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http://www.wxyz.com/news/walled-lake-teacher-earns-michigan-teacher-of-the-year
Nebojsa Stojkovic, a Walled Lake Central High School math teacher and track coach, among five Top Teacher Search finalists selected through syndicated morning show, “Live Kelly & Michael” with hosts Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan.
Walled Lake elementary educator named Michigan Teacher of the Year
Master Educator
“Melody is a dynamic example of our Michigan
educators. Her child-centered approach to learning ensures she is
meeting the needs of all her students. We look forward to her continued
contributions to teaching and learning.”
— Mike Flanagan, State Schools Superintendent
• Arabo shares best Common Core-aligned lessons and practices — along with only 96 teachers across the country — to other teachers through the National Education Association’s Master Teacher Project. Her ideas get shared on www.betterlesson.com.
— Mike Flanagan, State Schools Superintendent
• Arabo shares best Common Core-aligned lessons and practices — along with only 96 teachers across the country — to other teachers through the National Education Association’s Master Teacher Project. Her ideas get shared on www.betterlesson.com.
She knew she was nominated, but had no idea the assembly — called at Keith Elementary, where she’s a third grade teacher — was all for her. School administrators held the assembly under the guise of celebrating the school’s history, as the event also marked Keith Elementary’s 50th year.
Her husband knew.
“I’ve had to keep this secret almost two weeks,” said Elliott Arabo, beaming after his wife was honored by State Schools Superintendent Mike Flanagan. “Do you remember those teachers that still stick out to you that made an impact on your life? (Melody is) that teacher.”
The Michigan Department of Education uses the Teacher of the Year award annually to honor exemplary educators. This year, the competition was out of 1,000 teachers statewide.
With her new designation, Arabo will provide input on Michigan’s education system at the State Board of Education’s monthly meetings, she’ll meet Gov. Rick Snyder, and later this year, she’ll meet President Barack Obama, said Flanagan.
A $1,000 check for Keith Elementary on the 12-year teaching veteran’s behalf, along with a car — both provided by MEEMIC Insurance Company — are part of the deal, too.
Melody, an active member of the community — she lives within walking distance and her three children attend the school — was shocked and humbled.
“Really, all I can say is thank you,” she said between breaths in Keith Elementary’s gymnasium. “And I hope that I can live up to the expectations that you have, because I feel like being a voice for teachers is the most important thing I can do, other than working with kids each day.”
Edie Schwartz, a Keith parent who said Arabo motivated her son to read, nominated Arabo.
“When he came to Keith, my son was really struggling with reading. Mrs. Arabo not only helped him build confidence in reading but he is now able to read. He loves Keith and he feels that way because he’s in Mrs. Arabo’s classroom. She has a way of making learning fun for the kids,” Schwartz said in her nomination letter.
“Their faces seem to light up when she is in the room.”
Arabo, 35, a graduate of Michigan State University, is the second educator in recent weeks to be honored.
Nebojsa Stojkovic, a Walled Lake Central High School math teacher and track coach, among five Top Teacher Search finalists selected through syndicated morning show, “Live Kelly & Michael” with hosts Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan.
Kenneth Gutman, Walled Lake Schools Superintendent, said along with Arabo, Walled Lake Schools is “very lucky to have such a great support staff.
“Keith really is about every child, every day ... (and) Melody couldn’t deserve this honor more.”
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20140516/walled-lake-elementary-educator-named-michigan-teacher-of-the-year
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