Heidie Dunn, a longtime McHenry Community High School English teacher, former drama instructor and current coordinator for the high school’s newly implemented AVID program, is the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year for the Far North suburban region.
Dunn is one of 13 regional Teachers of the Year chosen by the Illinois State Board of Education. In March, they will also be inducted into the Teacher of the Year cohort, and then interviewed for selection of an overall Teacher of the Year in April. The state also honors all recipients of the Teacher of the Year and Those Who Excel program at a banquet in May.
Dunn, who started teaching at McHenry in 1996 and has taught a wide gamut of programs, said implementing the AVID program is what she’d like to be her legacy. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elective program now but Dunn hopes to see it grow.
“I’m really humbled,” Dunn said. “Maybe if I represent half of what is good in this building, that’s a good thing.”
AVID is an elective college and career readiness program designed to motivate students to work for their highest potential. Prior to her work with that program, Dunn taught a wide range of English classes, including Honors and Advanced Placement and dual-credit. She also oversaw the drama program.
Dunn earned a bachelor of arts degree in English with Secondary Certification, with a minor in theatre arts, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She also has a master’s degree in educational leadership from North Park University and a master’s degree in educational technology from Aurora University.
Also, Dunn has a dual-credit speech certification from Eastern Illinois University.
Andrew Hillier, French and current Theatre instructor, was one of Dunn’s first students at McHenry Community High School.
“Heidie’s passion for education, commitment to student success, and ability to inspire those around her truly set her apart,” said Dr. Jeff Prickett, principal of McHenry High School Upper Campus. “Whether she’s leading engaging lessons, mentoring fellow educators, or finding new ways to support her students, Heidie embodies excellence in education.”
Now Dunn’s focus is implementing the AVID curriculum and inspiring other teachers to adopt aspects of it in their own classrooms. “All of the things that make up the elective – all of those things can be infused into classes throughout the building,” Dunn said.
Her message to other educators is to stay focused on the good things in public education, despite the challenges. And take every opportunity that’s offered.
“I like to think of my life this way – ‘what’s the best that can happen?’ ” Dunn said.
For students, Dunn said her message is similar – take advantage of every great opportunity.
“This shouldn’t be the end of their glory days. Their glory days are still coming,” Dunn said.
Read more about the Teacher of the Year program and the other finalists on the Illinois State Board of Education website. See the video of Dunn's surprise call with State Superintendent Tony Sanders.
Dunn is the fifth from McHenry County to be a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year. To see a full list of awardees, visit the ISBE website.