Deb Nihart, a media center educational assistant at Eastside Elementary School in Constantine, is the 2008-2009 Michigan School Support Person of the Year.

Good job!

2 MEA members receive top honors in state contests

An Okemos teacher and a Constantine media center educational assistant were surprised Thursday with school assemblies where they were named Michigan Teacher of the Year and Michigan School Support Person of the Year, respectively.

Robert Stephenson teaches third grade at Wardcliff Elementary School. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan visited Wardcliff to announce Stephenson’s award – much to the surprise and delight of students and staff gathered in the school’s gym for an impromptu assembly.

“This is unbelievably overwhelming,” Stephenson said between media interviews after the announcement. “I’ve always tried to be the very best educator I can be. I believe in kids’ strengths and I believe in teachers’ strengths.”

Robert Stephenson, surrounded by students at Wardcliff Elementary School in Okemos, is the 2009-2010 Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Stephenson is active in the Okemos Education Association, where he serves as first vice president of the local MEA affiliate.

“Great teachers make an incalculable impact on the lives of our children,” said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm in a press release. “We honor Rob not only because he’s a great teacher but also to recognize the tremendous contribution that dedicated teachers are making in classrooms across our state.”

A few hours after the Okemos announcement, Flanagan arrived in Constantine to surprise Deb Nihart, a media center educational assistant known for her positive attitude and ability to motivate students to read. Nihart is a member of the Constantine Educational Support Professional Association.

Granholm also praised Nihart in a press release, saying: “It takes a great team to make a great school and through her work, Deb helps us better understand the many ways caring adults make a difference in the lives of our children.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Nihart said, wiping tears from her eyes as she stood before nearly 400 students seated in the gym for Flanagan’s visit. “I just love the kids. I just want you to read.”

Related links:

Michigan Department of Education press releases about Michigan Teacher of the Year and Michigan School Support Person of the year:
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140--214772--,00.html
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140--214806--,00.html

Updated: May 28, 2009 9:39 AM