Ms. Kayla Maestaz embodies the essence of dedication and compassion in education. With her huge heart and exceptional teaching skills, she tirelessly supports our youngest special education students, ensuring they feel valued and understood every day. Ms. Maestaz leads Individualized Education Plans (IEP) with a remarkable ability to coordinate efforts among all stakeholders, ensuring that each student receives the tailored support they need to thrive. Her vital role in the academy's multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) work highlights her commitment to holistic education, seamlessly blending general and special education elements to nurture the whole child. Always innovative, Ms. Maestaz finds creative ways to engage her students, linking fun activities to essential learning that will serve them throughout their lives. "Thank you, Miss M, for your unwavering dedication and the positive impact you make every day – we truly appreciate you," says Kate Scheid Weber, school leader at Francis Reh Academy.

Ms. Alyssa Norton is a compassionate teacher whose genuine care for her students' well-being sets her apart in Hope of Detroit's educational community. Ms. Norton is always willing to go the extra mile; she creates an engaging classroom environment where every student feels encouraged to excel. Her motivation is infectious, inspiring both her students and colleagues to strive for greatness. As a proactive educator, Ms. Norton anticipates challenges and addresses them before they arise, ensuring her students are well-prepared for whatever comes their way. Known for her mentorship, she builds strong relationships with both students and coworkers, fostering trust and open communication. "Her natural leadership qualities shine through in her ability to unite and inspire those around her, making her a beloved figure in the school community and a perfect fit for our Hope family," says Ali Abdel, school leader at Hope of Detroit Academy.

Ms. Victoria Buchinger has unwavering dedication to her students and is committed to excellence. She consistently holds her students to high expectations while creating an engaging and encouraging learning environment. Her passion for teaching, especially science, inspires her students to love the subject and she is open to trying new methods to enhance her classroom experience. "Ms. Buchinger has made a profound impact on her students by fostering a love for science through hands-on, engaging lessons that bring the subject to life. For example, she guides students through growing plants, observing caterpillars transform into butterflies and creating structures designed to withstand different weather conditions. These interactive experiences not only make science fun and engaging but also inspire her students to develop a lasting curiosity and passion for the subject," says Ashley Thayer, instructional coach at Saginaw Preparatory Academy.

Ms. Katlyn Maley has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in her craft. As a mentor to other teachers in her field, she has fostered positive relationships with both colleagues and students, creating an environment where growth and learning thrive. Her mastery in reading instruction is evident and she continuously adapts her teaching to meet the diverse needs of her students. Starting her career during the challenging pandemic, she has shown incredible resilience and flexibility, quickly growing into a highly effective educator. Ms. Maley's students have achieved remarkable success, particularly in their second grade IREAD and NWEA assessments. This is a reflection of her impact on their reading development. Ms. Maley exemplifies commitment, adaptability and instructional excellence, making her a standout inductee. "Beyond the classroom, she consistently volunteers her time for after-school tutoring and summer school ensuring her students receive the additional support they need to thrive in reading," says Angelita Baker, instructional coach at East Chicago Urban Enterprise Academy.

Mr. Nicholas Barksdale has a huge heart for students and staff at Pontiac Academy for Excellence. He lends himself to many different activities that uplift the environment for students and staff alike. Mr. Barksdale is the co-creator and facilitator of their robotics team, Team Wingspan, oftentimes working with them on weekends and evenings to build a functional robot. He also facilitates activities for students in the Makerspace. In addition, he manages the school social media accounts by posting daily events and activities. Mr. Barksdale initiates weekly activities to get staff to engage with each other outside of work. "Mr. Barksdale engages with students in a way that ensures their positive attributes are recognized and highlighted. He also fosters growth by building their technological knowledge and skill set," says Latricia Brown, school leader at Pontiac Academy for Excellence Elementary.

Academy for Business & Technology Elementary is proud to nominate Ms. Lina Al-Shamsi for the Teacher Hall of Fame in recognition for her dedication to her students' growth. Ms. Al-Shamsi has been with The Leona Group for over seven years, first as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and now as a kindergarten teacher. In her four years teaching kindergarten, she has created a warm and inclusive environment that encourages students to reach their potential. "A key factor in Ms. Al-Shamsi's success is her communication with parents. Through daily homework folders, she keeps families updated on classroom activities, ensuring strong home-school connections. Her ability to recognize and nurture each child's strengths has a lasting impact. She goes above and beyond to foster a love of learning that makes every student feel valued and supported," shares Carolyn Tola, instructional coach at Academy for Business & Technology Elementary.

Ms. Genesis Castillo brings a consistently positive attitude and a calm, even-tempered approach to her teaching. She is always prioritizing the needs of her students. Ms. Castillo goes above and beyond to support her students, exemplifying exceptional professionalism in all that she does. In addition, she is innovative in finding creative ways to engage and reach her students. Ms. Castillo generously shares her strategies and ideas with others, contributing to a strong team environment. "Mrs. Castillo is a dedicated advocate for her students, ensuring they receive proper accommodations through effective Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) strategies. She consistently seeks support when needed, demonstrating her commitment to providing the best learning environment possible," says Andrew Wright, school leader at César Chávez Academy Upper Elementary.

Ms. Jeromona Maddox has a genuine love for teaching that shines through in everything she does. It is clear that Ms. Maddox has a focus on the students and their success. Her warm smiles and comforting hugs always brighten the day for each student. This consistent focus on her students makes her a beacon of hard work and professionalism. Beyond her unwavering dedication to her students, Ms. Maddox also mentors new teachers and volunteers to help wherever she is needed. She is truly a blessing to Northridge Academy. "Ms. Maddox invests her heart in every lesson she creates to make sure all of her students are able to be successful and improve in academics, behavior, confidence and independence every day," says Lisa Casteel, instructional coach at Northridge Academy.

