April 18, 2007

LANSING - Four state finalists for the 2007-2008 Michigan Teacher of the Year Award were announced today by Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan.

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

• Diane Bencik, Troy School District, Gifted and Talented Teacher for Grades 1-5, Wass Elementary School
• Jeffrey Bradley, Ann Arbor Public Schools, Eighth Grade Science Teacher at Slauson Middle School
• Kim Hoke, Berkley Public Schools, Fourth Grade Teacher at Pattengill Elementary School
• June Teisan, Harper Woods Public Schools, Seventh Grade Science Teacher at Harper Woods Secondary School

“All four of our finalists possess both an incredible breadth of experience and a wide perspective on issues that directly impact children,” Flanagan 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 four 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.

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/mtoy.