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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.

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’...

Inspired by grandfather, he inspired generations of students

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

After 40 years of teaching vocational ed, Larry Ridley retires from the profession that picked him...

She chose math over snakes and cold, and students win

Kelloggsville Sean Bradley

Thinking in numbers, this Southeast Kelloggsville second-grade teacher’s love of education shines through...

Positive energy as bright as spring sunshine

Forest Hills Carol Lautenbach

Three words from lead teacher Amy Goebels led Nancy Sullivan to bring her affinity for young children to life in Collins Elementary’s Great Start Readiness Program...

Making learning ‘as local as we can’

Grand Rapids Erin Albanese

Stephanie Nielsen, the Region 3 Michigan Teacher of the Year, leads her students into the wild schoolyard around them to discover peas, dandelions, trees and cross-curricular connections...

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ABOUT US

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.

Making connections to motivate students

On state council, junior hopes to ‘make school better for every individual’

She nurtures them, and they bring her joy

Working in education, ‘You can really make a difference in a community’

High-schoolers use TikTok to inform, entertain

Symphony visit all about sharing the music

Research-based reading curriculum aims to amplify skills

Full symphony orchestra joins strings & marching band

Student news crew interviews state superintendent

Cultural fair: Students share countries, culture

Same family, different major goals

Summer internship leads to national news segment

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