Two Paragon Charter Academy teachers, Megan Hensrud, second-grade teacher, and Carmel McDonald, sixth-grade teacher, have been named 2019 top teachers in Jackson Magazine’s ninth-annual Top Teacher Awards.
Every year, the Michigan-based magazine designates top teachers in their community for recognition, following two observations in the classroom and two separate interviews. Paragon recently held an honorary assembly to celebrate.
"I'm incredibly proud of both Carmel and Megan for being recognized. They are definitely top educators, not just in the county, but in the state,” said Benjamin Kriesch, principal at Paragon Charter Academy. “They bring a tremendous amount of passion to their positions. One thing that stands out is how they are able to create a culture and environment of learning."
Out of over 1,600 teachers in the county, 80 teachers were nominated for the awards. They were then narrowed down by a committee of educators to the top 10. The teachers’ classroom technique, educational theory, and teaching style are taken into consideration as part of the process. To be included, a teacher must teach full time in a Jackson County K-12 school and have a minimum of five years of teaching experience.
“I am honored to be one of the top ten teachers in Jackson County,” said Megan Hensrud, second-grade teacher at Paragon. “I feel incredibly blessed to have a job that challenges and inspires me every day. I want my students to be inspired as well and strive to help each student see their potential.”
McDonald was also selected as the 2019 Top Teacher of Jackson County through the same publication.
“I am honored to receive this award, and grateful to work at a school that supports my growth and makes me feel cared for,” said Carmel McDonald, sixth-grade teacher at Paragon. “I am a blessed teacher.”