Rochester High’s Kelley Cusmano Named Michigan Teacher of the Year
(RCS, May 7, 2024)
ROCHESTER, MI – Rochester Community School District teacher, Kelley Cusmano, is the 2024-25 Michigan Teacher of the Year! State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice surprised Cusmano with the top honor on Tuesday during an assembly in front of approximately 1,600 students and her colleagues at Rochester High School.
“It’s important for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to recognize the outstanding work that our teachers do and to hear their voices as we work collectively to make our schools even better,” Dr. Rice said. “Ms. Cusmano is going to be a strong representative of our teachers.”
The MDE organizes the Teacher of the Year program to honor and elevate the voices of teachers. Honorees will have the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge as they work with stakeholders to strengthen Michigan’s public schools for students and educators.
“Kelley is truly deserving of the Teacher of the Year award, and we are proud of her for earning this honor. Kelley is passionate, nurturing and relentless in her efforts to support our students. She is always looking for ways to motivate her students to achieve more than they ever thought they could,” said Josh Wrinkle, Rochester High School principal.
In April, MDE announced that 10 Michigan educators were selected as Regional Teachers of the Year. Cusmano represented region 9. A panel of statewide education stakeholders then interviewed the finalists before selecting Cusmano as Michigan’s Teacher of the Year.
“We are excited to celebrate Kelley. As Michigan Teacher of the Year, Kelley represents what is best about being an educator. With an understanding heart, a passion for teaching and learning, and the ability to build interpersonal relationships with students, staff and the community, she is truly making a difference growing and developing our future leaders,” said Executive Director of Secondary Education Dr. Neil DeLuca.
Cusmano has been an educator for more than 18 years. She earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, a bachelor’s degree in English and an administrative K-12 certificate, all from Michigan State University.
Cusmano joined Rochester Community Schools in 2008 as an English Language Arts teacher at Rochester High School. The following year, she accepted the additional role as student council advisor – a position that she has embraced for the past 15 years.
“As a student council advisor, Kelley influences our school culture and climate by building positive relationships that are the foundation for all learning,” said Wrinkle. “The future of education is strong because of dedicated teachers like Kelley.”
According to MDE, the Michigan 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 teachers of the year from other U.S. states and territories, and will be Michigan’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year recognition.
“Rochester Community Schools is honored to celebrate Kelley Cusmano as Michigan’s Teacher of the Year. In this role, Kelley has the opportunity to expand her reach when advocating for students and the teaching profession. We couldn’t be more proud,” said RCS Interim Superintendent John Silveri.
