State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice | www.michigan.gov
Ten educators from Michigan have been named as the 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year. These educators are finalists for the 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year, a program organized by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to recognize and elevate teacher voices.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice said, "The Regional Teachers of the Year are selected from among Michigan’s many outstanding educators who play such an important role in student learning." He added that these teachers "elevate the voices of teachers by sharing their experiences and valuable insight with our department and the State Board of Education."
The selected educators are:
- Susan Solomon, Region 1, JKL Bahweting Anishnabe Public School Academy
- Thomas Schultz, Region 2, Charlevoix Middle/High School
- Sarah Kresnak, Region 3, Discovery Elementary School
- Heather Wolf, Region 4, Shepherd High School
- Corey Rosser, Region 5, Quest High School
- Becky Manore, Region 6, Grand Ledge High School
- Lindsey Cook, Region 7, Sonoma Elementary School
- Deidra LaPointe, Region 8, Luther C. Klager Elementary School
- Stephanie Jaskolski, Region 9, Woodhaven Upper Elementary
- Susan Kelsey-Brewton, Region 10, Hope Academy
These teachers were chosen through a competitive application process after being nominated by students, staff, and community members across Michigan. They will now form part of the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council to provide input on policies and initiatives.
Each Regional Teacher of the Year will interview with a panel to select one as the Michigan Teacher of the Year. This individual will serve as a non-voting member at the State Board of Education table and represent Michigan at national conferences.
The program is supported by a partnership with the Meemic Foundation.
For more information or media inquiries:
Bob Wheaton
Email: MDE-Communications@michigan.gov
Phone: 517-241-4395
Information from this article can be found here.
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