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Debbie Duffy, elementary school teacher of the year on Grosse Ile, works closely with Rihanna Bodrie (left) and Alyssa Athens.
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Educators at Grosse Ile High School, Grosse Ile Middle School and Meridian Elementary School have been named as teachers of the year.
Selected by a peer nomination and review process, the three honorees are Michael Padlo of the high school, Jeff Potratz of the middle school and Debbie Duffy of the elementary schools.
Padlo, 43, has been teaching at the high school for about 15 years, currently in the science department. He said he didn't think he was doing anything extraordinary, only what he needed to do his job.
"I was a little surprised when I heard about it," he said. "To have peers recognize me like that, it's an honor."
Padlo, who lives in Brownstown Township, said he could probably name half a dozen or so others who are just as deserving, adding that the school has a lot of great teachers.
The only thing he could think of that possibly made him stand out among his peers is in relation to the state's updating of minimum graduation requirements for all high schools.
In response to that, he helped to reintroduce a physical science course as a required class for freshmen.
The class needed an overhaul before it could be reintroduced, and he spent a lot of time on that, he said.
He added that he tried to find ways to get modern technology involved in the program.
During a recent Board of Education meeting at which the three teachers were acknowledged, high school Principal Delores Elswick read an article about his award that was printed in the high school paper.
According to members of the school, Padlo continuously seeks opportunities to learn more and refine his teaching methods.
They said he is a passionate believer in education, self-improvement and hard work.
Potratz, 45, also said that being selected was an honor.
"It was nice to be selected," he said. "It was a surprise, too. There are a lot of good teachers. To be picked from them was a nice honor."
Potratz has been at the middle school for 16 years, currently teaching math to seventh-graders and ninth-grade level algebra to eighth-graders.
He said his work to incorporate technology into the classroom is possibly what made him stand out as well.
"We have some new technology that I've been really utilizing that kids like," Potratz said.
One is a "white board" that teachers use. The 4-by-6 board is connected to the computer and can be written on with a finger. It is similar to a dry erase board, but the material on the board can be saved for future reference.
He also has incorporated "clickers" into his class. They are handheld items resembling television remote controls that students can use to participate in the lessons, such as by answering multiple-choice questions.
David Tucker, principal of the middle school, said Potratz is innovative, incorporating cutting-edge technology to get students interacting and excited about math.
He said Potratz is interested in assisting other teachers in using such technology.
"To teach kids and to teach other teachers frankly brings up the game of the whole school," Tucker said.
Potratz, who lives in Flat Rock, said he enjoys teaching because he likes to see children learning every day.
"From beginning to end is a huge change in the learning curve," he said.
Duffy, who lives in Riverview, said she knew she wanted to teach beginning in the fifth grade.
"It means so much because it's from other teachers," she said, regarding the award.
According to the district, Duffy participates in many things, including struggling students committees, mentoring, summer school and tutoring.
She also represented Meridian at a recent conference intended to help struggling students. She continues to work with staff on the identification, strategies and goals for these students.
According to the district, her continued involvement in the program aids communication and collaboration of staff, administration, parents and community.
Diane Sanford, principal of Meridian, said Duffy has the ability to teach in a variety of ways in order to reach students.
"I wake up every day proud to be a teacher," Duffy said.
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