Global Studies Teacher in Grand Ledge Named Michigan Teacher of the Year

Matinga Ragatz was named 2010-2011 Michigan Teacher of the Year during a visit from state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan and State Board of Education Secretary Carolyn Curtin on May 26, 2010. 

Ragatz, a teacher at Grand Ledge High School with 20 years of classroom experience, 17 of those years at Grand Ledge, was selected from 20 regional semifinalists statewide.

There's no way to overestimate the impact great teachers have on our kids," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “We honor Matinga Ragatz for her incredible achievements in the classroom and express our appreciation for the men and women who work every day to open up a world of learning to Michigan's children.”

Flanagan congratulated Ragatz on this recognition, saying, “Matinga is a dynamic example of our Michigan teachers. She believes in providing students with the tools to be productive, forward thinking citizens and people who are better consumers of the resources a free society provides. We look forward to her continued contributions to teaching and learning.”

Flanagan noted that Ragatz will carry on the valued tradition of Michigan Teachers of the Year who have shared their teaching knowledge, expertise, and skills with educators across the state. Thomas Sowle, Jr., Secretary of the Grand Ledge Board of Education describes Ragatz as “a visionary in her innovative teaching and her role as a colleague trainer. Her use of technology in the classroom has helped countless students succeed…Matinga has been a powerful addition to the Grand Ledge Public Schools and a cherished teacher of the students, parents, and other teachers.”

“The point of coming to school is to uncover students’ talent and not just for me to tell them what they need to know,” Ragatz said. “21st Century students discover their own abilities when provided with real life learning, with a real life audience and a real life purpose. They must understand the end so that they can better accept the means.”

Through the corporate support of MEEMIC Insurance Company*, Grand Ledge High School will receive a monetary award of $1,000 in honor of Ms. Ragatz’s recognition as Michigan Teacher of the Year, to be used for the advancement of education. Ragatz also will receive the use of a car during her tenure as Michigan Teacher of the Year; $300 in MEEMIC clothing; and a leather briefcase. The corporate support agreement between the Michigan Department of Education and MEEMIC Insurance Company also includes a monetary award to be presented to the schools of each of the Michigan Teacher of the Year finalists. 

The other educators selected as state-level finalists for the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award are:

• Mr. Jaime Dudash, Social Studies Teacher, Dexter High School
• Mr. David Legg, Language Arts/Broadcasting Teacher, Novi High School

For additional information on the Michigan Teacher of the Year program, please visit www.michigan.gov/mtoy.