Meet Anchor Bay's Teachers of the Year

Each year, Anchor Bay School District honors Teachers of the Year for their outstanding achievements.

Learn more about the 2013 educators:

Elementary Teacher of the Year

Jennifer Massey, Ashley Elementary

• Teacher at Anchor Bay since the 2001-2002 school year
• Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Oakland University
• Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College

According to Anchor Bay Schools District, "Mrs. Massey uses considerable knowledge, skill, enthusiasm and experience to 'ignite' her students’ eagerness to participate in the classroom activities, assignments, and assessments. Mrs. Massey’s students continually appear eager, motivated and happy to be in her fourth/fifth-grade classroom. Mrs. Massey is highly successful in maintaining a classroom environment that is rich in educational opportunity by providing lessons and activities that are imaginative, innovative, exciting and appear 'come alive' for her students. 

"It is evident that mutual respect exists between Mrs. Massey and all of her students, both in and out of the classroom.  She has successfully molded a spirit of cohesion among all of her students.  She is always the 'first' to volunteer on any activity that will serve to support and assist students and colleagues to maintain the school’s goal of creating 'life-long learners,'" the district states.

Middle School Teacher of the Year

Jennifer Mittelstadt, Middle School North

• Teacher at Anchor Bay since the 2001-2002 School Year
• Bachelors of Science in science from Wayne State University
• Masters of Education in Principalship from Saginaw Valley State University

According to the district, "Jennifer demonstrates a great deal of enthusiasm for teaching each and every day. Jennifer also demonstrates respect, caring, empathy and fairness. In her 13 years with our school district she has not wavered in her commitment to bring these qualities to our students, parents and colleagues. In the classroom, Jennifer is constantly striving to bring her students the best in technology and science curriculums. She has willingly accepted responsibilities outside of her teaching assignment such as Latin America Night, Family Science Night, Science Alive, Recycling Club, Positive Behavior Support and National Junior Honor Society.

"Jennifer monitors student instruction and consistently adapts to the changing needs of the students, classroom and school.  Jennifer has high behavioral and academic expectations for her students, and they work hard to live up to these expectations.  Students see Jennifer’s motivation and excitement displayed in her classroom and in our school, and gets them to perform at their best, the district states.

High School Teacher of the Year 

Elizabeth Gunst, Anchor Bay High

• Teacher at Anchor Bay since the 1997-1998 School Year
• Bachelors of Science in Print Management from Ferris State University
• Masters in the Art of Teaching from Wayne State College

According to the district, "Liz teaches Graphic Arts and Advanced Graphic Arts at ABHS.  Mrs. Gunst makes herself available to her students both before and after school.  Mrs. Gunst displays her students’ creations throughout the school and in our main showcase. Liz is always willing to participate in school wide initiatives.

"Liz is the founder and sponsor of the Anchor Bay Key Club, serves on both the Student Teacher Assistance Team and National Honor Society disciplinary committee.  Liz is respected by her colleagues based on her strong commitment to our school, its students and her high ethical standard.  Mrs. Gunst demonstrates leadership within the CTE department and is currently a mentor to a new CTE teacher and assists her in all aspects of teaching. 

"Under Mrs. Gunst’s guidance her students have done extremely well in the North American International Auto Show Annual Poster Competition having won one grand prize, one first place and one third place.  Liz teaches her students by making her curriculum relevant to them and their interests. Mrs. Gunst’s students are highly engaged in their class work because of her dedication and ability to plan and deliver effective lessons, her understanding of the student and her motivation to encourage her students to achieve to their best potential," the district states.