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Rockstar Teachers

There’s just something about certain teachers that draws students to them in droves and keeps them checking in. This series highlights some of these rockstars of the classroom.

Teacher recognized for ‘excellence in Chinese teaching’

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Yuqi Zhao said she enjoys seeing students build in their confidence and explore the world beyond Forest Hills.

She’s in year 20, and ‘goes at it like year two’

Kentwood Erin Albanese

Sarah Kresnak, a Kentwood Public Schools first-grade teacher, was recently named Region 3 Teacher of the Year, and is in the running for Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Opening students’ eyes to their connection to the world

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Central High science teacher Patti Richardson was recently named Outstanding Biology Teacher in Michigan by the National Association of Biology Teachers.

She helps students develop language, read, write & grow

Wyoming Erin Albanese

With teacher Casey Quick, students learn to listen, read, write and speak, and many games along the way.

Counselor offers ‘next-level listening skills’ and a punching bag

Caledonia Alexis Stark

West Michigan Counselor of the Year Hilaski serves as a fierce advocate for her students at Caledonia High School.

Teacher brings wildlife to his students, then lets them explore

Kentwood Erin Albanese

In a classroom that doubles as a miniature animal kingdom, teacher Carl Warfield’s students learn through experience.

‘A champion for our kids’: FFA advisor earns state recognition

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

Cedar Springs High School science teacher and FFA advisor Brent Willett has been named Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Horticulture Teachers Association.

Hark! I hear she’s Teacher of the Year

Rockford Riley Kelley

MSVMA Teacher of the Year Mandy Scott leads the choir at Rockford High School

‘The best feeling’: Student growth paramount for GRPS teacher

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Dominic Biolchini channels the energy of his classroom into a symphony of learning.

‘Everybody loves Mr. P’

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

For Chris Pulliams, being in the classroom is a way for him to connect with students and encourage them on to their next step.

Emphasis on understanding: teacher seeks to empower students

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Student nominated, award-winning teacher Nicole Shilton brings compassion and patience to the classroom.

National History Teacher of the Year: ‘Teach truth that resonates’

Kentwood Erin Albanese

National History Teacher of the Year Matthew Vriesman is on a quest for truth.

Environmental educator receives fellowship

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Sixth-grade teacher Patty Tolly will use her fellowship to educate students about water, its chemical composition and what pollutes it.

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Shining a light on blindness and low vision

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

For April Makley, it’s all about breaking down barriers and creating access for visually impaired students...

She came out of retirement to be a super-sub

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

After retiring from over 30 years of teaching, Lisa Villemeure-Greca started her new adventure as a permanent substitute teacher at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center...

Just a Godwin girl

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

After 38 years, Lynn Bradford is putting away the crayons and the ‘creepy green underwear’...

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School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent ISD, which enroll more than 102,000 students. Founded in 2013 as an initiative of Kent ISD, we are supported by local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and multimedia journalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues facing students and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

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