GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Teacher of the Week is back!
If there's a teacher in your life who you think deserves some recognition, here's your chance!
13 ON YOUR SIDE Mornings is launching Teacher of the Week.
Here's how it works:
Send in your nominations to our email at news@13onyourside.com or text us at 616-559-1310. Make sure to include a short explanation of why the educator deserved to be recognized, as well as a photo.
Then every Monday, a winner will be announced.
OFFICIAL RULES: Nominating Teachers of the Week
Teacher of the Week Winners
On March 7, the winner of Teacher of the Week was Muskegon High School Teacher Fatima Roberson. Roberson is originally from Muskegon Heights, and a couple of her former teachers made her interested in the profession. Now, Roberson is making history as Muskegon High School's only teacher of color. She is helping launch a new pilot African America Studies program.
On March 14, the winner of Teacher of the Week was Terese Arevalo with Oakridge Public Schools. Arevalo had wanted to be a teacher from a young age. Now, she teaches at the very school she once attended as a student and co-teaches writing with her former sixth grade teacher. Arevalo also has three kids who all attend Oakridge schools. "I really was drawn to coming back and working in the community I grew up in and to work with these kids and it's just always felt like what I was supposed to do," she said.
On March 21, the winner of Teacher of the Week was Forest Hills Eastern High School teacher Chris Thomas. Thomas teaches special education at the high school and has almost 30 years of experience. In 2014, Thomas chose to start a Special Olympics program at the school. "I just love to be at school. I love to give back and to be part of this great community. It's just part of who I am. I want to be here all the time," he said.
On March 28, the winner of Teacher of the Week was Donna Burns with Knapp Forest Elementary School. She says she never had to worry about choosing a career path because she's always known exactly what she wants to do. Burns says she focuses not just on academics, but the students as a whole.
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