Extraordinary Educators
June 21, 2025
Thank yo u to all of o u r amazing sp o nso rs t h is pa s t year!
A HUGE THANK YOUR TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR THE FOLLOWING TEACHERS! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE PROGRAM FOR FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR!
AMBER SMITH Brookside
DOMINIC DOYLE
Elementary School
HAILEY COTY
Mrs. Smith is an amazing teacher! She takes the time to help with every single student. She is super communicative with parents on their students needs and how parents are able to help their students better themselves. Mrs. Smith wants what is best for her students and is always willing to take the initiative to show students ways to improve their learning, responsibility and confidence.
Morley Stanwood Middle School
Mr. Doyle is deeply committed to his students’ education, going above and beyond to inspire both academic excellence and personal growth. He not only provides a strong foundation in the classroom but also teaches valuable life lessons through athletics, helping students develop discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. His passion for education and mentorship creates a positive and encouraging environment where students feel supported in reaching their full potential. Whether in the classroom or on the field, he leads by example, instilling confidence and a strong work ethic in every student he teaches.
JEAN WANINK
Morley Stanwood Middle School
Hailey had a gift for making students feel heard and valued and it’s her heart that truly sets her apart. She leads with kindness, gives generously of her time, and never hesitates to lend a helping hand to a colleague or student in need. She meets each student where they are and creates meaningful relationships built on trust and care.
Hailey embodies everything an extraordinary educator should be. She inspires both students and peers alike, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.
Riverview Elementary
I have worked with Mrs. Wanink for almost 20 years and everyday she amazes me! She knows her students individually for who they are and “meets them there” She is a team player with her parents and the staff. There isn’t a day I don’t learn something from her. She is teaching her students to be the best humans they can be! Riverview is an even better school because of her.
JENNIE GALAY
Sonoran Science Academy - Phoenix
Ms. Galay started 2 years ago at our school and came into an up hill battle. Students were undisciplined, unmotivated, and hated math. Our Administration team focused on hiring teachers with grit that were willing to push our students to what we know they are capable of. We had low math scores, low attendance, and challenging student behavior. Mrs. Galay came in and built solid relationships that instilled passion, accountability, empathy, and equity. Her lessons are fun and rigorous. She uses WICOR strategies from AVID in everything she does and her philosophy is all means all. I am so blessed to have Mrs. Galay in my life and school community. She has positively committed to our school and our philosophy. She is a team lead, mentor teacher, and one of the best teachers I have ever seen in action!
MICHAELA WOOD & SHERRY HUGHES
St. Mary’s Catholic School
MEGAN GIFFORD
Mrs. Wood and Ms. Sherry make the absolute best team! They are always looking for additional, unique opportunities for their pre-k class! Mrs. Wood and Ms. Sherry go above and beyond for their students and make it so easy for parents to be apart of their class! We are so thankful for them!
Reed City Community Preschool
Megan Gifford treats every child with the same love, patience, and care she would give her own. She goes above and beyond to create a classroom environment that is nurturing, joyful, and full of wonder. For many students, she is their first teacher... and what a beautiful introduction to school she provides! She makes learning fun, engaging, and meaningful. Whether its through songs, stories, hands-on activities, or simply her warm smile and encouraging words, Megan helps young children build confidence and feel safe, seen, and celebrated every day.
We are so grateful for the incredible foundation she is giving our daughter and her classmates. Her passion for teaching and genuine love for her students make her truly extraordinary and beyond deserving of this honor.
MRS. JANZ
Riverview Elementary
I am nominating Mrs. Janz because she does such an amazing job with our children! She is genuine and cares deeply.
We appreciate you Mrs. Janz! Thank you for all youve done!
SPOTLIGHT EDUCATOR Passion in practice: A mission to help students succeed
By Gemma Flores ,
The walls of the band classroom in Crossroads Charter Academy of Big Rapids are lined with murals painted by each class of senior band students since 2011.
Debe Mitchell, the band teacher at Crossroads Charter since 1998, smiled as she looked at the murals. She remembered each class and the symbolism behind each painting.
One class drew her correcting a wrong note by throwing a foam brick at them, a habit of hers with the more advanced students. Another showed Mitchell as a tree, providing the foundation for the students, depicted as birds, to spread their wings and fly.
For Mitchell, seeing what the seniors do for their murals every year has become a favorite memory from her 43year career as a music teacher.
“I can see their personalities shine through” Mitchell said. “You just see enrichment.”
Mitchell grew up in a family of teachers in Crystal Lake, Michigan. Her mother was a music teacher,
and her father was the superintendent of Montcalm County schools.
“I grew up knowing the value of education,” Mitchell said.
“Everyone can learn, everybody just has a different path.”
After graduating from Central Montcalm High School, Mitchell attended Central Michigan University where she double majored in vocal and instrumental music.
From there, Mitchell moved to Texas, where she worked in public schools for 16 years.
In 1998, Mitchell decided to move back to Michigan to be closer to her family and accepted a job working at Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids.
Having worked in the public school system her whole career, Mitchell said she was initially apprehensive about making the switch to a charter school.
“I know in the local community and in other communities, it’s sometimes been a rough road for charter schools,” Mitchell said. It was advice from her father, the superintendent of Montcalm County Schools, that really
convinced her to take the job.
