These ‘Outstanding Teachers’ have class

WARREN/CENTER LINE/STERLING HEIGHTS — For Holden Elementary School second grade educator Michelle Clarke, her favorite aspect of teaching is watching the growth in her students over time.

While academics is a large part of that, Clarke also loves to see them come out of their shells, gain the ability to manage their emotions, develop confidence and strengthen peer relationships.

Clarke, a 2003 Cousino High School graduate, was named the Warren Consolidated Schools’ Outstanding Teacher of the Year at the elementary level, alongside the district’s Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year Matthew Mutschler and the Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year Shawn Moore for the 2022-2023 school year.

Every year, the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) holds an Outstanding Teacher of the Year program in which a teacher is chosen at the elementary, middle and high school levels per district in the county.  They were nominated by their peers, parents and students. Nominated teachers were evaluated in 10 categories including teaching style, motivational expertise, lifelong learner, passion and community focus.

From there, a countywide teacher is chosen, and this year, Moore was selected as the MISD County High School Teacher of the Year. He teaches 10th grade functions, statistics and trigonometry and 12th grade Advanced Placement calculus at the Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center at the Butcher Educational Center. MMSTC students attend school for one half day at Butcher, in Warren, and then attend the other half of the day at their home school.

“I am proud to represent MMSTC, Butcher Educational Center, and WCS in such a positive way,” Moore said in a prepared statement. “However, I owe a great deal of gratitude to the mentors, colleagues, students and families who have been on this journey with me, without whom I could not have accomplished what I do on a daily basis.”

Mutschler teaches seventh grade world history and eighth grade U.S. history at the middle school visual and performing arts program at Butcher. He has been a teacher in the district for 26 years.

Fitzgerald Public Schools recognized five teachers: Kelly Weingust, Schofield Early Childhood Center Young 5’s; Brittany Grashik, Westview Lower Elementary special education; Rhonda Hawe, Mound Park Upper Elementary fourth grade; Jessica Strye-Percy, Chatterton Middle School counselor; and Kathryn Cafagna, Fitzgerald High School special education.   

In Warren Woods Public Schools, Pinewood third grade teacher Courtney Joondeph was named elementary teacher of the year; Warren Woods Middle School occupational therapist Jennifer Astfalk was recognized at the middle school level; and Warren Woods Tower High School English and digital media teacher Eric Martin was the high school’s Outstanding Teacher.

Van Dyke Public Schools is proud of its teachers of the year: Erin Mareel, of McKinley Elementary; John Lonsway, of Lincoln Middle School; and Dawn Hill, of Lincoln High School.

At the March 27 Center Line Public Schools Board of Education meeting, the school board recognized its Outstanding Teachers of the Year: Crothers Elementary School speech/language teacher Natasha Woodruff; Wolfe Middle School science teacher Chanel Maloney; and Center Line High School health, nutrition and educational careers instructor Jennifer Haugh.

During a brief ceremony, administrators from each building spoke on behalf of the honorees, starting with Woodruff, who is known for providing direct instruction and support for  students with speech and language challenges.

“She is able to effectively engage them in learning while tailoring instruction to their interests,” Crothers Principal Matt Provost said. “Ms. Woodruff  also supports Crothers teachers by being a resource for special education and speech and language. You often find her collaborating with others of the special education team and the general education team.”

Wolfe Assistant Principal Jennifer Serra described Maloney as “calm, fair and honest.”

“Current students look forward to attending her class and former students return often to check in. Both our staff and students are drawn to her passion and compassion,” Serra said. “She is a leader amongst her peers who can be trusted with important goals and responsibility. She is our Teacher of the Year because she puts students first.”

When it came time to nominate a teacher for the MISD program, Principal John Kelley and Assistant Principals John Grob and Klaressa Howery immediately chose Haugh.

“Mrs. Haugh is an outstanding teacher leader and is someone who leads by example, sets high standards for both herself and her students, and inspires her peers to strive for excellence,” Kelley said. “She recognizes and celebrates the successes of her students and colleagues while also providing constructive feedback and support. She has an infectious, positive attitude. All of her students receive individual attention, whether they are in good moods or not, and students in need will receive extra support and empathy.”

All the nominated teachers will be honored during a dinner April 20 at the Mirage Banquet Hall in Clinton Township.