A total of 45 individuals were selected this year to receive Outstanding Educator Awards from the NFHS Music Association and the NFHS Speech/Debate/Theatre/Academics Association. Among those being honored were Heritage High School music teacher Justin Lee and Normal West speech coach Ellie Marvin.

Since 1988 when the first Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Awards were presented, 238 individuals have received section awards and 386 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Music Educator Awards began a year later in 1989, and 198 individuals have received section awards and another 364 have been honored with state awards.
 

• Justin Lee, Heritage High School
  Justin teaches instrumental music, vocal music and started the musical theatre program at Heritage High School.

• Ellie Marvin, Normal Community West High School
  Speech coach at Normal West High School since 2000 with 12 state finalists and two state finalists in Extemporaneous Speaking.