Celebrating the Amazing Educators of Michigan’s Copper Country

Jeremy leads with compassion and supports the students' needs. He's very dependable, always steps up to help and doesn't think twice about doing something if it benefits the kids.

Starting school can be very challenging for some kids and Mrs. Nolan's approach made our child feel comfortable and confident in their first year of school! Read the full nomination here.

Terra Parks brings a level of energy that is contagious! She models greatness in and out of her classroom. When she enters the building, there is a ray of sunshine that follows her in. Read the full nomination here.

She really makes it a priority to connect with students. She is a safe and trusted adult. When students are having a hard time, she is a trusted place that students can go to with their problems.

Deirdre looks out for the interests of her students and colleagues. She is a leader, a team player, and a positive role model! Overall, Deirdre is a tremendous asset to Stanton school and the larger community. Read Deirdre’s full nomination.

Mr. Besonen is just incredible. He is able to teach a whole classful of elementary kids instruments, music and they put on concerts throughout the school year and they are always SO good! Read Brad’s full nomination.

Bob has a gift for defusing escalating emotions and bringing calm to crisis situations. He is always willing to teach any student, follow any lesson plan, or do literally anything else asked of him. Any opportunity to work with Bob is always a peaceful, fun, and enlightening experience for students and staff alike. Read Bob’s full nomination.

Lisa is always learning the newest methods and finding ways to improve her teaching to reach each and every student! Throughout her entire career, Mrs. Pyykkonen has always advocated for her students, and they are the most important part of her classroom. Read Lisa’s full nomination.

Jamie's heart is larger than the size of Texas! She comes in to volunteer for projects in the summer and will go the extra mile for students and staff. Her positivity is infectious and she captures the hearts of everyone she works with. Read Jamie’s Full Nomination.

Kristen has a selfless dedication to the craft of education. She is often seen before, during and after school hours collaborating with others, all while respecting each person as an individual. Kristen is the epitome of a leader. Read Kristen’s Full Nomination.

Linda came in and brought so much structure and organization to the curriculum. In addition, she is above and beyond kind, a great teacher, and a great coworker. She is the type of person who always says hi to staff and kids in the hallway with a big smile. She always has something positive to say. Read Linda’s Full Nomination.

Shari is truly one-of-a-kind. She always puts the kids at Houghton Elementary School first. No matter what needs to be done, Shari handles it. From busing to injuries to sickness to a kiddo just needing a hug, they'll get it from Shari! Read Shari’s Full Nomination.

Kristin finds a way for every child to have a book in their hand and a smile on their face. She makes connections with her students that allow their hearts to be opened and their minds to be filled! She works miracles with these kids, both emotionally and academically. Read Kristin’s Full Nomination.

Ms. Bostwick is such a kind caring teacher. The kids gravitate towards her and she is motherly and friendly. Having the patience to work with children of all abilities. As well as working her class of students to work together and help each other out like a true team! Read Pam’s Full Nomination.

Sierra is an extremely positive and humble individual, who will do whatever it takes to move the mark forward in supporting students, teachers and district teams. Copper Country Schools are grateful to have Sierra Bishop as a part of our school community. Read Sierra’s Full Nomination.

Sierra is an extremely positive and humble individual, who will do whatever it takes to move the mark forward in supporting students, teachers and district teams. Copper Country Schools are grateful to have Sierra Bishop as a part of our school community. Read Sierra’s Full Nomination.

Jenifer Mattila takes extra time to work with ALL her students. She is a trusted adult for students to talk to and ask for help. Any child that has had, or will have, Mrs. Mattila as a teacher, will have confidence, assistance, and all of the encouragement to succeed.

Ms. Baranowski is an educator who completely understands that teachers who show their students that they care about them have students that perform to the best of their abilities. Students of all abilities are celebrated and encouraged to reach for the stars.

Jessica is a superstar substitute teacher. She knows every student in the building. She has endless patience and jumps into any position she is thrown into and does it with a smile. You can even tell when she answers the phone that she has a big smile on her face! She is always kind and empathetic in a job that is truly thankless.

If you ever need help or have a question, she is right there by your side to help you understand. This is greatly appreciated by her students. In the years I have spent in her classroom, I have learned a lot of math, and have appreciated her patience and understanding.

Mr. Croze is by far my favorite teacher I have ever had. He is very helpful and understands that not everyone thinks the same way. His door is always open 30 minutes before school starts and he is willing to assist on homework every day. His lessons make sense and he really takes time to introduce topics and make certain we understand them fully. He is not only great at his job, educating us, but he always has a contagious positive attitude and is always motivating us to keep on going and to never give up.

Karyn has worked tirelessly to help students with disabilities transition to adulthood. She makes sure they have the life skills to make them as independent as they can be. Her lessons go well beyond the classroom. Karyn's work ethic is to be admired, and her sense of humor makes it even more enjoyable to work with her.

Mrs. Crowley's positive outlook continues to spark creativity and kindness in the classroom. She excels at making education fun and exciting for students. Mrs. Crowley's infectious smile brightens the days. Her dedication to education is clear to see in the students' progress as they learn and grow. She gives time to connect with students and staff, showing that each student and her coworkers are important.

Carrie Meneguzzo is willing to go above and beyond communicating with teachers, administration, and parents to ensure that children are getting their needs met both academically and socially. She brings energy to the classroom, while instilling a need for personal responsibility and accountability.

