Editorial: Congratulations to Illinois’ newest teacher of the year, coming to us direct from Idaho

Karen Lauritzen is the reigning “Teacher of the Year” for Idaho, but she recently left her job at an elementary school in the land of potatoes for a friendlier environment.

Illinois.

Shortly after receiving the top teacher honor for 2023, Lauritzen became the target of far-right activists who noted her support of gay rights and Black Lives Matter on her personal social media accounts. Abuse followed, not only from strangers but also from parents of her fourth-grade students, including one who cited a lesson she taught