Establishing caring relationships with students most important, says Michigan Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Haberling receives a standing ovation from Baldwin Middle School students in Hudsonville after state Superintendent Mike Flanagan announced she is Michigan's 2008-09 Teacher of the Year.
For Jennifer Haberling, the 2008-09 Michigan Teacher of the Year, effective teaching is about establishing one-on-one, caring relationships with students.
“It comes down to relationships, showing students that ‘I care about you,’” said the Hudsonville seventh-grade English teacher. “You may be teaching your heart out, but it’s not going to matter unless you have those relationships.
“For me, it wouldn’t be worth teaching, if I didn’t have the relationships. Students are people first, and you have to know something about them, what’s going on in their lives, what their interests are. If you establish good relationships, they’ll be more likely to listen to things you say later.”
Haberling, named Teacher of the Year by state Superintendent Mike Flanagan during an assembly at Baldwin Middle School on May 22, said she believes teaching demands excellence—day-after-day, moment-by-moment, student-by-student.
“Teachers hold themselves to the highest standards, and we all want our students to succeed,” Haberling said. “But I don’t believe you should hurry through lessons just to get done by the end of the hour. I love it when my students are laughing and being social while learning.”
Haberling receives high praise for her approach to teaching.
Hudsonville EA President Becky Schipper (left) congratulates Michigan's top teacher, Jennifer Haberling.
“Jennifer is an exemplary teacher who is able to engage students of all abilities and interests,” Hudsonville Superintendent Roxanne DeWeerd said. “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.”
While grateful for the high honor, Haberling said she feels embarrassed to be singled out among her peers and teachers throughout the state.
“I so enjoy the collaboration with my peers. I want to thank those who have inspired me, shaped me and kept me on the right track. I feel blessed to work with such great people and to have the opportunity to be with students in the classroom.”
Students mob seventh-grade English teacher Jennifer Haberling.
Haberling faces a busy year. She will attend State Board of Education meetings representing teachers and serve as an ambassador for public education in the 2008-09 school year.
“Something I’m really passionate about is writing in content areas. I hope to work with teachers in the state on how we can infuse writing in what we do every day.”
Other state finalists
Congratulations are due to other educators selected as state-level finalists for the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award, including:
- Robert Martonen, biology teacher, Kingsford High School, Breitung Township Schools, Dickinson.
- Stephanie Moore, third-grade teacher, Symons Elementary School, Milan Area Schools.
- Judith Nixon, Spanish and Japanese teacher, Eaton Rapids High School.
- Mark Oglesby, social studies teacher, Howell High School.