Who run the world? Teachers!

Our Michigan charter teachers are master instructors. They are listeners. They are superheroes. As the education landscape has changed this past year, they have risen to the challenge in ways we didn't think possible. Meet five incredible educators who are rocking this school year with innovation, passion and love for their craft - and while you're at it, help us #thankMIteachers!

 

A photo of Francis Reh Academy teacher, Erin Fought.

Meeting need with passion, dedication & care

3rd grade teacher, Erin Fought, has spent seven years in the same classroom at Francis Reh Academy. This year, her classroom might not look the same, but her dedication to social-emotional connection remains unyielding.

Meet Erin →
A photo of Grand River Academy teacher, Jamie Iwashita.

Reunited, and it feels so good

A 7th & 8th grade English Language Arts teacher at Grand River Academy in Livonia, Jamie Iwashita couldn't wait to get back to teaching this year. See how she's adapted to the new challenges & opportunities of this unusual year. 

Meet Jamie →
A photo of Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy teacher, Allison Klemm.

If you give a Montessorian a Chromebook...

Now in her 15th year teaching at Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy, 4th & 5th grade teacher Allison Klemm knew that while the methods might look a little different this year, the focus remained the same: building human connection.

Meet Allison →
A photo of Concord Academy Boyne teacher, Caitlin Ritter.

It's not just about getting it right, it's about having grace

At Concord Academy Boyne, the leaves aren't the only things showing off their versatility. If you ask 6-12th grade math teacher, Caitlin Ritter, what her favorite part of returning to school has been, her answer is simple: the grace everyone is showing one another.

Meet Caitlin →
A photo of The Dearborn Academy teacher, Caitlyn Vella.

The art of taking the unknown in stride

1st grade teacher Caitlyn Vella has lived her life an avid planner.  For 9 years at The Dearborn Academy, she's worked exceptionally hard to meet her students' unique needs - including language access. But as COVID-19 struck, she learned that sometimes the best plan is one that's constantly evolving. 

Meet Caitlyn →

Help us thank MI teachers!

Not all superheroes wear capes - in fact, many of the ones we know are known to sing songs, tell stories, go on adventures (these days, even virtual ones!), and inspire kiddos. Help us thank our INCREDIBLE Michigan charter teachers by following these quick steps:

A photo of a high school classroom at Grand River Prep in Grand Rapids, where a female teacher is helping three students complete a group activity.

Step 1: Grab your favorite teacher photo

The theme is simple - show your appreciation for you/your student's teachers! Find a favorite photo of your student & their educator (even if it's a screenshot of a Zoom call or Google Hangout). Want to record a selfie video instead? Move on to Step 2! 

A photo of 2019 MI Charter Teacher of the Year, Joel Hockin in his UPrep Math & Science middle school classroom in Detroit, helping a student.

Step 2: Prep your thank you message

If you've got an awesome photo ready, take 1-2 sentences to share why you're thankful for your teacher. Is it their unending dedication? Creativity? Have fun with it! If you're ready to record your "thank you" message, film in horizontal orientation, and take 30 seconds to explain why you're thankful!

A photo of Distinctive College Prep special education teacher, Chrysantha Norwood, reading to an elementary student.

Step 3: Post & tag us!

We want to flood Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with these fun messages - be sure to share your masterpiece, using #thankMIteachers and #ChartersLead. Before or after you post, be sure to tag us @MiCharters on Facebook, @MiCharters on Twitter, and @charterschools on Instagram. We'll be looking for shining stars to share to our channels - so be sure to follow us and keep an eye out!

Check out more of our MI charter stories! 

See the creative, innovative things we're doing in classrooms across the Mitten! 

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