Mattoon CUSD #2 is pleased to announce that Chris Brown, LIFT facilitator, has been honored with the distinguished Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
This award recognizes talented school professionals for their dedication, innovation, and impact across Illinois.
Brown was nominated by one or more anonymous students as part of ISBE’s 2025 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards.
“I am humbled by this recognition and am thankful for my family, students, colleagues, and administrators who have supported me on this journey,” Brown said.
Brown has been with the Mattoon school district for 17 years, starting as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Mattoon High School. He transitioned to his role as a facilitator at LIFT when the center opened in 2022, teaching Manufacturing, Architecture, Construction, and Electrical.
LIFT Director, McLain Schafer, praised Brown’s contributions, stating, “Chris Brown is an incredible teacher, leader, and community member. He leads with his heart, and the impact he has had on students and staff throughout his career is making a difference across our region. He is more than deserving of this award.”
According to ISBE, “To receive the Award of Excellence, the most prestigious of the Those Who Excel honors, educators must have demonstrated a commitment to equity and to the success of all students. They regularly collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create positive school cultures. They are lifelong learners who connect their schools to the community at large and who inspire other education professionals within and beyond their schools.”
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders added, “Our 2025 Those Who Excel awardees and Teacher of the Year Cohort exemplify excellence in teaching and leadership, ensuring their students feel supported, included, and inspired.”
For more information about the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, visit ISBE’s website.