HDT - Extraordinary Educators - 06/22/2024

Extraordinary Educators

June 22, 2024

Thank yo u to all of o u r amazing sp o nso rs t h is pa s t year! A HUGE TH ANK YOU TO E V ERYONE W HO VOTED FOR THE FOLLOW ING TE ACHERS! W E ARE LOOK ING FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE PROGR AM ING FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YE AR.

SPOTLIGHT EDUCATOR

Bad Axe shop teacher Don Schadd recognized in Extraordinary Educators

BY DOMINIC SEVILLA

Sta writer

Bad Axe High School shop teacher

Don Schadd uses his almost 30 years of experience in teaching students skills in woodworking and has been recognized by the Huron Daily Tribune after being nominated for its Extraordinary Educators.

Schadd teaches seventh graders to high school seniors and says that when they start out in his class, students learn the basics of all the different pieces of equipment and tools. As they move upward in the different classes that are offered, they are able to use those skills to then focus on what they enjoy doing.

“I leave the door open for my students to do projects that they care about,” Schadd said. “I want them to have exposure to all equipment that we have.”

The projects his students do range from wall clocks to furniture, and even using CNC machines for fine detail work.

“When students get to

Shop 2 and Shop 3 they are pretty skillfull,”

Schadd said. “You see

the class to get a picture of their work or they

Schadd said. “You see the progress they made from the beginning where they are doing small stuff, and then when they become juniors and seniors and its nice to see how their skills have developed.”

Schadd said seeing that growth is one of the best parts about teaching shop class. He said he would often take pictures of his students’ projects when they started out and compare them to when they are few years in, and the difference is always incredible.

come in after school ends to show off what they made to their friends.”

The way he teaches, he said was helping his students find different ways to solve problems they face when making a project with the tools he teaches them how to use. He said he never wants to just fix it for his students, but instead teaches them how to overcome problems themselves.

“The kids are proud of their work all the time,” Schadd said. “I have some students who stay a bit longer in

Schadd has been teaching at Bad Axe High School and Middle School for 28 years now and was pleasantly surprised to be nominated for the Tribune’s Extraordinary Educators.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m getting closer toward retirement,” Schadd said. “It’s a nice feeling to know I’m doing a good job. I pride myself on teaching the kids and it’s nice for the feedback and recognition.”

Bad Axe shop teacher Don Schadd has been nominated and recognized as one of the county’s extraordinary educators. (Courtesy Photo/Provided by Don Schadd)

SPOTLIGHT EDUCATOR

Laker second-grade teacher advocates for playtime

BY MARK BIRDSALL Assistant editor

Laker secondgrade teacher

Michelle Riebling is an advocate for playtime when it comes to her students.

Every Friday, the kids are encouraged to bring toys like Legos and blocks to school for open-ended play. Riebling said it provides fuel for their imaginations and provides a huge benefit as kids grown and learn. IPads are shut off and put away during play time.

“I’m kind of oldfashioned that way,” she said.

Riebling said she works hard to apply whatever teaching styles are appropriate for her students and makes sure everybody in her class knows that

they are important and she’ll do everything she can to help them. It’s something she has focused on since she became a mother.

“Being a mom makes you value respecting everyone and making sure that everybody has a sense of place,” she said.

A native of Caseville, Riebling is a graduate of Michigan State University. She said was inspired to become a teacher because of her love of children. She also credited her first-grade teacher with instilling in her a love of learning.

“She made learning fun,” she said. “I never really thought about doing much else.”

Riebling spent the first dozen years of her career as a kindergarten teacher in Deckerville.

As a Laker graduate,

she was delighted when the opportunity to teach there presented itself, stating during her job interview if she was hired she would teach there until she retired.

“I said, ‘I’d love to be here, and if you hire me, I’m staying,’’ she said.

One of the things that makes Laker unique is the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Initiative, of which Riebling is a big proponent. The program provides guidelines for students to follow that help create a supportive and respectful atmosphere that’s conducive to learning.

Riebling likes that the initiative helps students learn how to be patient and kind and how to persevere and face challenges.

“I love forming a classroom community

where they cheer each other on and get excited for each other’s successes and help each other when they’re having a hard time,” she said. “It (creates) a classroom where

everybody feels safe and able to take risks. It’s awesome to see the light bulb go off.”

As an experienced educator, Riebling has one important piece of advice for young

teachers just starting out in their careers — every day is a new day.

“Take it a day at a time,” she said.

“Everybody gets a clean slate.”

A graduate of Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port, second-grade teacher Michelle Riebling jumped at the chance to teach at her former school. (Courtesy photo)

SPOTLIGHT EDUCATOR

Huron ISD’s Kelsey Osentoski honored to be named Extraordinary Educator

BY TOM GREENE

For the past 10 years, Kelsey Osentoski of the Huron ISD has specialized in four different aspects of the educational world. She was a behavior interventionist, a parapro, a reading interventionist, and is now teaching preschool.

