Students and her fellow teachers have long recognized Clio High School math teacher Sasha Wakefield as one of the best in her field and the Michigan Department of Education agrees, naming her MDE Regional Teacher of the Year.
That honor was bestowed on only 10 teachers throughout the state and makes Wakefield a finalist for the 2024-25 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Her selection was based on her “dedication to the teaching profession, as evidenced by her commitment to her students and track record of service in the teaching profession.”
“The Regional Teachers of the Year play key roles in their schools and communities, and in our statewide effort to improve our schools,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “They offer insights into the needs of our 1.4 million school children and educators across the state. We are grateful for their leadership and dedication to the teaching profession and look forward to working with them during the next school year.”
“Being named the Michigan Department of Education Region 5 Teacher of the Year is a remarkable achievement,” declared Clio Schools Superintendent Lisa Taylor. “She goes above and beyond for our students and our community. This is a well-deserved honor!”
“Sasha is dedicated to this district and our students. Her dedication and loyalty has earned the respect of her colleagues,” Taylor stated. “She works extremely hard to meet the needs of her students. Not only is Sasha a master teacher, but she is also actively involved in the building. She is the advisor for National Honor Society and was the advisor for Student Council for several years. When there is a need, Sasha is always willing to step up. She also serves on the high school’s PTO as well as on the PPSC committee and MICIP planning team.”
Regarding her students, Taylor noted, “Sasha is willing to work with ALL students. She takes students’ learning personally. She builds a positive culture in her classroom. Students feel comfortable to ask questions and share responses. Sasha has the innate ability to get all of her students to work for her. The connections she establishes with her students will be remembered far after her students leave her classroom or graduate from high school.”
Wakefield and the other Regional Teachers of the Year were selected following a multi-part, competitive application process that began with being nominated for Michigan Teacher of the Year. Students, staff, and community members from across the state submitted nominations.
The next step in the process is for Wakefield and each Regional Teacher of the Year to interview with a panel of statewide education stakeholders, with one person selected as the 2024-25 Michigan Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year has a seat at the State Board of Education table as a non-voting member, attends several national conferences with fellow state teachers of the year from other U.S. states and territories to represent the experiences of Michigan’s teachers and students, and will be Michigan’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year.
See MDE press release for more information and to meet the other Regional Teachers of the Year here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1InIE56DO5zpjdhre5FwTThp0JJ7uvJR3/view?usp=sharing