“He said, ‘What really matters isn’t the name of the school. What matters is what you as an educator are willing to do to meet the needs of every one of those kids — the full range of learners in that educational facility,’” Mitchell said, tearing up. “That struck home with me. It makes me emotional, even now.” Mitchell took what her father said to heart. She vowed to meet each child where they are and encourage them to grow to their full potential.
“Everybody has different needs. Find out what they need from you,” Mitchell said. “I’m going to make sure I am trying my best to meet the needs of every person that walks through that door. Will it be easy? No. But I’ve loved every minute of it.”
As long as a student shows up with the right attitude and a willingness to try, Mitchell said she is ready to do whatever it takes to help them reach their full potential.
In the past few years, Mitchell said she has noticed some striking changes in education.
DEBRA MITCHELL
“Education in general has really changed in the last five to six years,” Mitchell said. Because of the pandemic, Mitchell said students are more reliant on technology. Mitchell has also noticed a trend toward what she said is an overemphasis on standardized testing.
“That’s putting a square peg in a round hole. It doesn’t fit for everyone,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the
Crossroads Charter Academy
Mrs. Mitchell has been the band director and music teacher at Crossroads Charter Academy since the school was founded in 1998. Her passion for her subject area and the students she teaches is unrivaled. She also coaches several sports at Crossroads.
hands of the teachers and administrators are tied, however.
“They are being told from the state down what we can and cannot do,” Mitchell said.
When asked how they would describe Mitchell, her high school band students responded with a chorus of positive exclamations.
“She’s great, I wouldn’t ask for any other teacher,” Brayden Hewer said, beaming
ear to ear.
“She’s the best, I love Ms. Mitchell,” Ella Gerst said. “She’s strict but she pushes us in a way so we can strive to do the best we can.”
Some of their favorite memories include all the music they played together and competitions they’ve won.
“It’s very hard to pick a favorite,” Sean Laucon said thoughtfully.
“There are a lot of good ones.”
“Ms. Mitchell pushes
Debe Mitchell is the band teacher at Crossroads Charter Academy.
us a lot to the point where it’s challenging, but you have a sense of accomplishment when you actually achieve the things you’re trying to,” Gerst said. “I don’t think any of us could do as well as we do without her.”
During Mitchell’s time at Crossroads Charter, she has earned the band program 22 years of first division awards at Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association competitions, the highest award level. She has also taken on the role of coaching cross country, track and field, and middle school’s girl’s basketball.
“I’m a busy person,” Mitchell said, laughing. Even having only known her for a year, Erich Harmsen, the principal of Crossroads Charter Academy, recognized Mitchell’s passion for her students.
“She cares about her students, and she shows that she cares about them by having high expectations,” Harmsen said.
As an end of year activity for her advanced band students, Mitchell teaches them how to play a new instrument.
“It’s kind of like knowing English your whole life and then having to translate that into Spanish,” Mitchell said, her arms poised to begin conducting the students on their warmups. “This is a new thing for them, so it might not sound pretty, but that’s OK.”
The students played on, carefully going over each note of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” until it blended into a symphony.
During a rest period, students joked and adjusted their instruments. The excitement at their progress was written on their faces. Soaking it all in, Mitchell smiled.
“I don’t think of myself as extra special,” Mitchell said, “I just have a passion, and I can’t stop unleashing it.”
Murals done by previous senior band classes line the music room at Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids.
Seeing what the seniors do for their murals each year has become one of Debe Mitchell’s favorite memories from her teaching career.
Debe Mitchell conducts her advanced band students as they learn
MS. MCKELVEY Lakeview Elementary
Ms. McKelvey is my nominee because she has been in the early Childhood field for 20+ years and continues to grow in her work, inspire children and adults daily. Shes an amazing educator who deserves to be recognized for the person & teacher she is.
MARY BARBOT Brookside Elementary
KAREN KING Brookside Elementary
Karen King is one of the kindest teachers ever. She was so good to my grandson and had him for 2yrs after she changed grades. He will never forget her.
Mrs. Barbot is an excellent teacher. She is always looking out for what is best for her students. We appreciate your hard work and support, Mrs. Barbot!
SUSAN MEDLER
Morley Stanwood Elementary School
She is kind and cares so much about her students. She goes above and beyond in her classroom and makes every student feel welcomed.
SARA PENNESS
Morley Stanwood Elementary
Ms. Penness is an exceptional educator who deeply values the importance of recognizing each student as a unique individual. She fosters a culture of kindness and unity in her classroom, always encouraging growth-even on challenging days. She reassures her students that mistakes are part of the learning process, as long as they continue to grow from them. Her dedication and compassion make her more than worthy of this nomination!
SARAH NELSON Crossroads Charter Academy
Sarah gives everything to her student. Past and current. They are not just her students while in the classroom. She care and checks in even after they been gone.
GABRIELLE SCHMIDT
Eastwood Elementary
They are a true sunshine in my childs day! She has helped my daughter grow and learn and feel loved in the classroom again. She is no longer afraid to go to school and feels safe. She truly cares so much about her students and it shows greatly. She is a shining example of an extraordinary teacher and an amazing person.
SHANNON KOSTECKI
Riverview Elementary School
I’m nominating Shannon Kostecki because she is an amazing teacher with a bigheart! Every day she has a smile on her face and is always willing to go aboveand beyond for her students. I have had the privilege to work with Shannon formany years and can’t express how much she deserves to be recognized as an extraordinary educator.
Ty is one of the most compassionate and caring people I have ever met. He wants only the best for his students and puts all of his energy and time into ensuring his students succeed and feel like they matter.
