These ‘Outstanding Teachers’ have class

WARREN/CENTER LINE/STERLING HEIGHTS — Several local teachers dedicated to educating their students will be recognized next month for the lifelong impact they are leaving.

The educators have been named as their district’s “Outstanding Teachers of the Year.”

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 level in each district in the county.

The teachers were nominated by their peers, parents and students. Nominated teachers were evaluated in 10 categories including teaching style, motivational expertise, lifelong learner, passion and community focus. They will be recognized at a dinner April 11 at the Italian American Cultural Society Banquet & Conference Center in Clinton Township.

In the Warren Consolidated Schools district, a math teacher, special education teacher and an English/public speaking teacher were honored this year: Grissom Middle School sixth grade math teacher Jeff Gruca; special education teacher Amy Trandell, who works in the resource room at Wilkerson Elementary; and Jennifer Huyghe, who teaches 10th grade general and honors-level English and public speaking at Sterling Heights High School.

“Jeff, Jennifer, and Amy’s remarkable dedication to the teaching profession, the inclusive learning environments they create, and their efforts to embrace a commitment to collective efficacy are to be commended,” Warren Consolidated Schools Chief Academic Officer David Meengs said. “Their recognition serves as a reminder that Warren Consolidated Schools is a place where great things happen every day.”

Not only are the teachers busy in the classroom, but they have also taken on other responsibilities. Gruca, for example, has coached athletics at Grissom and Warren Mott and Cousino high schools. Huyghe is the National Honor Society adviser at Sterling Heights High School.

Over in the Warren Woods Public Schools district, officials are celebrating the efforts of Westwood Elementary first grade teacher Amy Ellison, Warren Woods Middle School special education teacher Lindsay Grange, and Scott Corpuz, Warren Woods Tower High School instrumental and vocal music teacher.

“In the 13 years that Amy has been a loyal elementary educator, she continuously builds a culture of positive partnerships with families, caregivers, volunteers, and other supportive individuals who have her students’ best interest at the forefront,” her nomination form states.

In just over two years at Warren Woods Middle School, Grange already has accomplished a great deal to build a sense of community. According to school officials, Grange has taken the initiative to restart the National Junior Honor Society and she is known for staying up to date with current trends in education.

Corpuz isn’t shy about showcasing the talents of the high school’s band and choir students. That includes performing at various community events, parades and concerts. Under Corpuz’s guidance, the students have even performed at Walt Disney World, and entertained crowds in Chicago and New York City.

In the Fitzgerald Public Schools district, five teachers were recognized: Tamara Panetta, from the Schofield Early Childhood Center; Patti Hill, from Westview Lower Elementary; Jade Hugelier, from Mound Park Upper Elementary; Christine Kuefler, from Chatterton Middle School; and Rebecca Mulligan, from Fitzgerald High School.

Van Dyke Public Schools is proud of its three teachers who were nominated: Lincoln Elementary teacher Jenny Grabruck; Lincoln Middle School teacher Jennifer Ensley; and Abigail (Abby) Johnson at Lincoln High School.

Teachers in Center Line Public Schools also are making a difference. In the district, Center Line High School’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year is Christel Cook, who teaches Advanced Placement and honors biology and physics.

“As an educator who embodies a commitment to student learning and teaching excellence, Ms. Cook stands out amongst her peers. Her approach to education transcends conventional classroom boundaries,” her Macomb Intermediate School District application states. “She employs an inquiry/project-based teaching method, enabling seamless community integration into the learning process and exemplifying teacher leadership among her peers. Her teaching philosophy is not only centered on growth but also cultivates a strong sense of community, responsibility, and pride among her students.”

Rounding out the district’s outstanding teachers are Wolfe Middle School seventh and eighth grade English language arts teaching Jennifer De Smet and Roose Elementary School first grade teacher Kristin Henninger. De Smet became an educator for many reasons. For starters, she wanted to make a difference in her students’ experiences in the classroom.

“I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, and helping kids grow to be capable, resilient, and gritty is a worthwhile investment,” De Smet said via email. “Teaching others to develop a purpose, set goals, and achieve growth fills me with gratitude and satisfaction and is why I chose this path.”

Henninger, a member of the school’s Climate and Culture team, believes that building relationships fosters the success of education in her students. Henninger shares her passion for literacy by participating in a High Dosage Tutoring program after school. She also serves as a mentor to prospective teachers from local colleges and high school teacher cadets.