Alumna named Michigan Teacher of the Year

Tracy Horodyski, '99, '02, a reading interventionist and literacy coach at Zinser Elementary in Kenowa Hills Public Schools, has been named the 2016-17 Michigan Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Department of Education.

Horodyski was selected for the honor from 178 nominees across the state. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Grand Valley and has been teaching for 16 years.

“Great teachers play such an important role in preparing our children not only for college and careers ahead, but for life,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement. “It’s my pleasure to honor Tracy as the tremendous teacher she is, and also to recognize the huge contribution that dedicated teachers are making in classrooms across our great state."

Horodyski received a surprise visit at school May 19 from state Superintendent Brian Whiston who announced the honor. Horodyski said she was drawn to teaching during her sophomore year at Grand Valley after considering careers in dancing and physical therapy. She said the key to being a quality educator is to focus on students more than yourself, and to listen to students in order to ignite a passion for learning.

Horodyski has taught all subjects in Kenowa Hills since 2001, and she taught elementary math and science while at Grand Rapids Public Schools in 1999. As a reading interventionist, she helps identify students with reading challenges and provides targeted support for them. As a literacy coach, she shares Purposeful Talk, or learning through conversational techniques, with colleagues. Horodyski was instrumental in introducing Classroom Learning Labs as districtwide embedded learning opportunities for other educators. 

As teacher of the year, Horodyski receives a non-voting seat at the Michigan State Board of Education during its regular monthly meetings to share in discussions on how to move Michigan's education system forward.