Honoring Committed Educators in Michigan

Ms. Bonner leads classes in music appreciation, choir, band, symphonic band, and orchestra and leads the marching band and supports winter guard efforts for John Glenn High School, Wayne-Westland Public Schools. According to her nominators she is an exceptional educator because of her unwavering passion for music education and teaching. “She is active and involved in student life to gain a deep understanding of the individual needs of each student and works tirelessly to help them reach their full potential,” said her nominator. We applaud Ms. Bonner for her enthusiasm and dedication to the music program and her students at John Glenn HS.

Ms. Hopkins is the Dean of Student and Cultural Affairs, which has her wearing many hats and interacting with students, parents, and staff. She often comes into contact with children due to behavior and discipline issues and is frequently handling crisis situations. “I have seen her work tirelessly to resolve issues using win-win modules in the most effective way which seeks to save a child and offers opportunities to grow. For that alone she deserves recognition. She knows these families, she knows the kids, and they know she cares.” said her nominator. Dean Hopkins’ dedication to the school, the community and the children is genuinely amazing.

Ms. Harris is kind, patient, and really engages her students. First grade can be tough for so many reasons and Ms. Harris does a wonderful job making sure each student is learning and having fun. “It’s mind blowing to me that a child comes into first grade and can’t read, and by the end, they are not only reading but doing so confidently,” said Ms. Harris’ nominator. We applaud Ms. Harris for her dedication to these little people and the difference she makes in their lives and thus the difference she makes in the Ann Arbor community.

Ms. Montemurri is a first grade teacher that has a passion for discipline, organization and understanding of the needs of her 1st graders.  She really tries to give kids structure, so they have a positive and constructive educational environment. Meghan not only works hard during the day, but she also runs a math camp after school and tutors beyond the classroom in the evenings, week-ends and summers to help kids be successful. She never gives up and she never gives in when it comes to the needs of her 1st graders’ education and is constantly looking for ways to handle individual learning needs while running a classroom that helps kids flourish.  Thank you Ms. Montemurri for being such an inspiration!

This teacher stands out above the rest”, said her nominator. We saw this when we visited her 1st grade classroom at Quarton Elementary. She even tied receiving the check for $1000 with a recent economics lesson, telling her students how they should consider spending the money on needs, not wants. A second nominator said “she embodies exactly what it means to be a great teacher – caring, kind, an excellent instructor, captivating, and in touch with her students needs”. We applaud Jennifer Wind and all the nominees that we read about each month. Thank you for all you do to engage children in learning.

Mr. Muylaert is the engineering teacher at West Bloomfield High School. If teaching a hands on class which involves students learning safety and using power equipment wasn’t enough to keep him busy teaching he also runs three after school programs for students. He is the high school Robotics coach and works with students to build a robot to compete in both the Oakland County Competitive Robotics Association (OCCRA) which in 2021 the robotics team took first place in the competition and in 2022 was semi-finalists. He also has three middle school robotics teams. Mr. Muylaert also runs an after-school video game club which has different students in his classroom one day a week and an e-sports club on another day after school. This year his e-sport club made it to states. When you combine regular class time with after school programs and weekend competitions Mr. Muylaert puts in a significant amount of time with West Bloomfield students. Thank you for all you do!

Mrs. Fenner not only teaches 8th grade science, she is also the athletic director and the National Junior Honors Society sponsor. Mrs. Fenner is the most engaging science teacher! Whether it is teaching kids about physics through the use of bottle rockets, involving them in a hands on instructional lab, or teaching them about camouflage through a design competition, she incorporates many different learning styles in order to meet the needs of her diverse learners. Thank you, Mrs. Fenner, for being an Exceptional Educator!

Mrs. Williams has many roles at the American International Academy. She teaches and handles administrative roles at every level. Her nominator said, “Mrs. Williams is always willing to take time out and help each student with whatever they may need. She always tries to encourage and push her students to be the best they can be.” Thank you for your commitment to your students and their ongoing progress. We applaud all that you do!

Mr. Abu-Rus is the principal of Oakman Elementary. Many times, you can find him teaching in the classroom or working on projects with his students. “Mr. Abu-Rus not only makes sure his students have everything they need, but also ensures that his staff has everything they need to be successful. He is loved by everyone, and his leadership has helped us bring in community partners into our building who also help to encourage and improve our students’ experience,” said his nominator. Thank you, Mr. Abu-Rus for being an Exceptional Educator!

Ms. Hall strives to make genuine connections with all of her students and their families. She believes that through engagement with the whole family, there is a strong sense of trust that allows Ms. Hall to effectively educate every student she meets. Thank you Ms. Hall for being an Exceptional Educator!

Ms. McCray created a cafe in the school cafeteria for her students to run and gain valuable life skills. With the cafe comes a feeling of pride from her students and relief from other students who get to enjoy the fresh donuts and other delicious foods. Thank you Ms. McCray for being an Exceptional Educator!

Ms. Comerford is a music teacher for all grades and goes “above and beyond everyday” said her nominator. Hope, a music teacher, received a $1,000 gift for her school, and we are happy to report the money will go back into the music program!

“Ms. Smith gives her all to her fabulous first graders each day. Even in the toughest circumstances, she finds ways to motivate them to do their best and engage with the learning in authentic ways,” said her nominator. Our sincerest thanks and applause to Ms. Smith and all our nominees for all you do for the children in your classroom!

“Tiffany is a loving caring first grade teacher that makes every child feel special and loved.” Thank you, Ms. Markavick, for being an Exceptional Educator.