Every day in every Grand Prairie Elementary School physical education class, students swarm teacher Andrea “Andi” Paplaski-Grygiel, or “Queen P,” as all affectionately call her.
On this Friday afternoon, students were helping put equipment away before going home.
Students were laughing while working, and every so often, a student would give Queen P a big hug.
And that is why Paplaski-Grygiel’s co-workers, parents, administrators, and former students say she was named the 2026 Will County Educator of Excellence by the Will County Regional Office of Education 56.
Candice Haymond, Paplaski-Grygiel’s co-teacher, nominated her for the award. Paplaski-Grygiel will be honored at a recognition ceremony on April 2 in Joliet.
Queen P’s dedication to her students, ability to build long-lasting relationships, and her continued commitment to lifelong learning are reasons Haymond nominated her.
“Focusing on the whole child, Andi collaborates with families to create fun, personalized incentives for students both inside and outside the gymnasium,” Haymond wrote in her nomination letter.
“By prioritizing a powerful sense of belonging for all students, Andi consistently brings a wealth of experience and a passion for continuous growth to her community.”
To hear Queen P tell it, this honor is not about her but the entire Grand Prairie physical education team, including Haymond, Matt Becker, and retired teacher Barry Dean.
“I would be nothing without them, I am who I am because of them, and I love it,” Paplaski-Grygiel said.
The 27-year veteran teacher knew she wanted to be a physical education teacher when she was in fourth grade.
Paplaski-Grygiel enjoys teaching at the elementary level because students are learning the basics, including how to throw a ball and how to have good sportsmanship.
And it is Paplaski-Grygiel’s students who keep her motivated each day in the gymnasium or the classroom.
She is now teaching second and third generations of students at Grand Prairie – one of the original elementary schools in District 202.
Paplaski-Grygiel calls all her students her “babies.” One of her goals is to teach students how to love themselves and have self-esteem, she said.
“My legacy will be my babies,” Paplaski-Grygiel said.