The Chicago Bears and CDW are inviting fans across Chicagoland to recognize exceptional educators through Classroom Legends powered by CDW for the 2026 season.
Nominations are open for fans, families, students, colleagues and community members to recognize educators whose commitment extends beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to support students, strengthen their schools and contribute to their communities. To nominate an educator for Classroom Legends powered by CDW, visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/Classroom-Legends.
Launched in 2010, Classroom Legends powered by CDW shines a spotlight on educators throughout Chicagoland and the important role they play in helping young people learn, grow and succeed. The program provides an opportunity to celebrate those who create meaningful experiences for their students and leave a lasting influence both inside and outside the classroom.
"Educators have an incredible ability to shape the lives of young people, not only through what they teach, but through the encouragement, mentorship and support they provide every day," said Tanesha Wade, Chicago Bears Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Impact Officer. "Through Classroom Legends powered by CDW, we have the opportunity to celebrate educators across Chicagoland and recognize the meaningful difference they make for their students and school communities. We encourage our fans to help us identify those deserving educators and share their stories with us."
Selected educators receive a surprise visit to their school from a Chicago Bears representative, who shares the news that they have been named a Classroom Legend. Each honoree receives a $1,000 grant to support their classroom or school, a personalized Bears jersey, a commemorative football and additional Bears prizes. Honorees are also invited to a Bears home game at Soldier Field, where they are recognized on the videoboard in front of Bears fans.
"When I found out I was being recognized by the Chicago Bears, I felt incredibly honored, humbled and grateful," said Bill Casserly, a 2026 Classroom Legends recipient and teacher at Central School Programs in Elgin, Ill. "It was exciting to know that the work I do with students was being noticed and appreciated beyond the classroom. More than anything, the recognition reminded me that investing in special education matters. I see the recognition not just as an honor for me, but as recognition of the students and communities that inspire me to keep doing this work every day."
Since its inception, Classroom Legends has celebrated educators whose contributions to their students take many different forms. Previous honorees include Dr. Jenai Jenkins, a music education and band teacher at A.N. Pritzker Elementary School in Chicago; Brian Peterson of Naperville North High School, who supports students with special needs while also contributing as a teacher and football coach; and Caroline Schwartz, a former computer science teacher and girls flag football coach at Lane Tech High School who helped lead her student-athletes to a state championship.
"As an educator, I have the opportunity to help students develop confidence, discipline, resilience, teamwork and a belief in their own potential," said Harold Arnold, a 2025 Classroom Legends recipient and teacher at Sherman School of Excellence in Chicago. "When I found out that I was being recognized by the Chicago Bears for the Classroom Legend Award, I felt incredibly honored, grateful and humbled. Educators do so much work behind the scenes without expecting recognition, so to have an organization like the Chicago Bears acknowledge my commitment to students and the school community was extremely meaningful. I would strongly encourage people to nominate educators who are making meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. Think about the teacher who stays late to support a student, the educator who creates opportunities beyond the traditional school day, the coach or mentor who teaches life lessons through sports and activities, or the staff member who consistently makes students feel seen and supported. Those are the individuals whose impact deserves to be celebrated."
Together, their stories reflect the many ways educators can make a difference, whether through academic instruction, mentorship, extracurricular programs, athletics or by creating environments where students feel supported and encouraged to succeed. Fans are encouraged to nominate an educator who has made a meaningful difference in their own life or the lives of others and share the story behind their nomination.
