Meet Michigan's Teachers of the Year
Each year, the Michigan Department of Education selects the Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY). This highly qualified
individual works to elevate the teaching profession and serves as an ambassador for all Michigan teachers and for the
Michigan Department of Education (MDE). MEEMIC Insurance Company is a proud sponsor of the MTOY program.
individual works to elevate the teaching profession and serves as an ambassador for all Michigan teachers and for the
Michigan Department of Education (MDE). MEEMIC Insurance Company is a proud sponsor of the MTOY program.
2010-2011 – Matinga Ragatz
Matinga Ragatz is a Social Studies and World Language teacher at Grand Ledge High School and has taught in the
classroom for 20 years. She is the Founder and Director of Project Management of Interface Global Alliance, a non-profit
organization that promotes economic development in underprivileged communities through project-based education. She
is currently developing education-based projects in West Africa, to promote cross-cultural voluntourism and language
exchange for American students at primary and secondary levels.
classroom for 20 years. She is the Founder and Director of Project Management of Interface Global Alliance, a non-profit
organization that promotes economic development in underprivileged communities through project-based education. She
is currently developing education-based projects in West Africa, to promote cross-cultural voluntourism and language
exchange for American students at primary and secondary levels.
In 2008, Matinga received Microsoft's Innovative Teacher Award and represented the United States in Hong Kong, China
at the International Innovative Teacher Forum. In 2009, she received accolades at one of the nation’s top technology
conferences. Matinga is currently serving as 2010-2011 Michigan Teacher of the Year.
at the International Innovative Teacher Forum. In 2009, she received accolades at one of the nation’s top technology
conferences. Matinga is currently serving as 2010-2011 Michigan Teacher of the Year.
2009-2010 – Rob Stephenson
Rob Stephenson is in his 17th year teaching third grade in the Okemos Public School District. He is an outspoken
advocate for integrating a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) focus in current curriculum, and has been
awarded two separate grants to support the development of Engineering and Robotics programs for students.
advocate for integrating a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) focus in current curriculum, and has been
awarded two separate grants to support the development of Engineering and Robotics programs for students.
While serving as the 2009-2010 Michigan Teacher of the Year, Rob was named as one of the four finalists for the
nation’s top teaching honor – National Teacher of the Year.
nation’s top teaching honor – National Teacher of the Year.
MEEMIC’s Partnership with the Michigan Department of Education
MEEMIC Insurance Company has partnered with the Michigan Department of Education since 2007 as the corporate
supporter of the Michigan Teacher of the Year. As an insurance company founded by seven Michigan teachers,
MEEMIC is honored to stand side by side with the Michigan Department of Education to recognize teachers as one of
our treasured resources.
supporter of the Michigan Teacher of the Year. As an insurance company founded by seven Michigan teachers,
MEEMIC is honored to stand side by side with the Michigan Department of Education to recognize teachers as one of
our treasured resources.
