Our Teachers
Bay County Public School Academy teachers
are some of the best in the area. They strive to reflect their
personal enthusiasm for teaching and learning on each and
every student. They receive professional staff development
enrichment on a regular basis and are encouraged to volunteer
something of themselves outside class time to enrich the children's
educational experience. Some teachers offer after school tutoring,
others get involved in some of our PTO after school programs.
Teacher Bios
 Tonia reinig
Position: Lead Preschool Teacher/ Program Director
Experience: This is my seventh year teaching.
Educational philosophy: As an educator my goal is to help children reach their goals. I feel it is my responsibility to provide children with a fun, stimulating and challenging environment. I also feel children should be allowed to develop their own unique self.
What I like about my job: I love a preschooler’s honesty! I love to see the smiles on their faces when a child is able to carve out and complete tasks without the assistance from a teacher for the first time and I especially love the “a-ha” moments.
Special Interests: When I am not working I spend most of my time with my two children and my husband. I enjoy hosting “get togethers” with friends and family, spending time at my uncle’s cottage during the summer, being outdoors and have found a new interest in flower gardening.
TOP
 Kerry
lisowski
Position: Associate Preschool Teacher
Experience: I am a graduate of Central
Michigan University and this is my second year at BCPSA.
Educational philosophy: The classroom should
be a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
It is my goal to make learning meaningful and enjoyable while
meeting the needs of each student.
What I like about my job: I love preschool!
I enjoy seeing the students learn and grow throughout the
year. Preschoolers are full of excitement and curiosity,
which makes every day interesting and fun!
Special Interests: In my spare time, I
like to spend time with my family and friends, read, golf,
watch movies, and relax.
TOP
 Nichole Keister
Position: Associate Preschool Teacher
Experience: This is my second year at BCPSA. I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University.
Educational Philosophy: I believe it is my job, as an educator, to create a safe and caring learning environment for all children, particularly children at the preschool level. I hope to prepare these preschool children to be successful in school and to become life–long learners.
What I like about my job: I love kids at the preschool level. It is fun spending my day with them and being able to talk with them. I try and make a personal connection with each student. I have also enjoyed getting to know the staff I work with here at BCPSA!
Special interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and with my friends. My husband and I were just married in July of 2008. We live in Essexville with our puppy, Tito. He is a yellow lab. I enjoy spending time with my nephew Jacob, who is two years old. I like going out to eat with my friends. When I am not spending time with my friends or with my family, I like to read and I like to scrapbook.
TOP
Tracey Freehling 
Position: Associate Preschool Teacher
Experience: This is my sixth year at BCPSA. I am a Saginaw Valley State University graduate.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that I have an enormous responsibility to help each child reach his or her potential to the fullest, and to help him or her become independent, responsible citizens.
What I like about my job: I love to watch the children grow and transform throughout the years. I also love that no two days are ever alike!
Special interests: I love to travel, knit, scrapbook and listen to music. I also love to watch baseball and hockey, and especially watching my husband play vintage baseball in the summer.
TOP
 Robin Seibert
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Experience: I have over 25 years of teaching experience in several different levels and areas, but I have spent the majority of my classroom time in Kindergarten. (If Driver’s Training counts I also have five years of that!)
Educational Philosophy: My goal is to have my children master as much as possible while enjoying the experience, and learn to love learning!
What I like about my job: I love the open minds of 5 year olds, and their enjoyment of the simplest things. Their excitement about life and learning is a reminder to me everyday to enjoy!
Special Interests: My children (25 and 27) are my “special interests,” but I also enjoy gardening in the summer, reading in the winter, and throwing darts! I love to take trips, and Chicago is one of my favorite places to visit!
TOP
 Megan
Storm
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Experience: Fifth year teaching Kindergarten at the academy.
Educational philosophy: I believe that all children can learn and that it is my job to figure out what they need to succeed.
What I like about my job: I love the “ah-ha!” moment when a child finally understands what you have been trying to tell them.
Special interests: I like to read, travel, and spend time with my family.
TOP
 amanda vanhoey
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Experience:This is my sixth year of teaching first grade. I have also had the experience of teaching at the Sylvan Learning Center and in a second grade classroom during my Teaching Internship. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from Central Michigan University and I am working toward my Masters of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education at Saginaw Valley State University.
Educational philosophy: I believe that all children are capable of learning. It is my responsibility to teach to all learning styles and treat children as individuals.
What I like about my job:I love children! I want to make a difference in each of my students' lives. It gives me great joy when one of my students learns something new. It’s wonderful to see the growth in each student throughout the school year.
Special interests: I like to golf, play softball, read, play the flute and spend time with my family and friends.
TOP
 LORI
KURCHAK
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my third year at BCPSA.
Last year, I taught 6th and 7th grade. I am looking forward
to teaching first grade this year. I received my teaching
degree from Saginaw Valley State University in May 2006.
Educational Philosophy: I know that every
child can and will learn. It is my job to make sure that
I reach every student. Students depend on me and I also depend
on them. I welcome the diversity in my classroom and will
incorporate it as much as I can into my teaching strategies.
What I like about my job: veryday is a
new day which brings new experiences as well. I love working
with children and being able to see the light bulb go on.
Special interests: I love spending time
with my family. My husband and I have two children, Morgan
who is 5 years old and Marshall who is 1 year old. We love
to camp, especially at North Higgins Lake State Park and
we love to attend sporting events (Go Tigers and Pistons).
TOP
 Shalynn JoNes
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
Experience: This year is my sixth year teaching at BCPSA. I have had many opportunities to work in many school settings and with many grade levels. Aside from teaching 2nd grade at the academy I have also have the opportunity to teach 6th grade and I have also taught a 2nd/3rd grade split classroom. I received my associate of arts degree from Delta College and my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University in 2003. I am in the process of obtaining my masters from Saginaw Valley State University.
