Department of Education Announces Five State Finalists for Michigan Teacher of the Year Award

LANSING - Five state finalists for the 2005-2006 Michigan Teacher of the Year Award were announced today by Michigan Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction Jeremy Hughes.

The educators who have been selected as state finalists for the award, in alphabetical order, are:

• Jeffrey Bradley, Ann Arbor Public Schools, science teacher at Slauson Middle School
• Michael Jones, Detroit Public Schools, science teacher at Lewis Cass Technical High School
• Christian LeButt, Huron Valley Schools, science teacher at Lakeland High School
• Sherry Ransford, Kalamazoo Public Schools, English teacher at Central High School
• Daniel Schab, Williamston Community Schools, mathematics teacher at Williamston High School

"All five of our finalists possess both an incredible breadth of experience and a wide perspective on issues that directly impact children," Hughes said. "Any one of them could easily serve as Michigan’s next Teacher of the Year, and the final decision will be difficult to make."

A select committee will interview the final five candidates in April. An announcement will be made in May to name the Michigan Teacher of the Year.

The Department of Education has used this award annually to honor Michigan’s exemplary educators. As part of the award, the Department of Education will welcome the recipient as a staff member during her/his tenure as Michigan Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee that reviews applications from teachers throughout Michigan. Applicants submit biographies and written essays that describe educational history, professional development activities, philosophy of teaching and thoughts on emerging education trends and issues. For more information on the Michigan Teacher of the Program access www.michigan.gov/mde. Click on Recognition Programs. Click on Michigan Teacher of the Year.