Grand Rapids — The district recently named three teachers as its 2023 Jean Hamilton Cope Teachers of the Year.
Dominic Biolchini of Kent Hills Elementary, M. Byrnes of City High Middle and Nicole Shilton of C.A. Frost Middle High School received the honor, according to a statement from GRPS.
The three recipients were picked by a GRPS committee, district spokesperson Leon Hendrix said.
Award winners are determined based on knowledge and use of effective instructional methods; passion for teaching and students’ learning; leadership in and out of the classroom; collaboration with colleagues, students and families; and advocacy for GRPS, according to the district.
The award was set up by donors Laurie and Mark Grand through the GRPS Foundation. It was named in honor of Laurie’s late mother, Jean Hamilton Cope, who worked at Huff Elementary School for decades and, after retirement, tutored students in reading.
The Foundation administers the award, which gives $1,000 to each honoree. Additionally, recipients receive a plaque and permanent recognition at the GRPS Franklin Campus. They will also be nominated for the Michigan Teacher of the Year program.
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