Bethalto Teacher Named Illinois’s Southern Regional Teacher of the Year

BETHALTO - A local teacher has been named Illinois’s Southern Regional Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2026 Teacher of the Year award.

Angie Neilson, an educator at Civic Memorial High School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8, says it’s “humbling and shocking” to be recognized. As she waits to learn if she has received the Teacher of the Year honor, she is focused on continuing her work and helping students reach their potential inside and outside of the classroom.

“I truly love what I do, and this doesn't feel like work to me. To receive praise for something I consider a passion is incredibly fulfilling,” Neilson said. “I have been in Bethalto for 14 years, and I wouldn't want to teach anywhere else.”

Neilson is a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Civic Memorial, where she teaches Culinary Arts, Textiles and Design, Career Education, and courses based in Bethalto’s Education Pathway. These classes include Early Childhood Education and a dual-credit American Education class, with plans to offer a dual-credit Intro to Special Education class next year.

She is the sponsor for the Educators Rising organization, which encourages high school students who want to pursue teaching by giving them opportunities to observe in classrooms across the district. This work comes from a place of passion for Neilson, who is focused on helping students define their next steps and develop their own love for education.

“My goals are rooted in continuing my work in recruiting students to the field of education — as teachers, paraprofessionals, school counselors, school psychologists, and the support staff that are crucial to running the school buildings,” she shared. “We need to change the conversation about education not being a viable pathway for students, and make these career choices valued and respected.”

Neilson also serves as the co-sponsor for the Drama Club, where she directs the fall production and is the costumes/hair/makeup director for the spring musical every year. She is the co-sponsor for prom and the Bethalto Education Association Union vice president.

In all of these roles, Neilson’s dedication to students and the community stands out. As a 1999 graduate of Civic Memorial, and with kids in the district now, she has always been committed to Bethalto. She expressed her gratitude for the teachers and administrators who support her work.

“I am blessed to work with some of the best teachers, who continuously make me strive to be better,” she said. “The faculty and staff we have in this District are among the most talented, caring, and passionate educators.”

Neilson has obviously made an impact on her students, including former Education Pathway student Tyler Mills, who nominated her for the Teacher of the Year honor. As Illinois’s Southern Regional Teacher of the Year, Neilson will represent Bethalto at a statewide networking event in March, followed by the 52nd Annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet in April, where the Teacher of the Year winner will be announced.

If she wins, Neilson will take a year-long sabbatical to travel across Illinois to speak at events. She won’t know until April, but the Southern Regional Teacher of the Year honor has already changed the trajectory of her career and invited her to reflect on how she wants to be remembered as an educator.

She hopes her fellow teachers — including the future teachers she advises at Civic Memorial — remember her passion and her work to empower others. Neilson’s love for her job guides her, and she is proud to be a part of such an important field.

“I hope they see that I value collaboration and hands-on learning experiences,” she added. “Meaningful learning happens when teachers feel supported, respected, and empowered to try new approaches. Most importantly, I hope they understand that my work is grounded in purpose and helping students find their own career pathways that they’re passionate about, and making those connections throughout the community. I truly love what I do, and teachers don’t always hear enough how much they are valued and appreciated.”

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