Nanette Hanson, a first grade teacher at Lemmer Elementary School with Escanaba Area Public Schools, has been named the 2022-23 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Hanson, who has been teaching for 26 years, learned of her honor during a visit to the Upper Peninsula school district by State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice.
Hanson’s passion for teaching is evident in her application, where she shared why she chose to pursue a career in education. “Being exposed to many wonderful teachers in high school really solidified my decision to pursue a career in education. The fact that those teachers forged a meaningful relationship with me and genuinely cared about me made me want to offer the same kinds of encouragement and relationships to other kids,” she wrote.
Throughout her career, Hanson has been dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for her students. She believes in celebrating the uniqueness of each child and fostering a sense of community in her classroom. “I love that my classroom is a safe place where all children feel valued and respected, and that we celebrate our differences,” she said.
In her role as the 2022-23 Michigan Teacher of the Year, Hanson will serve as an advocate for teachers and students across the state. She will work alongside the 10 Regional Teachers of the Year as the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Committee, developing solutions to issues facing the state’s education system. She will also represent Michigan’s 86,000 public school teachers at the State Board of Education and as a member of the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised Hanson for her dedication to her students and her community, saying, “Nanette is a life-changing educator who has been serving her community for 26 years and counting. We are thrilled to honor Nanette as Michigan’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year and grateful to educators across Michigan who consistently go above and beyond for their kids.”
State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice also commended Hanson’s dedication to teaching, saying, “The Michigan Teacher of the Year is an important advocate and ally for teachers and students. We appreciate and will benefit from Ms. Hanson and her experiences as we work to improve Michigan public education.”
Nanette Hanson’s recognition as the 2022-23 Michigan Teacher of the Year highlights her dedication to teaching and inspiring her students to reach their full potential. Her passion for education and her ability to create a safe and supportive environment for her students make her an outstanding role model for educators across the state.
EduMonitor is a comprehensive PreK-8 learning program. Visit EduMonitor for PreK–8 learning resources! Use Promo Code PreK-8LEARN to get 10% off subscription.