The Best High School Educator in Lake County teaches at Mundelein High School.
That’s according to the Regional Office of Education Foundation, which awarded the honor to MHS English Teacher Kristen Behrens during its 2026 Educator of the Year Celebration on May 6.
Behrens was among hundreds of nominees who attended the award ceremony at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Mundelein High School also had four nominees in other categories.
Behrens, who teaches English and AVID as well as serving as a reading specialist, only knew she was a nominee until her name was announced near the end of the ceremony. She was sitting with her husband and a group of colleagues when her name was called. The entire table erupted in cheers.
While Behren’s surprise was genuine, her colleagues have known for years about her teaching excellence, her value as a colleague and her passion for her students.
“There is no one more deserving of this honor than Kristen Behrens,” said MHS Director of Teaching and Learning Stacey Gorman, who nominated her for the award.
Behren’s work as a junior- and senior-level AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher is at the cornerstone of her work, Gorman said. Behrens primarily serves first-generation college-bound students, many of whom lack the external resources and institutional knowledge necessary to navigate higher education.
“Kristen is a rare example of a teacher whose impact transcends the classroom, fundamentally changing the life trajectories of her students,” Gorman wrote in her nomination letter. “She does not just teach these students; she champions their potential, understanding that for these families, the dream of college is often obscured by systemic barriers.”
MHS English Teacher Samantha Balbarin called Behrens a fierce advocate for her students throughout the building.
“Her passion and dedication to the ongoing practice of education drives her to work tirelessly for all students as if they were her own,” she said.
Behrens dedication to her students goes beyond her time spent at the high school. On nights and weekends, she works tirelessly with families to navigate the complexities of the college admissions and financial aid processes. She personally ensures that every student she works with is prepared for success by guiding them through FAFSA applications, detailed scholarship searches, and the securing of vital financial aid. Over the years, she has helped her students earn millions of dollars in scholarships to help afford college.
“Kristen creates pathways for students and families where pathways don’t exist,” Balbarin said. “She transforms the lives of these families.”
English Department Chair Diane Covert said her Earned Honors English 1 class is one to be held up as a model for all others. She uses patience to make learning relevant to reluctant learners while simultaneously challenging high-achieving students.
“Kristen differentiates for students’ varying abilities while still holding high standards for all students to reach,” Covert said.
To her colleagues, Behrens is more than just a role model. She is a leader.
Behrens leads a Professional Learning Community (PLC) within her department, where she has been instrumental in the implementation of our Earned Honors model. She helps teachers manage heterogeneous classrooms where every student, regardless of their starting point, is provided with the specific pathway and support needed to earn honors credit.
The success of those students is made possible because of Behrens dedication, drive and determination to provide them the opportunity to succeed.
“She embodies the conviction that excellence is only possible when the pathway to reach it is clear and accessible to everyone,” Gorman said.