Five Finalists Announced for Michigan Teacher of the Year Award

March 22, 2004 
Lansing - Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Watkins today announced the five state finalists for the 2004-2005 Michigan Teacher of the Year Award.

The educators who have been selected as state finalists for the award, in alphabetical order, are:

• Heidi Capraro, Northville Public Schools
• Chris McAuliffe, Huron Valley Schools in Highland
• Mariellen Smith, Forest Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids
• Diane Smuda,  Rogers City Area Schools
• Rebecca Young, Howell Public Schools

“All five finalists possess both an incredible breadth of experience and a wide perspective on issues that directly impact children,” Watkins said. “Any one of them could easily serve as Michigan's next Teacher of the Year, and the final decision will be difficult to make.”

Teacher of the Year state finalists are selected by a committee that reviews applications from teachers throughout Michigan.  Applicants submit biographies and written essays that describe educational history, professional development activities, philosophy of teaching, and thoughts on emerging education trends and issues.

This annual award by the Michigan Department of Education honors Michigan's exemplary educators.  As part of the award, the department will welcome the recipient as a staff member during her/his tenure as Teacher of the Year and have a non-voting seat at the State Board of Education table.

Interviews of the final five candidates by a panel of experienced educators will be conducted in April.  The announcement of Teacher of the Year will be made in May.

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