Congratulations to the latest Superior Educator - Helen Gerard of Houghton-Portage Township Schools. Read her nomination below! 

"Helen Gerard is one of those teachers who has done it all. She officially taught for 22 years, but has really been an educator since graduation and well past official retirement. She's taught elementary classes, essentials classes, special education, religious education and even adult education to name a few. Wherever the need is greatest, you will find Helen spreading her enthusiasm for education and doing it with love.

Last year Helen stepped in and co-taught a Kindergarten class with her daughter at Houghton Elementary after already working with all the kindergarten classes in a part-time capacity. She recognized the importance of consistency for this class in their first year school experience and agreed to help. Together, the teaching team made a mid-year transition much more comfortable for the class. This year Helen is substitute teaching whenever needed, which is a lot! She has also used her musical talents to direct the first graders at a Halloween visit and performance at the Bluffs.

Helen's teaching style is filled with energy, fun and love. At times it almost feels like a musical because it’s likely that she will burst out into song and grab her guitar if she thinks of a tune that will help to keep the kids engaged and interested. She has a passion for teaching reading/spelling patterns to early readers and a knack for engaging even those that aren't quite ready just yet.

She is not only a Superior Educator but also a Superior Human Being! Our school is blessed to have her in any capacity."