She has been nominated as one of three June Extraordinary Educators for her efforts. The reader who nominated Osentoski states she’s a once-in-alifetime kind of teacher.

“Not only does she care and love for her preschool students like they’re her own, she also treats her dance students the same way,” the nomination reads. “Mrs. Kelsey would bend over backwards to make sure students feel safe, loved and respected. She has a heart of gold and a beautiful personality to go with it.”

Osentoski also coaches gymnastics in Cass City and dance in Bad Axe.

“I’m with kids, and my own kids, 24/7,”

Osentoski said. “Some kids work hard, have a great attitude and light up the room. These kids are strong and capable. Nothing can stop them once they figure that out. It makes me warm and fuzzy inside.”

Next fall will be Osentoski’s third year teaching preschool at the ISD. However, before she began in education, she had different interests.

“I went to Michigan State for college and I wanted to be a vet-tech or a veterinarian,” she

said. “That was my goal. All my schooling was animal science. I moved back as I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

My sister-in-law was a first grade teacher at Laker Elementary. As I was helping her set up a class one day, a switch flipped. I wanted to go into teaching.”

“I got a job as a parapro at Laker,” she added. “It was then, I felt I should take care of students. From then on, taking care of students has been a very important part of life.”

Hearing the news of the nomination was quite heartwarming to Osentoski.

“People don’t see the struggles, the triumphs you go through with your students,” she said. “When people see the work that goes into it and have great things to say, it makes me speechless. I’m just so surprised and honored to be nominated.”

“It makes me realize I’m absolutely where I need to be,” she added. Osentoski currently

teaches in an Early Childhood Special Education classroom, and said the classroom is generally a student’s first educational experience.

“Most children coming in have a learning delay,” she said. “I thought I was very patient and I knew so much. This has changed me for the better. It’s made me a different mother, so much more understanding and listen. That was hard for me.”

“This helped me become much more patient and easygoing,” she added. “This is different from what I’ve worked in the education field. It makes you want to offer more to the kids. It’s a whole new world. It’s an awesome world. I could write a book about how much this classroom has changed me.”

Through the experience, Osentoski said there are more things for children to learn than just basics.

“Sometimes, the successfulness of zipping a student’s coat up or putting their shoes on, the parents are thankful,” she said. “They may not have been able to teach that to them. It’s the little things that make things so exciting in the end. The smallest matter can be a big deal. Not every kid learns the same way.”

“It’s exciting, exhausting and even heartbreaking sometimes,” she added. “But the reward can be amazing and unbelievable.”

Something that’s

Kelsey Osentoski of the Huron ISD was named one of three Extraordinary Educators for June. (Courtesy Photo)

Sta writer

CHRISTIAN SNIDER

Bad Axe High School

Mr. Snider, Bad Axe High School’s Art teacher, goes above and beyond to help students create masterpieces and find a love for art. Beyond the classroom Mr. Snider donates countless hours of his time serving as a positive school climate committee advisor and student council advisor. His creativity and passion for teaching make Bad Axe High School a great place to create and learn.

DON SCHADD

Bad Axe High School

Bad Axe shop teacher, Don Schadd, meets the needs of all learners and ignites a passion for craftsmanship in his classes. Mr. Schad takes what’s in textbooks and makes it apply to the real world, inspiring his students to choose careers in the trades. No better shop teacher around!

KAYLA TREIB

Owendale–Gagetown Elementary School

She’s caring, patient, and kind. She goes above and beyond for her students.

MICHELLE REIBLING Laker Elementary

Michelle is one of those innovative educators that goes above and beyond to make a difference in all of her students’ lives. She inspires hope, ignites imagination and creativity, and instills of love of learning. We greatly appreciate all that she does and do not want her sacrifices and dedication to go unnoticed.

This Bad Axe Elementary gym teacher is the most extraordinary educator there is. He goes above and beyond teaching gym and teaches students and families how to live healthy lives. Our family has been so impressed with Mr. Roth and the students really love him. He makes gym fun.

Huron Intermediate School District

I’m nominating Mrs. Kelsey because she is a ‘once in a lifetime’ kind of teacher. Not only does she care and love for her preschool students like they’re her own, she also treats her dance students the same way. Mrs. Kelsey would bend over backwards to make sure students feel safe, loved and respected. She has a heart of gold and a beautiful personality to go with it!

CLAUDIA KOSINSKI

Ubly Elementary

I’m nominating Miss. K. It’s hard to adequately put into words how wonderful of a teacher she is. Right out of college she was put in challenging positions, rose above and came out beautifully. Her heart is so big for her students, past and present. Miss K fights for what’s always best and teaches love and compassion on top of crazy state requirements. She’s the type of teacher you want and need in your corner, Ubly is so lucky to have her!

ALYSSA ISELER

HLC Elementary MOCI

Ms. Iseler is truly one of a kind. Em just wants to stay home with Mom or go straight to “Ms. Iseler”! It takes a special person to teach special needs kids, specially mine! The whole class loves her!

