Caledonia — Caledonia High School social studies teacher Jenny Jonkman was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Center for Civic Education.
The organization’s highest form of recognition, the award celebrates Michigan educators’ commitment to civic and law-related education.
Jonkman said she was surprised and humbled to receive the award.
Passionate about teaching “Intro to Mock Trial” and “Trial Techniques and Foundations of Law” at CHS, Jonkman also coaches students to compete in mock trial competitions, hosted by the Michigan Center for Civic Education and the State Bar of Michigan.
“Mock trials are exciting activities to teach content, appreciation of our adversarial judicial system and inspire students to think critically and creatively about the law,” she said.
This year, CHS sent four mock trial teams to compete at regional competitions, the most ever from the district and more than any other school in the state, Jonkman said.
One team recently traveled to Lansing to compete against 12 other Michigan teams for the state championship at Veterans Memorial Courthouse in Lansing. They made it to the state semifinal round and finished in the Top Four after a long day of fierce competition.
Read more from Caledonia:
• Mock trial team excels at state finals
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