Superstars

Well known education writer and speaker Todd Whitaker calls the best teachers in each building "Superstars". The superstar teacher is the teacher that goes above and beyond in commitment and preparation, but beyond that has "it". The "it" for teachers is a special gift for connecting with others and more than conveying knowledge, inspiring others to pursue it.

We're fortunate at North High School to have a lot of superstars. There are some truly special people in this building, and I have the privilege of seeing them work every day. While I know what they do, it's especially gratifying when others do. North High School is proud to acknowledge the recognition of two of our true superstars: social studies department chair Ms. Terri Steimer, and science department co-chair, Mrs. Ardis Herrold.

Ms. Steimer has been recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as the Michigan Outstanding U.S. History Teacher of the Year. Ms. Steimer is a respected and beloved member of the North High School staff. She teaches students at both ends of the educational spectrum as a teacher of Advanced Placement U.S. History, and as a teacher of one of our collaborative U.S. History courses, a class co-taught with another teacher that includes mainstreamed special education students. Ms Steimer has "it" with students of all levels.

Mrs. Ardis Herrold was named the Michigan Science Teachers Association State Science Teacher of the Year for this school year. Mrs. Herrold is co-chairperson of the North science department, is active as an officer in the National Earth Science Teachers Association, and runs one of the few school planetariums in existence. She is an exceptional teacher whose preparation and commitment is unparalleled.

I don't know how many schools can lay claim to two teachers in their building who have been recognized as state teachers of the year, but I'm willing to bet that the number is very small. What makes North High School particularly special is that while Ms. Steimer and Mrs. Herrold are deserving and surely superstars, they are also representing a staff full of superstars, many of whom are equally deserving of external recognition for what they do in the classroom.

There is no greater responsibility for a school administrator than the hiring process. Finding superstars is the goal each time we have an opening, and fortunately we have staff members who provide a daily example of excellence. The teachers in a school district have a remarkable responsibility. We're fortunate in Grosse Pointe to have a lot of superstars, and they are invaluable. Teachers like Terri Steimer and Ardis Herrold set a high standard and a great example for all of our staff to follow. Even if they don't wear a giant block "S" around the building, our students and their fellow teachers can attest to their superstardom.