Ten educators have been selected to receive the 2024 Outstanding Educator Award in recognition of their dedication to student success and their positive impact on the school community.

Through a partnership between Northwest Education Services (North Ed), Traverse Connect and TBA Credit Union, the Outstanding Educator Awards recognize school employees in northwest Michigan who have made exemplary contributions to the academic success of students, educational collaboration and professional development.

This year’s outstanding educators are:

● Hannah Barraw - School Psychologist, Northwest Education Services
● Erika Climer - Special Education Teacher, Northwest Education Services
● Terry (Munson) Freeman - Lead Custodian, TCAPS Central High School
● Kate Heydlauff - Science Teacher, TCAPS West Senior High School
● Teri Maas - Special Education Teacher, Northwest Education Services
● Roderick MacNeil - Science Teacher, Greenspire High School
● Mary Beth O’Neil - Math Teacher, TCAPS West Middle School
● Paige Paul - Social Studies Teacher, TCAPS Central High School
● Jamie Robinson - Math & PE Teacher, Glen Lake Middle School
● Jalen Williams - Science Teacher, Benzie Central High School

Established by the then Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce in 1984, the Outstanding Educator Award program is facilitated by North Ed in collaboration with TBA Credit Union and Traverse Connect. Each year, nominations are submitted by public, private and parochial school administrators, colleagues, students, parents and community members throughout the five counties of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau. Nomination materials are reviewed by a selection committee representative of school and community leaders and scored based on points awarded for demonstrated educational excellence.