Three NMU education alumni received accolades for their effective instruction. Jennifer Melero ('92 BS) is the Michigan Charter School Teacher of the Year, Jeremy Connin ('05 BME) is the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 13 Teacher of the Year, and Nicole Sheltrow ('99 BS, '05 MAE) is Gwinn Area Community Schools' Teacher of the Year.
Melero has dedicated nearly 30 years of her life to transforming education for young children, with the past 21 at Holly Academy. She has taught kindergarten at the K-8 school since it opened in 1999. Melero was a three-time finalist for the award before receiving it this year. She is the subject of a Tri-County Times story and a Michigan Charter Schools Association finalist video.
Connin has been teaching band since 2006, and added his math certification in 2008. He joined the staff at Manistique Area Schools in 2013. According to his online bio, he takes pride in the part he has played in restarting the MAS band program and building it to where it is now. He also teaches math at MAS. The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 13 is composed of 11 schools.
Sheltrow has been a Gwinn Area Community Schools teacher for 20 years and is currently a Title I teacher at Gilbert Elementary School. She is recognized for her leadership among her peers, her teaching strategies to increase student academic skills, and her genuine compassion and high expectations she sets for her students.
