Susan Solomon is a Gifted Education Specialist at JKL Bahweting Anishinaabe School, where she has taught for all 20 years of her career. Dedicated to providing personalized and culturally responsive learning experiences, Susan focuses on gifted education across various grades. She isa National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), a member of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), and the President of the Michigan Association for Gifted Children. She is deeply involved in educational equity initiatives, particularly for the Anishinaabe community. Her commitment to educational excellence is recognized both regionally and nationally.
Tom Schultz is a middle school and high school science teacher at Charlevoix Middle High in Charlevoix, MI. He earned his undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Oakland University, and later obtained his master’s degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. Tom embraces his role as an educator, mentor, and coach, grateful for the privilege of shaping young minds and fostering a lifelong love of learning. Tom has been teaching in Charlevoix for 24 years.
Sarah Kresnak is a first-grade teacher at Discovery Elementary School, named the most diverse elementary school in Michigan. This is Sarah’s 20th year of teaching for Kentwood Public Schools, and sixth year at Discovery Elementary. She is currently a fellow of Teach Michigan initiative, working towards national board certification in Early Childhood Education Generalist and a Capturing Kids Hearts Process Champion for her school and district.
Heather Wolf is an instructional coach at Shepherd Middle School and High School, and a social studies teacher at Shepherd High School. She is in her 25th year as an educator, all of which have been with Shepherd Public Schools. Heather is a member of the Building Leadership Teams for Shepherd Middle School and Shepherd High School. She is also a member of the National Council for the Social Studies, and is a Michigan Council for the Social Studies board member.
Corey Rosser is an alternative education teacher at Quest High School within North Branch Area Public Schools. In his 22nd year of teaching, all of which have been dedicated to Quest, Corey instructs Social Studies and Imagine Learning courses for students in grades 10 through 12. He has a long-standing commitment to education, having taught summer school in traditional settings for over two decades and providing virtual learning instruction for both traditional and alternative high school students in North Branch for the past eight years. Corey is also an active member of the Michigan Alternative Education Organization, further demonstrating his dedication to alternative education practices.
Becky Manore is a 9-12th grade Spanish teacher at Grand Ledge High School in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Becky is in her 20th year of teaching, her fourth year at Grand Ledge, and her 13th with Michigan Virtual. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Social Relations and pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum. Becky is a current member of the Michigan World Language Association. In addition to her teaching duties, Becky advises the Spanish Club and the Peer Assistance Leadership and Service (PALS) program.
Lindsey Cook is a dedicated fourth-grade teacher at Sonoma Elementary in Harper Creek Community Schools, with 20 years of experience in education. She began her career as a paraprofessional and long-term substitute within the Battle Creek Lakeview School District before becoming a certified teacher. Now in her eleventh year as a teacher and seventh at Sonoma Elementary, Lindsey deeply values the relationships she has built with her students, families, and colleagues over the years.
Deidra LaPointe is a first-grade teacher at Luther C. Klager Elementary School in Manchester Community Schools. Deidra is in her 14th year of teaching, her fourth year at Luther C. Klager. She serves as a teacher mentor, the co-chair of the Leader in Me Teacher Lighthouse Committee, and participated in the establishment of the Teacher Wellness Coalition during the 2024-2025 school year.
Stephanie Jaskolski is a dedicated and experienced educator currently serving as a sixth-grade English language arts teacher in the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District at Woodhaven Upper Elementary. With 17 years in education and three years teaching at her current grade level, Stephanie has demonstrated her commitment to fostering student growth and success. Beyond the classroom, she plays an active role in her school community as the advisor for the Woodhaven Upper Elementary Student Council, the English language arts unit leader, and a union representative for the district. Additionally, Stephanie contributes to professional development and support by serving as a teacher mentor, helping guide and inspire her colleagues in their teaching journeys.
Susan Kelsey-Brewton is a middle school science teacher at Hope Academy, which, as a public charter school, is its own district. Susan has been teaching for 34 years, ten of which have been at Hope Academy. Her leadership roles include assisting with eighth-grade activities, and being the Lead Science Teacher, which has given her the opportunity to partner with the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, implementing STEM programs and activities. She is also a member of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).
