Teacher Stories | Teach in Michigan

2020-21 Region 10 Teacher of the Year

Janine Scott

I love teaching because it allows me to see the potential 'good' in our world via my students.

2021-22 Region 1 Teacher of the Year

Heather French

Why do I teach? I get to share the things I love with curious young minds.

2020-21 Region 9 and Michigan Teacher of the Year

Owen Bondono

My love for teaching and for students is my expression of my love for the whole world; it's my way of leaving the world in better shape than how I found it.

2021-22 Region 6 and Michigan Teacher of the Year

Leah Porter

The intricate dance of daily teaching is exhilarating and challenging. My absolute favorite part about teaching is the moment-to-moment decision-makings- balancing all you know, and all you don’t.

2021-22 Region 5 Teacher of the Year

Janet Swarthout

I teach because of the satisfaction I feel when I see how far students grow from the beginning of the school year to the end.

2021-22 Region 10 Teacher of the Year

Joe Vercellino

I am a music teacher in the heart of Southwest Detroit. It was simple math for me to become a teacher.

2021-22 Region 4 Teacher of the Year

Cheldora Haynes

Creating a pathway for agency is what my 'Why I Teach' has morphed into over the last few years. 

2021-22 Region 2 Teacher of the Year

Kacie Hook

I teach for my students and my colleagues. Students, my kids, are one of the most enjoyable parts of teaching for me.

2021-22 Region 9 Teacher of the Year

Brian Paul

I teach because I enjoy the thrill of learning. The most enjoyable part of teaching is getting a student to take a risk and achieve something they thought was impossible. 

2019-20 Michigan Teacher of the Year

Cara Lougheed

I think I wanted to become a teacher first at probably about the age of four.

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