The 49th Annual Kane County Educator of the Year banquet in St. Charles, May 2, had 700 guests in attendance to celebrate the exceptional contributions of educational professionals across Kane County.
The 2025 Kane County Educator of the Year was Gemma Gurney, a high school teacher in Central Unit School District 301.
A native of Kane County and a graduate of St. Charles North High School, she joins a list of educators who have displayed undoubtable dedication to the students, families, and communities they serve. She has made a profound contribution toward both current and former students, and her impact can be felt in the words her colleagues shared about her.
“Being an educator always just felt like the thing that I was supposed to do,” said Gurney. “I went to St. Charles North High School, so a lot of my influence comes from Kane County schools.
“I’m not the same person I was in high school, and it’s okay to show who you are and be vulnerable. I watch teachers do that, and I think it’s admirable, to be who you truly are in front of your students. Mine know when they are going to have the authentic version of me.
“I’m successful when my students experience learning and not just ‘do’ learning. That means they create a memory around my classroom. I want their classroom experience to be alive.”
— Kane County Regional Office of Education