Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District, Traverse Connect, and TBA Credit Union have announced the 2020 Outstanding Educator Award recipients. Established in 1984 by the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, the Outstanding Educator Award program honors ten individuals who exhibit unique characteristics that represent the quintessential outstanding educator through leadership, excellence in school setting, evidence of student success, community engagement, and professional learning. Here are the 2020 honorees in alphabetical order:

James Brumfield – TCAPS Central High School Head of Security
Naomi Chalk – Elk Rapids Mill Creek Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher
Colleen Christensen – The Children’s House Director of Operations (Retired June 2020)
Mary Jane Collins – TCAPS Willow Hill Elementary 4th Grade Teacher
Mike Hartigan – Interim Superintendent of Leland Public Schools (Retired)
Nichelle Hursey – Suttons Bay Middle/High School Math Teacher
Lynda Key – TBAISD School Social Worker (Retired June 2020)
Brenda Lau – Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Preschool Teacher
Michael Tiesworth – Frankfort-Elbert Area Schools Technology Director
Alison Wright – TCAPS Westwoods Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher (Retired June 2020)

Nominations were submitted in May and reviewed by a selection committee representative of school and community leaders and scored based on points awarded for demonstrated educational excellence.