Superheroes Spotted in Michigan

By Alain Jehlen

Kimberly Cairy wrote about art educator Peggy Conlin who works with students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder during her prep period and organizes displays of their projects.

John Welch told about Doris Bramer, recently passed away, his former social studies teacher, dance instructor, class advisor, and all-around life transformer who, among other things, organized a fund-raising drive for a classmate with cancer that led to a White House Rose Garden meeting with President John F. Kennedy.

Lynn praised paraprofessional Terri Dykstra, the “Bus Queen” at her school, who goes far beyond the call of duty—and normal hours of work—to make sure that children always get on the right bus.

Ray Tuttle wrote about his tireless wife who used the $200,000 she won in a contest create a system helping children learn to multiply through music, movement, and visual number patterns.

Yolanda Guzman thanked Mrs. Buchanan, a high school teacher who simply refused to let her struggling son fail. Buchanan worked hard, he worked hard, and he made it across that stage for his diploma.

Buchanan is a superhero.

They’re all superheroes, described on the Michigan Education Association’s Real School Heroes website.

The film Waiting for Superman suggests that nobody’s doing anything for America’s children, we’re all just waiting for a superhero to rescue them.

Not so: real-life superheroes are at work every day. MEA has produced an ad asking for more stories.

And while Michigan seems to be particularly blessed with great educators, we think there are plenty of others around the country.

But one more great story from Michigan:

Jodi DeVuyst remembered the teacher who “helped me find one of my true loves, reading. Mrs. Kruse took the time to teach a skinny little girl … from a struggling family.” DeVuyst needed one-on-one help and Kruse was there for her, giving up her prep periods. “This was over 28 years ago but the gift that she gave me of self confidence and pride led me to have a bright future. One filled with the desire to do better, to push myself to the max and to never give up… [and to] the successful, challenging career that I have today.”

What a great profession! Imagine Kathy Kruse’s feelings as she read that note and posted this response, “I am Mrs. Kruse and I would really love to hear personally from you, Jodi. –Kathy Kruse.”

Related posts:

1. Meet Public Education’s Everyday Superheroes
2. NEA Unveils New Classroom Superheroes Site
3. Michigan Lawmakers Push “Right to Work” – But Only for Public School Employees
4. Michigan Public School Gets Presidential Preference for Graduation
5. Michigan’s Renewal Starts with Reinvesting in Education