Timothy Christian’s Matt Davidson Among Honored Educators

By Julia Mazurek  |  Photos courtesy of DuPage Regional Office of Education

When Jeff Grant’s biology students head outside for class, they’re not taking a break from learning – they’re stepping into one of the most unique classrooms in DuPage County.

Just beyond the grounds of Downers Grove North High School, Grant has transformed a neighboring prairie into a living laboratory where students investigate ecosystems, conduct field research, and discover that science extends far beyond textbooks and test tubes. His hands–on approach encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world.

That philosophy earned Grant, a 23-year veteran of Community High School District 99, the distinction of 2026 DuPage County Educator of the Year.

“Their [students’] curiosity is what makes teaching science both rewarding and fun.”

– Jeff Grant Community High School District 99

The honor was presented by the DuPage County Regional Office of Education (ROE) during its second annual Educator of the Year celebration, which recognized exceptional educators from both public and nonpublic schools across DuPage County.

Grant, who teaches AP Biology and Anatomy, accepted the award with characteristic humility.

DGN science teacher Jeff Grant was honored for bringing to life unique learning experiences for students and mentorship to fellow educators.

“Their curiosity is what makes teaching science both rewarding and fun,” he said, crediting the support of his colleagues and the enthusiasm of his students for creating a classroom where discovery takes center stage.

Whether students are designing complex experiments, conducting research, or tackling real-world challenges like environmental sustainability, Grant’s classroom emphasizes exploration over memorization.

“Jeff Grant represents the very best of our profession,” said DuPage Regional Superintendent of Schools Amber Quirk. “He is deeply committed to his students, constantly pushing them to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around them.”

Grant was one of several educators recognized during the celebration.

Matt Davidson, superintendent of Timothy Christian Schools in Elmhurst, was named DuPage County’s Private and Parochial Educator of the Year. Davidson called the recognition “very humbling,” saying it reflects “the community of Timothy Christian Schools and God’s faithfulness.”

Timothy Christian Schools’ superintendent Matt Davidson was recognized for his leadership in a non-public school, grounded in commitment to faith and community.

While the awards celebrate outstanding educators, it also shines a light on the DuPage Regional Office of Education and the support and services it provides. 

The ROE serves as a nonpartisan link between the Illinois State Board of Education and 42 local school districts, providing resources and specialized support that help schools, educators, students, and families across the county thrive. 

For educators, ROE may be most commonly known for services that keep schools running smoothly – like teacher licensing, professional development requirements, and compliance with state and federal mandates across 256 schools and more than 140,000 students countywide.    

But Regional Superintendent Amber Quirk says those responsibilities represent only part of the office’s mission.  The ROE also offers value-adding services that support a range of needs that reach far beyond compliance.

“The ROE does so much to connect people to resources in order to support students,” Quirk said. “Our goal is to provide the support that schools need so educators can focus on teaching and students can thrive.”

Superintendent Amber Quirk checks in with an attendee at a job fair hosted by the Regional Office of Education.

The ROE’s role in connecting schools with resources covers a wide range of needs, including safety planning, social-emotional learning initiatives, college and career readiness programs, and more.  The ROE also helps schools support their students who are experiencing complex challenges like truancy or homelessness.  The department also runs an alternative educational school for students who require a different learning environment. 

“Not every district has the resources to offer every specialized program or address every need,” added Quirk, who brings to her role over 20 years of experience as an educator in both the classroom and as a principal.  “By providing those services regionally, we’re able to help students and families access the support they need.”

The office also coordinates professional development opportunities that allow educators to learn from one another. One example is an annual county-wide institute day in February, which brings together nearly 300 educators to share innovative teaching strategies.  

For this year’s institute day, the science conference was spearheaded by Grant. His session – ‘Climate of Hope’ – was a collaboration on teaching science in meaningful and impactful ways.  This leadership and mentoring of fellow educators also demonstrate Grant’s impact beyond Downers Grove North.  

Davidson’s impact also stretches beyond Timothy Christian. He serves as the chairman of the Illinois Coalition of Nonpublic Schools and is the Illinois state representative for the Council for American Private Education. 

“Both Jeff’s and Matt’s leadership extend well beyond the classroom and their buildings,” added Quirk.  “Their influences are far-reaching and deeply impactful in their own schools and schools throughout the county.”  

The Educator of the Year awards celebrate excellent individuals, but also highlight the network of educators, administrators, and community partners working together for students.  The DuPage County Regional Office of Education helps make that work possible – supporting the people who shape the next generation.

For more about the DuPage Regional Office of Education, visit dupageroe.org.

In addition to honoring Jeff Grant and Matt Davidson, the DuPage Regional Office of Education also recognized these five outstanding educators in 2026:

Kerry Gustafson

• Educational Support Person of the Year
• Paraprofessional at Washington Junior High School, Naperville

Katie Poch 

• Elementary/Early Childhood Educator of the Year
• Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Wheaton 

David James

• Middle School Educator of the Year
• Hill Middle School, Indian Prairie School District 204 

Todd Holmberg

• High School Educator of the Year
• Naperville Central High School 

Dr. Elizabeth Vander Woude 

• Administrator of the Year
• School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED)