Skip to main content

Ten More Educators Named to Michigan's Innovative Educator Corps

July 24, 2019

LANSING – Ten Michigan educators have been selected to join the Innovative Educator Corps (IEC) – a statewide recognition and grant program that recognizes educators who utilize an innovative educational program, methodology, or strategy to help prepare their students for future career success in high-demand fields.

The newest IEC members are:

  • Rebecca Arbic, Sault Area Public Schools, for the Geometry in Construction program.
  • Natalie Daversa, Oxford Community Schools, for the Cyber Security Team program.
  • Amy Kuntz, Caro Community Schools, for the innovative approaches to STEM learning.
  • Erin Maturen, Montrose Community Schools, for the computer coding and programming curriculum.
  • Lori Morningstar, Flushing Community Schools, for the Transition Program for students with disabilities.
  • Jason Radatz, Marshall Public Schools, for the Marshall Opportunity High School STEM program.
  • Andrew Ratke, Grand Haven Area Public Schools, for the grassroots program, Homegrown.
  • Randy Scott, Davison Community Schools, for the DTV media program.
  • Benjamin Shoemaker, Mason Public Schools, for the Robotics Program.
  • Robert Thomson, Alpena Public Schools, for the Thunder Bay Watershed Project.

“We are proud of how these educators are changing the way they deliver content and improving the way our students learn – ultimately increasing their opportunity for success,” said Interim State Superintendent Sheila Alles. “The support that comes with this recognition will help these educators expand their programs for more students, and help share their practice with other educators across the state.

“As we continue working to make Michigan a Top 10 education state, it’s imperative that we continue to raise the bar by developing new practices and harnessing innovation in order to best prepare Michigan students for success,” Alles said.

The IEC was authorized under the Marshall Plan for Talent (Public Act 227 of 2018). In order to be nominated to the IEC, an educator must pioneer innovative practices; and embody the passion, energy and professionalism of the teaching profession through dedication to their students and community.

As part of the application process, nominees were tasked with providing documentation regarding their students’ academic achievement, as well as sharing how successful implementation of their innovative instructional methodologies has prepared their students for 21st Century careers.

Each IEC member receives a $5,000 stipend in recognition of their work, plus an additional $5,000 to be used in partnership with their Intermediate School District (ISD) to expand, replicate, and share their innovative practices with other Michigan educators. The eight educators announced today join 14 other IEC members from across the state who previously were named to the group in November 2018 and January 2019.

“We are so proud of the amazing work and dedication Michigan educators demonstrate in the classroom,” said Lisa Hagel, Superintendent of the Genesee Intermediate School District, which partners with MDE to administer the program. “Educators impact young lives every day, and through their innovative work, these educators are helping students across Michigan prepare for future careers in high-demand fields.”

For more information about the IEC, visit the Innovative Educator Corps webpage.