LANSING –Jennifer Haberling was named 2008-2009 Michigan Teacher of the Year today during a visit from Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan and State Board of Education member Carolyn Curtin. 

Haberling, a seventh grade English teacher at Baldwin Street Middle School with 14 years of classroom experience, was selected from 17 regional semifinalists statewide.

"There's no way to overestimate the impact great teachers have on our kids," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.  "We honor Jennifer Haberling for her incredible achievements in the classroom and to express our appreciation of the women and men who work every day to open up a world of learning to Michigan's children."

Curtin congratulated Haberling on this recognition, saying, “Jennifer is an energetic example of our Michigan teachers.  She believes in connecting with individuals and challenging them to reach their highest potential. We look forward to her continued contributions to teaching and learning.”

Flanagan noted that Haberling will carry on the valued tradition of Michigan Teachers of the Year who have shared their teaching knowledge, expertise, and skills with educators across the state.

One of Haberling’s students, Moses VanKoevering, said, “Mrs. Haberling inspired me and taught me what a wonderful gift writing is.”

Hudsonville superintendent, Roxanne DeWeerd, has high praise for Haberling.  “Jennifer is an exemplary teacher who is able to engage students of all abilities and interests…Not only does she make learning fun and interesting, but most importantly, she takes students to higher levels of achievement because of her skill and expertise …She is viewed by her colleagues as a master teacher.”

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Sue Curro,  stated: “Jen shows the true “heart and soul” in her instructional techniques and communications with students.  Parents and staff alike hold her in high esteem.”

Haberling says that she believes teaching demands excellence, day-after-day, moment-by moment, student-by-student.  She believes her work is to understand and relate to kids… “and what an honor it is to work at this each day.” As Michigan Teacher of the Year, she will promote collaboration and creativity in educational theory, policy, and practice.

Through the corporate support of MEEMIC Insurance Company*, Baldwin Street Middle School will receive a monetary award of $1,000 in honor of Haberling’s recognition as Michigan Teacher of the Year, to be used for the advancement of education.  MEEMIC also will provide Haberling with the use of a car during her tenure as MTOY; $300 in MEEMIC-branded clothing; and a leather briefcase. The corporate support agreement between the Michigan Department of Education and MEEMIC Insurance Company also includes a monetary award to be presented to the schools of each of the MTOY finalists. 

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

o       Robert Martonen, Biology Teacher, Kingsford High School, Breitung Township Schools, Dickinson

o       Stephanie Moore, Third Grade Teacher, Symons Elementary School, Milan Area Schools

o       Judith Nixon, Spanish and Japanese Teacher, Eaton Rapids High School

o       Mark Oglesby, Social Studies Teacher, Howell High School