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Celebrating the IXL Elite 100

In the latest celebration of educational excellence, IXL Learning has unveiled the Elite 100, recognizing a remarkable group of teachers who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and commitment in their classrooms. Now in its twelfth year, this prestigious acknowledgment highlights the significant influence that teachers have on shaping the future of education.

In 2025 alone, over one million teachers utilized IXL's platform, but only 100 were selected as the most distinguished based on their innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success. This year's honorees hail from 29 U.S. states and extend their reach internationally, with recipients from countries such as the UK, China, Liberia, Canada, the UAE, and Egypt.

Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning, emphasized the importance of strong leadership in classrooms, stating, "With the challenges students face today, exceptional educators are needed now more than ever. We are excited to showcase the tremendous achievements of the Elite 100."

Highlighting Innovators in Teaching

Each teacher's journey begins with a crucial question: Where do my students stand? Through the use of data-driven tools, educators are able to answer this question effectively. For instance, Moses Sliva Jr. from Mililani Mauka Elementary in Hawaii employs IXL's LevelUp Diagnostic. Spending just ten minutes a week engaging with students in Real-Time mode, he gathers essential data to tailor instruction, ensuring that every student receives the help they need: "The real-time data not only helps me respond accordingly but also makes sure that no student is left struggling in silence," he shares.

There are many routes to helping students succeed. In Nebraska, Jacob Zeiss from Central City Elementary leverages personalized action plans created after each assessment to transition from testing to targeted teaching. He described a student who entered the year below grade level but through tailored interventions based on the action plan, made significant strides, eventually handling more advanced material by the year’s end.

Addressing Language Barriers

At Charles R. Drew Elementary, Javier Velazquez faced an additional hurdle—language. To support his English language learners, he utilized IXL's multi-language tools, translating content into over 120 languages. One of his students, a newcomer from Mexico, started with no English knowledge. By engaging him with IXL's audio resources, he witnessed the student not only pass the STAAR test but also make notable improvements in all language domains.

Keeping Engagement High

Eric Schmitz from Chaparral Christian Community School has a different approach to maintaining student interest. His use of interactive tools like Group Jam allows students to engage more deeply with the material while also providing Eric with real-time insights into their comprehension. “During a recent session on proportional relationships, I noticed a gap in understanding that prompted me to search deeper, ensuring everyone grasped the content thoroughly,” he reflects.

Data-Driven Decisions for Continuous Improvement

Amanda Conway at Collins Elementary underscores the importance of data in informing instruction. By analyzing insights from IXL Analytics, she can make informed decisions about her teaching strategies, targeting lessons based on the collective performance of her students. The Score Grid reports she reviews highlight proficiency across skills, allowing her to identify areas for small group intervention when necessary.

Conclusion

The IXL Elite 100 serves as a testament to the remarkable dedication of educators who profoundly impact their students' lives. By acknowledging such contributions, IXL not only honors these teachers but also sets a standard for educational excellence worldwide. For those inspired by these stories and wanting to learn more about each of the Elite 100, visit IXL's website to explore their impressive work.

About IXL: Currently aiding 17 million students across 96 of the top 100 U.S. school districts, IXL is an all-encompassing educational platform. It offers a comprehensive PK-12 curriculum along with actionable analytics in more than 120 languages, aiming to enhance student learning and achievement globally.
For further information, please explore their resources at www.ixl.com.