each will receive $250 from Horace Mann.
The Rising Star Award, honoring outstanding teachers with four or fewer years in District 186, was also announced. This year's Rising Stars are Sierra Buske (Laketown Elementary) Kristin Cullen (Lanphier High School) and Adam Lanter (Franklin Middle School). They each will receive $250 and a crystal award from Horace Mann.
In addition, the Administrator of the Year was named. Erika Metz, Assistant Principal at Southeast High School, was honored with that award. She will receive $500 and a crystal award.
Administrator of the Year finalists were Erica Filipiak (Wilcox Elementary) and Kenyatta Revelle (Iles School). Each received $250.
Horace Mann has sponsored the Educator of the Year program since its inception in 1988. An independent panel of Springfield-area community and education leaders selects the Educator of the Year, Administrator of the Year and the Rising Stars.
About Springfield Public Schools District 186
For more information about District 186, visit www.sps186.org.
About Horace Mann
Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest multiline financial services company focused on helping America's educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.