Naperville social studies educator named Illinois' 2026 Teacher of the Year

From a young age, Seth Brady has had a curiosity for the world that he's tried to share with his students every day.

And he has succeeded, according to students and teachers at Naperville Central High School. On Thursday, the social studies teacher was named the 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

“ I think we only become who we are by the people that surround us,” Brady said to a crowd of colleagues and students. “My soul was pulled towards helping young people understand one another, not just in their own communities, but worldwide.”

Brady did not know he received the honor until he was pulled out of a classroom and led to a room full of students, teachers and state education leaders who greeted him with applause and cheers.

Brady was recognized for his efforts to create diverse and inclusive learning environments, as well as for his contributions to social studies education at both the state and national levels. He also serves as project director of the Illinois Global Scholar Program, a statewide initiative he helped design to expand global education opportunities for students.

Brady said he grew up in a “diversity desert” in the small town of Bad Axe, Michigan. But his curiosity about the world grew at age 12 when he met an exchange student from Peru. Even though he initially pursued a degree in anthropology, he said he found his calling for education after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

“After 9/11 and the prejudice that followed is that I realized there was a different purpose for me,” he said.

For almost 22 years, Brady has given students at Naperville Central the “gift of wonder” and inspired them to take ownership of their learning, Principal Jackie Thornton said.

Senior Ellen Small said she felt honored to learn from Brady.

“He absolutely makes sure that every single student in that classroom feels seen, heard and valued, and that care completely transforms the way he teaches,” Small said during a heartfelt speech.

Small said Brady has challenged her and taught her to believe that her voice matters. “Through his mentorship, we are encouraged to explore our passions, advocate for humanity, and figure out how we can actually better the world around us,” she said.

Social studies teacher Randy Smith nominated Brady for the award.

“School is meant to empower students to be active in their society, to be continued hungry learners, and to make change for good, and he does it better than anybody I've ever seen,” said Smith.

Smith, who co-founded the Illinois Global Scholar Program alongside Brady, said he felt privileged to work with him for so many years. He added that despite everything Brady has already accomplished, he is certain Brady will continue to inspire students and educators around the world.

“It's been a joy to watch him go from a brand new teacher to being the influencer and amazing innovator that he is,” Smith said.

Also in on the secret were Brady's wife, Allison Domanus-Brady and daughter, Grace Brady, who were all smiles as they watched him be greeted by students and fellow teachers.

"He's the hardest working person I know," Domanus-Brady said. "We are so proud of him."

Brady was among 13 finalists in the running for the title. He had previously been named the 2026 Far West Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year, which made him eligible for the statewide honor. Although he knew he had been nominated, he said he was surprised to learn he had been selected. Brady, who will begin a state-funded sabbatical in July, will represent Illinois in the National Teacher of the Year program.

“In the process of waiting, you realize how lucky you are to be around the people you're around, to get to do the things you get to do, and to be able to co-learn with students,” he said. “My cup is already full but today it sort of ran over.”