JESSICA HEILIG

Ubly Preschool

Mrs. Jessy is the kindest, most caring preschool teacher around. She goes above and beyond for not only her students, but any student. She loves every child like they’re her own. She is not only a teacher but also a volleyball coach, farmers wife, and mom. She’s always rushing to get to volleyball practice or one of her children’s sports events. Mrs. Jessy is a teacher and person you can always depend on to be there when you need someone to help you out or just be a listening ear.

AMBER BLACKSTOCK

Bad Axe

The students call her Mrs. B. Amber goes above and beyond with her students. She makes sure her students are ready to move on to college. I love that they come back to visit her after graduation.

JENNIFER YODER

Christ the King

I would like to nominate Mrs. Yoder. Her students learn more with her than what the basic requirements are. She is loved by her current and previous students! She’s also helped me since coming to school to help with schedule and getting to know each of the students!

MRS. ASHLEY LACY

Bad Axe Middle School

I am nominating Mrs. Ashley Lacy. She cares about all her students and wants to help them be the best they can be.

MRS. BRITTANY SMAGLINSKI

North Huron

I’m nominating Brittany because she is a gift to her profession. She’s patient and very dedicated to her students and her family as well. She goes the extra mile so her students will be successful.

CHRISTINE GOSS

Akron Fairgrove Elementary

Mrs. Goss is one amazing teacher who pushes her kids to do their best. She cares about her kids and it shows. She took the time to come to extra curricular activities on the weekend. This woman truly deserves “Best Teacher” award!!!

MRS. FISCHER

Bad Axe Elementary MRS. HEATHER

Mrs Fischer is the most kind hearted and patient teacher and has been amazing with my son and the rest of the kids in her 1rst grade class.

KOROLESKI

Laker Elementary EPBP

I am nominating Heather Koroleski. She goes above and beyond to teach her students. She believes in her students. She is kind and caring and puts in many hours of time for her students. We appreciate her hard work and dedication in teaching. She believes in what she teaches and is compassionate about it and it shows. “Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.” - Mrs. Koroleski is just that! We appreciate her!

SANDY POST

ABIGAIL VANCE

Laker Elementary School

Mrs. Post is a dedicated educator at Laker Elementary School. She has over two decades of experience in shaping young minds. Her passion for teaching is evident in the extra effort she invests, ensuring each day is a memorable learning experience. During the holidays, Mrs. Post goes the extra mile, exemplified by this year’s beautifully planned Thanksgiving meal with her students. Her unwavering commitment to her students extends beyond the classroom, showcasing a genuine care for their education and overall wellbeing. Beyond her role as an advocate for students, Mrs. Post actively contributes to the Laker community. In the fall, she can be found on the sidelines, capturing pivotal moments for both the JV and Varsity Laker football teams, demonstrating her dedication to enriching the school experience for all.

Cass City Elementary KAREN SWEENEY

Miss Vance is a great teacher! She really makes connections with her students, and truly cares about their overall well being. She is very creative,and always finds hands on ways to make learning meaningful and effective.

Cass City Elementary

Mrs. Sweeney is an all around loving person and she makes learning fun.

KIM ORDUS North

Huron GSRP

Ms. Kim is a beacon of inspiration in the classroom, cultivating a love for learning with her boundless enthusiasm and genuine care for each student. Her dedication to education goes beyond the curriculum, making her a truly wonderful teacher. She deserves all the recognition and more.

JILL REITHEL Laker Elementary

SHANNON POPHAM Laker

Elementary School

Mrs. Popham has gone above and beyond for my son this year. Harlan has been fighting some obstacles this year and Mrs P has brought new learning strategies to our lives to help him succeed. He loves her very much and has a drive in him this year that I haven’t seen in other years. Mrs Popham makes Harlan feel like he can do anything and her love for him makes him work hard. Thank you for making my son feel loved & giving him this drive to succeed in school. You have put a special twinkle in his eye! Our family appreciates you so much!!!!

She is a special education teacher at the elementary and she goes above and beyond to make every child feel important and special. Without her, many kids would continue to struggle and not reach their full

OSENTOSKI

their sweet smiles. We can get through this.”

inspired Osentoski about the profession is that despite uneasy situations for the students, they show up with a smile on their face.

“Some of our ‘nuggets’ don’t have it easy, but have a smile on their face,” she said. “It’s not an easy life to live. But, they’re here every day. They work. They smile. They’re happy. It’s inspiring. I can be negative about little things in my life. But when the kids come in as happy as can be, it’s awesome to see

Osentoski’s advice for fellow teachers is to just breathe.

“Where you are right now and where your students are right now is where they’re meant to be,” she said. “Things can get difficult, but you’re in a position to help them. You’re there for a reason, people believe in you. You’re a rock star. You can do it.”

“My advice for students is; don’t give up,” she added. “Don’t stop trying. Keep going. You don’t know who’s watching you.”