The MDE has selected five state finalists for the 2008-2009 Michigan Teacher of the Year Award:

• Jennifer Haberling , Hudsonville Public Schools, Seventh Grade English Teacher at Baldwin Street Middle School

• Robert Martonen , Breitung Township Schools in Kingsford, Tenth-Twelfth Grade Biology Teacher, Kingsford High School

• Stephanie Moore , Milan Area Schools, Third Grade Teacher at Symons Elementary School

• Judith Nixon , Eaton Rapids Public Schools, High School Spanish and Japanese Teacher at Eaton Rapids High School

• Mark Oglesby , Howell Public Schools, Tenth-Twelfth Grade Social Studies at Howell High School (Parker Campus)

“All of the finalists possess the competence and dedication that are required to be effective educators and have a real impact on Michigan students,” State Superintendent Michael Flanagan said.  “Any of these educators would be an exceptional Michigan Teacher of the Year. The final selection committee will have a tough decision to make.”  

A select committee will interview the final five candidates in April. The MDE will select the winner in late May. For more information on the Michigan Teacher of the Year program, access the Michigan Teacher of the Year website at www.michigan.gov/mtoy.