May 10, 2004

NORTHVILLE – Heidi L. Capraro was named 2004-2005 Michigan Teacher of the Year today during a surprise visit from Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Watkins, State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus, and State Board Secretary Carolyn L. Curtin.

Capraro, a sixth grade teacher at Hillside Middle School, Northville Public Schools with more than 14 years of classroom experience, was selected from more than 15 regional semifinalists statewide.

"In her application, supervisors and staff members told us that Heidi has a passion for making a difference in the lives of her students," Watkins said. "Her proven skills as a teacher, mentor, and creative leader make her the perfect ambassador for the teaching profession in Michigan."

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm said the values and commitment Capraro brings to her teaching are things every educator should strive for.

"Heidi is an excellent communicator with her students and her colleagues," Granholm noted. "She opens the lines of communications with her students by sharing her own life with them. She works hard to cultivate in her students an interest in the sciences, especially among her young female students. And she is committed to mentoring new teachers. She truly is a teacher to be admired. "

The Michigan Department of Education has used this award annually since 1980 to honor Michigan’s exemplary educators. As part of the award, the Department of Education will welcome Capraro as a staff member during her tenure as Teacher of the Year and she will have a non-voting seat at the State Board of Education table each month.

Straus called the selection "an excellent opportunity to recognize one of Michigan ’s outstanding teachers. We look forward to Ms. Capraro’s affiliation with the Department of Education at the state level and her input at the State Board table."

Capraro holds a Master of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University. She also has completed graduate work in guidance and counseling.

Employed by the Northville Public Schools since 1990, she is a sixth grade science teacher. Capraro was a 2002 recipient of the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching.

She is a member of the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association, the Michigan Science Teachers Association, the Metropolitan Detroit Science Teachers Association and has served as Science Department Chairperson for Hillside Middle School. She is the President-elect of the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association.

The other educators who were selected as state-level finalists for the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award were:

Mr. Chris McAuliffe, Huron Valley Schools

Mariellen Smith, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids

Diane Smuda, Rogers City Area Schools

Rebecca Young, Howell Public Schools

The State Board of Education recognizes and salutes the efforts of all of this year’s finalists, and encourages every teacher in Michigan to reach out to their students and help them learn to their greatest potential.