Teachers recognized for making the grade

EASTPOINTE/ROSEVILLE — Several Roseville and Eastpointe teachers are being honored for their passion in the classroom.

The educators were named as the 2024-25 “Outstanding Teachers of the Year” for their districts. Every year, the Macomb Intermediate School District holds an Outstanding Teacher of the Year program in which a teacher is chosen at the elementary, middle and high school levels in each district.

The teachers were nominated by their peers, parents and students. Nominated teachers were evaluated in various categories, including teaching style, motivational expertise, lifelong learner, passion and community focus. The educators will be recognized at a dinner April 22 at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township.

Eastpointe Community Schools announced Bellview Elementary fifth grade teacher Jennifer Sands-Bosket, Eastpointe Middle School sixth grade English language arts teacher  Emilie Belanger, and 8th Grade Academy instructional coach/interventionist Alexandra Turner as its elementary, middle school and high school teachers of the year, respectively.

Sands-Bosket has taught in Eastpointe Community Schools for two years, and according to school officials, she has become an integral member of Bellview’s leadership team by playing a key role in decision-making.

Since coming to Bellview, the educator has volunteered to lead the Family Events committee and during the second semester of last year, Sands-Bosket piloted new English language arts programs that the district was considering adopting. Additionally, the educator is said to put students at ease when they share their thoughts in class.

At the middle school, Belanger has earned a reputation as “a source of positivity and professionalism who goes above and beyond as a resource to other teachers and paraprofessionals in the building,” according to Eastpointe Middle School interim Principal Robyne Thompson.

Belanger is known for her willingness to help anyone struggling and will break down data and adjust her lessons according to students’ needs. Along with teaching, Belanger coaches the middle school girls basketball team and takes a leading role on the school’s Building Turnaround Network team.

Turner is the lead teacher for the eighth grade reading intervention classes, where she coaches teachers on reviewing student progress and delivering the program. The process helps students who are behind in reading catch up to grade level. Turner also works closely with the school’s eighth grade families to support students’ reading goals.

She helps organize events, maintains communication with parents, works to connect the curriculum to the world outside the classroom and helps students see how their skills will help them once they leave school.

“Alex is a humble yet strong educator who cares deeply for her students both academically and personally,” Eastpointe High School Principal Todd Yarch said in a prepared statement. “Her hard work in helping students become better readers has made a significant impact — students frequently return to her class to express their gratitude.”

On March 3, Roseville Community Schools issued a press release announcing Knukellia McCurdy, elementary; Scott Wheeler, middle school; and Melissa Kaehler, high school, as the district’s teachers of the year.

McCurdy has been teaching in Roseville since 2000. She began her career at Eastland Elementary and through the years taught a variety of elementary grades at Dort, Huron Park, Kaiser, and Kment. Eleven years ago, she relocated to Patton Elementary School and currently teaches third grade. In the press release, Patton Elementary Principal Brandon Komarowski said McCurdy approaches each day with a commitment to growth and success and is an advocate for her students.

“Whether it is sending an early morning email, responding to Dojo messages after school, or grading papers on the weekends, she consistently goes above and beyond her duties to ensure her students receive the support they need,” Komarowski said. “She makes herself readily available, fostering strong connections built on trust, communication, and generosity. She makes sure every child’s academic, social, and emotional needs are met daily. Mrs. McCurdy’s commitment to her profession is truly admirable, and her impact on her students’ lives is immeasurable.”

Wheeler has been impacting students in Roseville for 32 years. Early in his career, Wheeler taught adult education and alternative education at the Guest building before making the move to Roseville High School. Under his instruction, students have learned chemistry, biology, environmental science, human biology, advanced placement biology, physics, anatomy and physiology, and earth science. Six years ago, Wheeler relocated to Eastland Middle School, where he now teaches seventh and eighth grade science.

Eastland Middle School Principal Bob Beato said Wheeler’s “commitment to ensuring that every student feels seen and valued is truly commendable. He goes the extra mile to create an inclusive learning environment where each student has the opportunity to thrive. He is more than a science teacher; he is an inspiration and a positive force within our school.”

During her 18 years in Roseville, Kaehler has worn many hats. She began teaching at Huron Park Elementary. She then taught special education in the Self-Contained Emotional Impairment Program held at both Roseville Middle School and Steenland Elementary.

Nine years ago, Kaehler transferred to Roseville High School as a teacher consultant who co-teaches Algebra II and hosts the testing center. The teacher of the year also is the school’s transition coordinator, Individualized Education Program coordinator, and department chair for the special education department. Kaehler is known for being empathetic, yet firm, and is said to handle stressful situations with students in a thoughtful, respectful and professional manner.