Congratulations to the January Superior Educator of the 2025-2026 school year - Michelle Flachs of Houghton-Portage Township Schools.
"Michelle has a huge heart that she shares with every single one of her students. She fights for them to make sure they have the best educational experience and does a wonderful job creating a safe space for her students in the very limited space she has. Michelle does an extraordinary job finding each of her students' needs and creating plans that help with those needs. Students love Mrs. Flachs and can't wait to share good news with her. They also feel comfortable/safe around her and share the bad news too. Michelle cares for her students. If they don't have a snack, she provides that. If it's their birthday, and they can't bring anything in to share with their class, she goes out on her prep and gets a birthday treat for that student to share with their class. If the student is sad, she opens up her space for them to take a break. I don't think anyone at Houghton Elementary knows their students more than Michelle Flachs. She is an incredible human being."
"Mrs. Flachs oversees the Resource Room at Houghton Elementary School. She is constantly on-call for anyone and everyone who comes in with a question, crisis or circumstance. It is utterly amazing how she can be working with a group of students and will make time to address an interruption in a calm manner. Mrs. Flachs' demeanor sets the tone for the room, and it keeps everyone on task in order to provide the best education and outcome for our little ones. She is always prepared as she juggles numerous responsibilities on a daily basis, and we feel she is most deserving of the recognition."
"Michelle always goes above and beyond to make sure her students are well cared for. She always has a kind, compassionate voice that brings comfort to all her students. She knows how to identify all the needs of her students and pushes for those needs to be met. She helps her students gain the confidence to go outside their comfort zones and reach new heights every year. It is amazing to watch her students grow into brave, independent students."