We are grateful for the hundreds of educators serving our Lutheran schools across the Michigan District. Each spring we recognize some of them with our Educators of the Year Awards. These individuals were nominated by their colleagues as being outstanding and going above and beyond in serving students, families, and their congregations. It is a joy to celebrate the wonderful teachers, principals, and directors that make our Lutheran schools a place where Christ’s love is shared on a daily basis!
Tammy Kelly – 2023 Michigan District Early Childhood Teacher of the Year
Tammy serves at Peace, Saginaw. Here are some comments shared by those who nominated her:
Mrs. Kelly is a ray of sunshine! She radiates positivity and a love for teaching and Jesus. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and the kids just love her to pieces.
Tammy goes beyond in her role as a teacher. She puts her students first and shows them the love of Jesus every day.
Mrs. Kelly is phenomenal. She is a true disciple of Jesus, spreading His Good News, and an excellent living example of His love to all of her students each and every day.
Tammy is part of a vital ministry in our Lutheran congregations sharing Jesus’ love with children at such an early age. We are thankful for her work both inside and outside of the classroom.
Congratulations, Tammy!
Roxann Marchesi – 2023 Michigan District Early Childhood Director of the Year
We are blessed with many early childhood centers throughout the Michigan District, and they all have administrators that play a vital role in the success of Lutheran education. Roxann serves at Journey, Oxford’s Early Childhood Center. Here are some comments from those who nominated her:
There’s not a Lutheran School Principal or Early Childhood Director who has done more to lead their students, families, and staff toward the love, hope, and healing of Jesus than Roxann Marchesi. In the aftermath of our state’s first deadly school shooting, Roxann has uplifted and cared for families directly affected, mourning, and grieving their child’s and sibling’s death, and several families with all sorts of related trauma. She does all of this while supporting staff members whose families were victimized in the attack. All the while, she has led, guided, and directed the preschool to our best enrollment rates in years, and pursued and received several significant grants that have allowed us to expand the offerings and enhance the teachings of our preschool.
Roxann is a blessing to Journey and the greater Oxford community. Caring for little ones, their families, and the staff is priority number one. We are grateful for all she does to share the love of Christ.
Roxann’s ministry to the students, staff, and families at Journey is one that should be celebrated. We are extremely thankful for her leadership and dedication to her ministry. Congratulations, Roxann!
Jodi Franz – 2023 Michigan District K-8 Teacher of the Year
Each year we lift up outstanding educators who are doing extraordinary things in the classroom. Jodi serves as the 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Holy Cross, Saginaw. Here is what peers had to say about her:
Mrs. Franz has blessed the students, their families, and the staff at Holy Cross for nearly 30 years. She is such a kind-hearted individual and truly cares about each one of her students.
Kind words, hugs, and encouragement are a major part of her teaching style. She knows when to challenge a student academically and when they may just need a hug and words of encouragement. She has a passion for English/Language Arts and making sure students are learning and comprehending what they are reading.
Jodi is such a disciple of Christ, and the people that interact daily with her, whether they are students, parents, or colleagues, are truly touched by her kind heart!
We are thankful for Jodi’s work both inside and outside of the classroom, and we look forward to hearing how she continues to have a powerful impact on those she has been called to serve. Congratulations, Jodi!
Brittaney Cover – 2023 Michigan District High School Teacher of the Year
It is our privilege to recognize Brittaney Cover as the 2023 Michigan District High School Teacher of the Year. She teaches English at Lutheran High School Westland. Here are some comments shared by those who nominated her for the award:
Brittaney is the epitome of a master teacher. She has the ability to engage every student that walks into her room. Her kind and warm demeanor creates a welcoming and caring atmosphere for her students.
Brittaney has a passion for helping students that especially struggle in English. She has high expectations and is fiercely committed to seeing each and every student succeed.
The LW students, families, and staff are grateful for Mrs. Cover and the joy she has in teaching. That contagious spirit is a blessing!
It is evident that Brittaney’s ministry to the students, staff, and families at Westland Lutheran High School is one that should be celebrated. We look forward to hearing how she continues to have a powerful impact on those she has been called to serve. Congratulations, Brittaney!
Matthew Couser – 2023 Michigan District Principal of the Year
Each year we lift up an outstanding principal who exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. It is our privilege to recognize Matthew Couser as the 2023 Michigan District Principal of the Year. Matt serves at Our Savior Lutheran School in Lansing, and this is what people had to say about him:
Matt is always willing to go the extra mile, stay a little longer, put in more time, and make sure people are informed and cared for. He is well respected, highly trusted, and seen as a role model for our school and church family.
Jesus shines through Matt in his role as principal. He exudes a love of God, love for the church, a love for kids, and a love for all people.
He is the most humble person I know and would never seek it, but he truly deserves the recognition for being an exceptional, outstanding, and exemplary Lutheran school principal.
Congratulations, Matt!
At the end of February 2024, we will begin the nomination process for our annual awards.
Featured photo © eternalcreative/iStock. Photos of educators with their awards courtesy of Travis Grulke
