ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR AWARD

Angela Zeig

Utica Public Schools Havel Elementary 

This year's Elementary Educator Award is proudly presented to Angela Zeig, an English Language Arts teacher at Havel Elementary School in Utica, Michigan. With over a decade of experience teaching multilingual learners, Angela has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering an inclusive and enriching educational environment. 

Angela's colleagues commend her for consistently providing high-quality language instruction that incorporates culturally inclusive lessons, effectively reaching all learners. Her lesson plans are designed to teach essential language skills while inspiring students to think critically and communicate confidently. Beyond the classroom, Angela has enriched the school library by introducing over 50 books representing 20 different cultures, thereby broadening her students' perspectives and appreciation for diversity.  

Demonstrating her dedication to celebrating diversity, Angela co-organizes the annual "Cultures Around the World" celebration. This event encourages students to explore various cultures, enhancing their research and presentation skills in the process. Additionally, she co-authors a monthly newsletter, sharing best practices, tips, and cultural etiquette with the entire staff, thereby promoting a culture of continuous learning and inclusivity within the school community.  

Angela's innovative teaching practices, unwavering commitment to student success, and leadership within her school community exemplify the qualities honored by the Michigan Reading Association's Elementary Educator Award. Her efforts not only elevate her students' educational experiences but also serve as an inspiring model for educators statewide.

SECONDARY EDUCATION AWARD

Adam Dompierre

Marquette Public School

Bothwell Middle School

Teaching inspires our students to explore the world through reading and creating visions through writing, but who thought that teaching creative writing to middle school students would inspire the teacher to write two books? It did happen to this year’s Secondary Education Award Recipient, Adam Dompierre, at Bothwell Middle School in Marquette. His two mystery novels, Wild Bolts Electric and Paint on Inch Thick have opened the eyes of his students to the writing process.

His dedication to fostering a learning environment that encourages exploration of diverse genres and authors has made a significant impact on his students. Adam is also recognized among his colleagues as a leader and a voice of reason, with his collaborative spirit and insights making him an invaluable asset to Bothwell Middle School. He exemplifies the belief that hard work and passion for others can make the world a better place.

TEACHER EDUCATOR AWARD 

Dr. Kristen White 

Northern Michigan University  

Marquette, Michigan

 This year’s Teacher Educator, Dr. Kristin White from Northern Michigan University, has incredible experiences to share with her students.   She holds a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish and Bilingual Education and a PhD in Curriculum Instruction and Teacher Education.  She has taught first and fourth grade, was a media specialist, a K-5 technology teacher, and taught  6-8  Spanish.  What a resume! 

Her education and experiences are incredible, but her performance in the college classroom is high-quality. She started an exceptional summer experience in Marquette: The  Future Educator Camp. It brings high school students to campus and partners them with current NMU  students. The high school students leave at the end of the week with a better understanding of the teaching profession.   Many of these high schoolers enroll at NMU.

Dr. White received a wonderful grant from the U.S. Department of State IDEAS Global UP: it is a Teacher Education Abroad Cross-Institutional Partnership Across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Candidates from local community colleges and NMU go to Belize to provide a cultural and linguistic global perspective.  This allows students to see how difference makes us all stronger.  Dr. White’s teaching and research havemade her amore practical educator.

ADMINISTRATIVE AWARD

Mari Treece 

Executive Director of Educational Services  

Wayne RESA 

Mari Treece, this year’s MRA Administrative Award recipient, is the Executive Director of Educational Services at Wayne RESA and has demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing the diverse literacy needs of Wayne County. She spearheaded the development and implementation of the Wayne County Literacy Theory of Action, a guiding framework that brings clarity, coherence, and a strategic approach to literacy education. This initiative reflects her remarkable ability to align stakeholders and resources effectively, resulting in a unified effort to enhance literacy outcomes across the county.  

Under Mari's guidance, the Literacy Learning Network—a consortium of Wayne County stakeholders—was established to promote equitable access to high-quality literacy instruction for all learners. Her visionary leadership and strategic initiatives have significantly transformed literacy support in her region, empowering educators and elevating student outcomes.  

Mari's dedication to fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared accountability has empowered her team of literacy consultants to innovate and implement best practices. Her exceptional ability to build systemic capacity has been instrumental in transforming literacy support in her region, leading to empowered educators and improved student outcomes.

INDIVIDUAL LITERACY AWARD

Governor Gretchen Whitmer 

This year’s Individual Literacy Award goes to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  She has been a steadfast advocate for literacy in Michigan, implementing significant initiatives to enhance reading proficiency and educational outcomes across the state. In October 2024, she signed into law bipartisan legislation aimed at improving literacy by integrating the science of reading into assessments, teaching methods, and teacher training. This legislation also established comprehensive screening programs to identify and support students with dyslexia, ensuring early intervention and tailored educational strategies.  

Governor Whitmer has expanded access to pre-K education, helping children build foundational literacy skills before entering kindergarten. Her dedication to the Great Start Readiness Program has ensured that thousands more families have access to high-quality early learning opportunities. 

Governor Whitmer has consistently supported educators by providing funding for professional development in literacy instruction, specifically the funding for the Essential Practices in Literacy and the LETRS training. Additionally, her administration has prioritized equipping school libraries with resources to foster a love of reading among students. 

Through these comprehensive efforts, Governor Whitmer has significantly advanced literacy education in Michigan, striving to ensure that all students have the foundational skills necessary for lifelong success.

AGENCY AWARD

MAISA GELN Disciplinary Literacy Task Force 

Our next award, the Agency Award, goes to The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) General Education Leadership Network (GELN) Disciplinary Literacy Task Force, which has been instrumental in advancing literacy education for grades 6-12 across Michigan. This dedicated group of educational leaders focuses on improving academic disciplinary literacy achievement at the secondary level statewide.  

Key initiatives led by the Task Force include the development of the "Essential Practices for Disciplinary Literacy Instruction in the Secondary Classroom," a set of research-supported instructional practices aimed at enhancing literacy development and content learning. To support educators in implementing these practices, the Task Force has created a series of free online courses catering to secondary educators and instructional leaders.  

The Task Force also emphasizes professional learning by organizing events and workshops designed to assist educators in integrating disciplinary literacy practices into their teaching. These efforts are complemented by the development of resource hubs tailored to various content areas and the establishment of a community of practice among Intermediate School District (ISD) consultants.  

Through these comprehensive efforts, the MAISA GELN Disciplinary Literacy Task Force has significantly contributed to enhancing literacy instruction and student outcomes in Michigan's secondary education system and is therefore deserving of this year’s MRA Agency Award.