Oak Park Spanish Teacher Named Teacher of the Year
The state council recognized Rocio Jacoby, a Lincoln Elementary educator, for her work using the comprehensible input approach.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Language Learning
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The Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages named Rocio Jacoby the 2026 Teacher of the Year on October 8, 2026. Jacoby, a Spanish instructor at Lincoln Elementary School, has served Oak Park Elementary School District 97 since 2003.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the impact of the comprehensible input teaching method in local primary education. Jacoby, who has taught at the school since 2008, serves as a primary example of how focused language programming shapes early student development.
The Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages award was conferred on October 8, 2026, marking the first time an elementary teacher has received the honor since 2014. Jacoby teaches Spanish in 30-minute daily increments to students ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade.
The players
Rocio Jacoby
Spanish teacher at Lincoln Elementary School who has served Oak Park Elementary School District 97 since 2003.
Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Statewide organization that provides professional development and recognition for language educators.
Arnetta Thompson
Recipient of an NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship who is scheduled for an upcoming trip to Peru.
The details
Jacoby utilizes a comprehensible input approach, which prioritizes language acquisition through songs, games, books, and stories. The curriculum structure involves kindergarten through second-grade students meeting three times a week, while third- through fifth-grade students meet twice weekly. This consistency allows for immersion-style learning within a brief, daily instructional window.
Timeline
2003: Jacoby began working for Oak Park District 97.
2008: Jacoby began teaching at Lincoln Elementary School.
2014: Last time an elementary teacher won the award.
October 8, 2026: Jacoby received the Teacher of the Year award.
July 2027: Thompson scheduled for 10-day trip to Peru.
Education Landscape
This award highlights a shift in focus toward elementary-level language immersion within the Illinois public school system. It marks a departure from a decade-long pattern where the honor was primarily granted to secondary-level educators.
Parents and students in Oak Park may notice an continued focus on the comprehensible input teaching method at Lincoln Elementary School. Families interested in the language curriculum progression should contact the Lincoln Elementary School office to discuss current course expectations.
The takeaway
Effective language learning for younger students often relies on consistent, manageable daily exposure rather than long sessions. To understand your student's progress, schedule a brief check-in with the teacher to discuss how stories and games are being integrated into their specific grade level.
What happens next
Jacoby is set to compete in the upcoming regional teacher of the year award competition.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Language Learning to see how educators are evolving their classroom techniques.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wednesday Journal.
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