Distinctive Schools names Jessica Martorano 2026 Teacher of the Year

Distinctive Schools has given its inaugural Teacher of the Year award to Jessica Martorano, a 7th- and 8th-grade ELA teacher at CICS Irving Park in Chicago. The network said the honor recognizes strong instruction, student growth, and leadership across its eight Chicago charter schools.

Why it matters: - Distinctive Schools used its first Teacher of the Year award to spotlight classroom practice and student outcomes across its Chicago network. - The recognition puts a CICS Irving Park teacher in the center of the organization’s effort to reward high-performing educators and reinforce its instructional goals. - Martorano’s results matter beyond one classroom because the network tied the award to student growth, school culture, and leadership.

What happened: - Distinctive Schools named Jessica Martorano the 2026 Teacher of the Year. - Martorano teaches 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts at CICS Irving Park in Chicago. - Distinctive Schools presented the award during the annual Network Kickoff Event on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. - The award was the inaugural Teacher of the Year honor for the organization.

The details: - Distinctive Schools is a 501(c)(3) charter school management organization serving eight Chicago International Charter Schools across Chicago. - The network said more than 20 peer- and leader-nominated candidates were considered. - Selection included review of student achievement data, staff nominations and family testimonials. - Award criteria included exceptional instructional practice, commitment to all learners, student experience and classroom culture, reflective practice and growth mindset, and leadership and contribution to the adult community. - Martorano’s classroom is described as a place with high student engagement, student-led discussions and a culture of long-term ambition. - Mary Beck, president and CEO of Distinctive Schools, said Martorano brings the organization’s mission and vision to life every day. - Beck said Martorano sets high expectations while giving students personalized support. - Beck said 69% of Martorano’s students reached ELA proficiency on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, above state and regional averages. - JW Kuebler, principal of CICS Irving Park, said Martorano gives students the steady guidance and intellectual challenge needed to find their voices. - Kuebler said Martorano treats students, families and colleagues as partners. - Kuebler said Martorano has been a trusted mentor to new staff and continues to improve her craft.

Between the lines: - The award signals that Distinctive Schools is emphasizing measurable academic results alongside classroom culture and staff leadership. - The focus on nominations, testimonials and data suggests the organization wants the honor to reflect both community trust and performance. - The recognition also highlights CICS Irving Park as a showcase campus within the network.

What's next: - Distinctive Schools is likely to continue using the award to elevate teachers who combine strong instruction with schoolwide leadership. - Martorano’s recognition may serve as a benchmark for future internal honors across the network. - The organization directs readers to learn more about its schools and mission.

The bottom line: - Distinctive Schools is betting that celebrating standout teachers will reinforce academic rigor, student engagement and staff leadership across its Chicago charter network.