Nina is an outstanding educator who is truly a caring teacher and is very dedicated not only to her students, but the Ewen-Trout Creek School community. Nina has done so much to promote Art in the school. Through this hard work and dedication, Nina has developed a very positive relationships with her students, colleagues, parents and the community at large.

Sister Carolee is a warm and generous person with 46 years of teaching experience. She is always the first person at school in the morning and many times the last to leave at night. Her hands are always ready to help if there is a need and many times she helps before a need is known. She pours her life and love into her vocation and work and is a true example of selfless devotion to others.

Jill is an amazing educator. She teaches children from pre-K to 7th grade all in one building. This is not an easy task. She is the principal, teacher, counselor, friend, and a mother to her own first grader. These kids have so many different learning opportunities that it is unbelievable. Not only are all the children successfully taught above their grade levels, she makes sure that they learn life skills needed to become productive young adults.

Her leadership among her colleagues and peers makes her very well respected and a "go-to" person when seeking advice. The relationships that Monica creates, both with students and adults, are curated with thoughtfulness and positive-intentions. Monica's ability to seek out the best possibility in each person sets forth an example that others admire and aim to achieve. She deserves a standing ovation for being a Superior Educator.

Jessica is the glue that keeps our school together! Her cheerful energy can be felt through emails and heard over the phone and in person. She is quick to respond to questions or concerns from parents. She is very welcoming to all, and especially to new students who benefit from seeing her friendly face.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Shelby has worked endlessly to provide food for all of the students. She has fought shortages and a high demand for food and still has managed to have food on every plate every day. She deserves far more recognition and reward for her efforts than we could reasonably offer.

Sara sets high expectations for her students that greatly affect their achievement as she strives to "close the reading gap." You will often see her fast walking down the hallway with her students so she can utilize every minute of her instructional time wisely. Sara is always willing to lend a hand and help students, other staff members, and anyone who she crosses paths with in the hallway. I could not say enough positive things about her. Our school is truly so grateful to have Sara on our team!

Brooke had a special something that cannot be taught in college. The students love and respect her, and she learns the best ways for each student to learn. My child went into 1st grade slightly lower than expected in areas of math and reading. Brooke was able to mold my daughter and teach her so much that by the end of the year; she was above expectations.

"Mr. Mike" (as the kids call him) truly goes above and beyond his job description! He does so much more than provide a safe ride to and from school. Any child who gets to ride Mike's bus will tell you, he's the BEST! Always armed with treats and extra smiles, Mike continuously brings joy to the kids who are lucky enough to ride with him.

The students all love Mrs. Dobson. She is always kind and makes them feel so special. Val has made connections with the students and they know this. At our sporting events, Val is always surrounded by the kids. They love to sit by her and help her cheer on the Jets. I don't know what our school would do without Valerie Dobson. She is a really special person!

The students are always engaged and actively learning the writing lessons, reading, figurative language, grammar... Amy knows the curriculum like no other. She is a strong, educated woman who speaks her mind and heart. She loves teaching, and doesn’t just think of it as a job. Even after 30+ years of teaching, the passion and creativity still shows through.

“I have seen the countless hours she spends at school on weekends, holidays, and even summer vacation!”

“She is more than dedicated to the students. She is so thoughtful about her interactions with each individual, whether it’s with students or other teachers. She goes beyond her role supporting the entire school with her literacy knowledge and supports.”

“Mr. Johnston always knew how to making learning fun! He made all science lab fun and a great experience. Without his anatomy class I would not be going to college and following my dreams!”

“He has been an amazing teacher and a wonderful role model for not only my kids, but all the kids at school. He takes his time to make sure the kids have what they need to excel. He's serious about learning, but also jokes with them and makes their days more fun. He's always willing to help and to put in the extra time. I am so thankful that he teaches at our school.”

“Mrs. Lajimodiere has been working at Lake Linden Hubbell Elementary school for 19 years. In those years, she has dedicated herself not only to the entire Elementary staff but most importantly, to the children. She is the first smiling face they see when they enter the school building, the one who offers hugs and Band-Aids when they have an ouchie from the playground, or the one who has the extra pair of mittens or snow pants when yours are too wet. Mrs. Lajimodiere tirelessly works to make sure the school runs smoothly. If that means staying late or coming in early, it is no problem. Hands down, the school would not run as smoothly without her.”

“It is Jacky’s passion to teach students in the same school district she grew up attending. She will do anything she can to not only help students meet their fullest potential but drop everything to help in the community. She is an active member serving the community. Jacky coaches Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Junior High Girls basketball along with our elementary basketball teams. She wears so many hats to help ensure our school is able to provide the best for our students. I feel the list could go and on as I am sure I am missing a couple more hats within committees she is involved in.”

“Theresa Amos is unequivocally the embodiment of an exemplary educator. Through a classroom that combines a love of learning with a culture of caring and support, she provides students with an experience that they will carry with them not only for the rest of their academic careers, but the rest of their lives. For everyone who has had a tough day - not just students but staff as well - Theresa is always there with a word of encouragement and the hope of a brighter tomorrow.”

“Houghton Elementary School is excited to celebrate the great work of J.R. Repp. Mrs. Repp brings great energy, passion and care to her students and our school. She is a leader among her peers and serves on the school's MTSS team. Mrs. Repp consistently makes a difference in students’ lives, and we are proud to have her on our team!”