Van Andel Institute Celebrates the 2022 Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence

Last spring, in honor of May's Teacher Appreciation Week, Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI) revealed the 2022 recipients of the Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence Award. The Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence Award honors outstanding educators who have worked alongside VAI and who strive to build classrooms where creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking thrive. In bestowing this award, VAI hopes to honor the work of educators everywhere while inspiring others to emulate the mission and ideals of Van Andel Institute for Education.

Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence logo

Presenting the 2022 Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence:

  • Nathan Gash
    • 5th Grade Teacher (Stone Creek Elementary, KS)
  • Jewell Johnson
    • 7th and 8th Grade Teacher (Jefferson-Douglass Academy, MI)
  • Morgan Kaltz
    • 5th Grade Teacher (Cesar E. Chavez Elementary, MI)
  • Sherri Kraai
    • 6th Grade Teacher (Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, MI)
  • Sarah McCormack
    • 3rd and 4th Grade Teacher (Northview Field School, MI)
  • Sara McGavin
    • High School Science Teacher (Mercy High School, MI)
  • Shannon Riley
    • 2nd Grade Teacher (Wilkinson Early Childhood Center, MO)
  • Kim Sparks
    • High School Teacher (Allegan High School, MI)
  • Monica Hong�Steigner
    • 3rd and 4th Grade Teacher (Capital Prepatory, FL)
  • Kozetta Taylor
    • K-8th Math Teacher (Jefferson-Douglass Academy, MI)

Part of Van Andel Institute for Education's mission is to celebrate teachers throughout the year, not just during Teacher Appreciation Week; therefore, all individuals -administrators, peer teachers, parents, or students- may nominate teachers for Caught Being Awesome. Caught Being Awesome is a monthly campaign aimed at recognizing educators who stand out and are making a real difference in their classrooms and communities. Each month a winner is highlighted on social media and receives a free Blue Apple project of their choice. To nominate a teacher for being awesome or view past winners, visit blueappleteacher.com.

To learn more about the 2022 Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence, or about Van Andel Institute for Education, visit vaei.org.



Page last modified November 10, 2022