2019 Regional TEACHER OF THE YEAR BIOGRAPHIES

Kymberli has taught social studies at Onaway High School since 1999. After graduating from Alma College with her teaching degree in history and political science, she continued her education with graduate work in education at Michigan State and American History and Government at Ashland University in Ohio. She was honored as a Meemic Education Superhero (Pop Quiz) in 2018, as the Michigan Council for the Social Studies High School Educator of the Year in 2015, and as a James Madison Fellow in 2011. Kymberli is an advocate for civic engagement and media literacy, as well as increased services for student mental health throughout rural Michigan.

Since 2003, Rick has taught 5th and 6th grade at Covington School in suburban Detroit after serving as a Spanish bilingual educator and trainer for the Chicago Public Schools for nine years. Rick has a bachelor's in English from the University of Michigan, a master's in elementary education from the University of Illinois-Chicago, and is pursuing a doctorate in literacy at Walden University. Rick lives with his wife, Mary Beth, and two sons, Zachary and Nicholas, in suburban Detroit.

Ms. Robyne Muray, a recipient of the 2014-2015 Tim Tobin Award for teacher excellence, was also the 2018-2019 Regional Teacher of the Year for region 6. She has had the opportunity to present best practices through student-driven instruction across the State of Michigan and serves on the State Equity Task Force. In addition to working as a teacher for the Lansing School District, she is also an adjunct professor at Davenport College- Lansing site. 

Laura is the 2019 Michigan Teacher of the Year and has the opportunity to work with students, educators and education stakeholders across the nation and world. Laura has facilitated learning for 19 years in the Vicksburg Community Schools as a teacher, instructional consultant, interventionist and academic coach, and currently serves as a mentor coach and district technology integration leader. A recipient of the 2019 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, Laura serves on a number of state-level educational policy committees and was appointed to Governor Whitmer's Educator Advisory Council.

Laura's links:

http://changclass.weebly.com/

Tom Torrento is a licensed, professional educator and musician. He has a passion for developing a high self-worth in his students using music education as a vehicle for growth, and works tirelessly to emphasize the value of music within the individual to impact society as a whole. In the 2017-2018 year, Tom was named both the Michigan Department of Education Region 9 Michigan Teacher of the Year, and the MSBOA District XVI Teacher of the Year, as well as the Michigan Recipient of School Band & Orchestra Magazine’s 50 Directors Who Make A Difference. In addition to teaching, Tom is also an active member in ITG - International Trumpet Guild as well as a member of MSBOA where he serves as the District XVI Technology Chair, NAfME, and the MEA. Tom lives in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan with his beautiful wife Jenna, his daughter Charlotte (8), and his sons Collin (5), Crosby (2), and Caden (1), and enjoys performing with local musicians and theatre organizations whenever his busy schedule allows and working with local band directors and pre-service teachers.