Three area teachers nominated for state's best

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Board of Education says it has chosen eight finalists for the "Illinois Teacher of the Year" award.

Finalists were selected from nearly 170 nominations in an array of subjects and grade levels.

From northern Illinois, the board selected a physical education teacher from Naperville, a reading teacher in Hanover Park, an AP Psychology and History teacher from Lincolnshire and an art teacher from Loves Park.

From southern Illinois, finalists include a third-grade teacher from New Douglas and a second-grade teacher from Freeburg.

From central Illinois, the board picked a high school science teacher from Pontiac and a second-grade teacher from Peoria.

The winner will be announced in October.