Featured Presenter:

Tim Wood, Grand Valley State University,
Responsibility Model

“Therapy Dogs in the Classroom”  Shelby, Our New Hero, Barb (Jeannie) Hanson, Teacher and Jason Zeller, Principal, Lockwood Elementary, Barbara Jean (Jeannie) Hanson earned her BFA in Art Education from Michigan State University and her MAT from Olivet College. Jeannie has been teaching K-12 art for over 25 years, mostly at the elementary level. A long time fan of both the arts and nature, Jeannie has owned several pets including currently, three Collie dogs. Her oldest Collie, Shelby, has been involved with work at school and is an AKC certified therapy dog. Jeannie garnered a love for this breed long ago as a girl when she owned two other Collies. In her spare time, Jeannie paints her own art professionally and she and Shelby travel to libraries, MSU, memory care and retirement communities..and of course, her own classrooms in the Eaton Rapids Public Schools.  She splits her time teaching at two schools, Lockwood Elementary and Greyhound Central. Mr. Jason Zeller is her Principal at Lockwood and also owns a therapy dog named Jazz, who is retiring this year and has been featured in the news. Jeannie believes that the presence of these wonderful therapy dogs has been a boon to the educational focus and comfort for many students and staff alike.

“Be the Change” Jackson Kaguri, Built an Orphanage in Uganda, 2015 Waisalitz Global Citizen Award, Time Magazine, CNN featured, addressed UN Author: Victory for My Village, A School for My Village. 

“Developing Yourself Outside of Teaching” Mitch Letzke, Williamston High School, A native of Albion, Michigan, Mitch is a graduate of Albion Senior High School and holds BA in Telecommunications from Michigan State University and a history/teacher education BA from Western Illinois University. While in high school, he worked in radio for two years as a disc jockey, reporter and sportscaster. After MSU he worked in radio for six years, where he won news reporting awards, before returning to school to earn a teaching certificate. In the classroom his work has seen him honored with a DAR History teaching Award and the State of Michigan Library Odyssey Award. In the field of coaching, Mitch was inducted into the MITCA Track and Field coaches Hall of Fame in 2020, has been a state of Michigan Track and Field Boys Coach of the Year selection by MHSCA, a two time Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year by MITCA and the winner of Mid-Michigan’s Eddy Award for track and field coaching. The Williamston Chamber of Commerce recently award Mitch the Hometown Hero Award for his community work. He is also the current Vice-President of the Williamston Depot Museum, has authored three books, including a 2019 Michigan Notable Book Award about the championship Page Fence Giants black baseball team and coached his wife in the 1988 Olympic Track and Field trails. He lives in Williamston with his wife and together they raised three children.  He teachers United States history, Sociology and TV Broadcasting at Williamston High School.

On Monday, June 15th, Teachers will choose TWO of the following presentations:

• “Big Lessons” Margaret Holtschlag, Director/ Founder of the BIG LESSON.
• “Mindfulness” Heather Lewis, Discovery Elementary.
• “Trauma Informed Classroom” Jennifer Harper, Discovery Elementary. Jennifer Harper, LMSW, has over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Master of Social Work. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Adrian College and her master’s at Wayne State University. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Jennifer has worked extensively in the school setting as well as private practice. She is pursuing certification in trauma from MSU. Jennifer enjoys working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. Her areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, trauma, and childhood dysregulation difficulties. She uses several types of therapy in her practice including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), elements of play therapy, and strength-based therapy.When Jennifer isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children, and dog, Jake. She loves to camp, play games, spend time with friends and family, and complete home improvement projects.
• “Let’s Go Outside – Connecting Classroom to Nature” Becky Durling, Discovery Elementary.

Dave Brigham, Michigan State University, PBE – GPS Treasure Hunt at Wooded Site

Site Coordinator: Dick Comar

All participants will receive an email that includes an invitation to join the Zoom classroom link. Please check back periodically for further instructions and updates. Thank you for your patience during this transition.