Ms. Hannah Bassett has made a lasting impact on Discovery Academy, creating a student-centered culture where every child thrives. She organizes field days, spirit weeks, assists with house meetings and markets the program to local daycare centers, while also staying connected with former students. By fully embracing the science of reading, her students have surpassed their NWEA goals. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Bassett chairs the Student Engagement Committee, supervises pre-service teachers and leads the Creating Young Readers partnership. Ms. Bassett has impacted the lives of all students, creating a climate and culture where each child is seen and supported. "Ms. Bassett is not only a remarkable teacher but also an advocate for every student and educator," says Julieta Flowers, school leader at Discovery Academy.

Ms. Tiffany Griffin is passionate about her students and committed to their success. She builds strong relationships with students and parents, fostering trust and high expectations. Committed to growth, she reflects on her teaching, seeking ways to enhance learning, improve behavior and develop social skills. Through her belief in her students' potential and the support she provides, Ms. Griffin has helped close learning gaps in reading and math. Her efforts have led to gains in NWEA scores, increased attendance and strong participation in school events. "Ms. Griffin's dedication not only drives academic achievement but also creates a positive and engaging classroom where students thrive," said Shawn Schwartz, instructional coach at George Crockett Academy.

Ms. Amecia Fuller-Ragland, also known as Coach Charming, plays a vital role at Academy for Business & Technology Middle/High, serving as the cheer coach, robotics coach, flag football coach and National Honor Society adviser. She is passionate about exposing students to new opportunities such as drone and STEM days and often spends weekends motivating students to grow. In the classroom, Ms. Fuller-Ragland fosters creativity and critical thinking through engaging experiments. She is a master of classroom management and leadership development, helping students become leaders. Her work extends beyond teaching, implementing programs like student broadcasting and a cooking club while showcasing student talents on social media. "Thank you, Coach Charming, for all that you do and for being an important part of ABT Gator Nation," said Carmen Willingham, school leader at Academy for Business & Technology Middle/High.

A kindergarten teacher plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of a child's educational journey. Ms. Celina Barajas' patience, creativity and ability to foster a love for learning sets students up for lifelong success. Through engaging lessons, social-emotional development and individualized support, she nurtures curiosity and confidence in young learners. As a lead teacher, her input and support are valued and respected. "Beyond academics, Ms. Barajas creates a warm, inclusive classroom where students feel safe and valued. She builds strong relationships with both students and parents, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances a child's growth. Ms. Barajas' dedication often extends beyond the classroom, impacting families and the broader school community. Ms. Barajas is always willing to help out when we need her and is a team player," said Kristen Liss, instructional coach at César Chávez Academy Lower Elementary.

Ms. Sarah Hutto is an asset to Wildwood Environmental Academy. As an intervention specialist, she has supported students in fourth through seventh grades, working closely with her teaching team to ensure students receive the help they need both in and out of the classroom. In addition to her role in academics, she plays a key part in the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program and has launched Tier 2 behavior initiatives that provide positive interventions for all students. Ms. Hutto's impact extends beyond her caseload. She offers tutoring outside of class, mentors students through the Tier 2 behavior initiative and provides a listening ear when students need a break to talk. Her support reaches families as well, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the school community. "Ms. Hutto is the kind of educator every school needs — compassionate, dedicated and always willing to go the extra mile to support both students and their families," said Bonnie Garrett, instructional coach at Wildwood Environmental Academy

Ms. Diana Guernsey is an outstanding educator who goes above and beyond for both her students and colleagues. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and creativity that strengthens the school community. By embracing the whole-child approach, Ms. Guernsey ensures every student's academic and emotional needs are met. In addition to her work in the classroom, she leads the after-school tutoring program, making sure students receive the extra support they need to succeed. Her planning is thoughtful, intentional and always designed to meet the diverse needs of her students. Ms. Guernsey has built strong, positive relationships with both students and staff, and her dedication, kindness and leadership make her incredibly deserving of this recognition. Ms. Guernsey has a remarkable ability to connect with students, striking a perfect balance between a nurturing approach and firm expectations. She believes deeply in every student's potential, holding them to high standards because she knows they are capable of success. "Ms. Guernsey's passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to her students make her an invaluable part of our school community. She not only inspires academic growth but also fosters confidence and resilience in her students every day," said Victoria Adams, instructional coach at César Chávez Academy Middle.

Mr. Jessie Rivas, the dynamic Science Department Lead and César Chávez Academy High graduate, is the well-deserving recipient of the Teacher Hall of Fame award. Since beginning as a paraprofessional in 2016, his energy and passion have inspired countless students in science, robotics and the new Introduction to Mobile Application Development course through the iDraw partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy. Mr. Rivas has positively impacted over 1,000 graduates with his "real-world" approach to science education, demonstrating practical applications across various career fields. He regularly organizes STEM fairs, mentors the robotics team and secures grants for innovative classroom technology. His dedication extends beyond school hours through weekend workshops and summer programs that have significantly increased student interest in STEM careers. "Jessie represents the very best of our teaching community ‒ someone who not only excels in the classroom but builds meaningful connections that transform students' futures. His journey from student to educational leader embodies our mission of cultivating tomorrow's innovators," says Carissa Rusnak, school leader at César Chávez Academy High.