Education Philosophy: My Educational philosophy is probably much like all other teachers. I chose to become a teacher because I love children and I enjoy taking part in their educational experiences. I find beauty and strength in all my students and I admire the creativity that each of my students possess. I can't explain the joy it brings me when I see success among my class and the students individually. I want my students to have the best possible educational experience with the freedom to grow and make mistakes. I want them to feel comfortable with each other as well as with themselves as individuals. I want them to enjoy school and be able to try their best each day. Most importantly I want my students to move on through their educational experiences knowing that each day and every situation they are faced with ultimately contributes to their overall success in the future. I want them to grow educationally as well as socially, and to be more responsible individuals as they strive to succeed and achieve their goals.
What I like about my job: I enjoy watching my students grow educationally as well as socially from the beginning of each year until the end of each year. It is the most rewarding occupation to have when you see a student succeed from the things you have taught them.
Special Interests: I enjoy being outdoors and camping during the summer months. In the winter I like to stay inside and watch movies. I also enjoy watching NASCAR on the weekends. My favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends.
TOP
 Mindy Smith
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my third year with Mosaica Education. I worked at BCPSA as a Title 1 teacher for 2004-2005. I then transferred up to Bingham Arts Academy, in Alpena, to teach 1st grade for the 2005-2006 school year. I was very fortunate to have been offered the Title 1 teacher back at Bay this year. Shortly after I came back, I was then asked to fill the 5th grade position!
Educational Philosophy: I believe that all children have a capability to learn and succeed. It is my job to make that happen no matter what
it takes. I see the best in ALL of my students and strive to reach them and make this is the best year of school that they have ever had.
Special interests: If I am outdoors, I am happy. My favorite things to do are camp, canoe, play softball, ride bikes, and rollerblade. I usually take my last camping trip in early November. I also enjoy reading and watching movies on the cold or rainy days when I can't be outdoors. One of my most favorite things to do is play games with my friends and family, especially my 2 stepsons!
TOP
 Mandy Nowak
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my first year teaching at BCPSA. I graduated in May of 2006 from Saginaw Valley State University and I intend to go back soon and gain my Master’s in Reading Education. I spent all last year long term subbing and visiting various area schools.
Educational Philosophy: I feel that learning along with your students is the best way to gain experience. Each student brings a unique talent to you and it’s your job to mold each talent; so each student can feel successful and important.
What I like about my job: Everyday is a new and exciting experience.
Special interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like to read and travel to many different places, especially Mackinac Island. My favorite animal is an owl and I love the color green.
TOP
 Angela Rousse
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
Experience: I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in December of 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. As soon as I graduated I began substitute teaching and did so until I began here at Bay County Public School Academy. Throughout my time at SVSU I was able to work in many different classrooms at differing grade levels.
Educational philosophy: I believe school should be a place where children want to be. Learning should be exciting and enjoyable and meet the individual needs of each student.
What I like about my job: I love seeing the impact I can have on one student. Being able to see that they understand something and helping them when they cannot. I also love being able to make school a place where children want to be and enjoy going each and every day.
Special interests: I love to play basketball, walk, roller blade, and go camping. There is also nothing better than curling up and reading a good book!
TOP
 Jason
Wakefield
Position: 4th Grade Teacher
Experience: I graduated from Saginaw Valley
State University with a B.A. in Elementary Special Education:
Emotional Impairment. I student taught two semesters at Weiss
Elementary and then finished out the year as a long term
sub at Weiss. I also worked for Head Start Preschool for
4 years as a disability aide and substitute.
Educational Philosophy: Children are capable
of great things!
What I like about my job: The students
and getting to be a part of their life.
Special interests: Spending time with my
wife, Stephanie, traveling, sports, family, and playing with
my nieces and nephews.
TOP
 Nick Southern
Position: 5th Grade Teacher
Experience: This is my first year at Bay County PSA. I am a recent graduate of Central Michigan University.
Educational philosophy: I believe that each child is capable of learning. It is my duty as a teacher to help foster each individual learning style so that our students achieve above and beyond what they think they’re capable of.
What I like about my job: I like being able to help make a difference in our children.
Special interests: I love spending time with my son Reese. He’s a very active toddler who always keeps me on the go. I also enjoy playing baseball, fishing, and camping.
TOP
 MArissa Kae markey
Position: 5th Grade Teacher
Experience: I began teaching in the Midland Public School system as a part time Kindergarten teacher. This is my second year here at BCPSA and I love everything about being here; especially the students.
Educational philosophy:I believe that every child can and will learn if given the right tools. A teacher who is willing to go the extra mile will give each student at least one tool to walk away with and use for the rest of their lives.
What I like about my job: I like the light bulb effect. When a student is struggling with an aspect of school and out of nowhere, for no particular reason, the “light bulb” goes on. That student’s eyes are brighter, they smile more, and are willing to work hard to have that feeling again.
Special interests: I love being with my family and friends, doing anything outside, traveling to Chicago and going on nonsense adventures.
TOP
Stacey Van Buren
Position: Reading Intervention Specialist
Experience: I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from CMU with an early childhood endorsement and I am pursuing a master’s degree in Reading from Saginaw Valley. I have taught in kindergarten, first, and second grade. Currently, I am the reading intervention specialist and I work with grades kindergarten through sixth.
Educational Philosophy: I believe all children can learn. It is my job to make a difference in the lives of children in a positive and creative manner. I can do this by seeing each child as an individual and trying to find their special talents and interest that will help them to succeed in school.
What I like about my job: I love working in small groups with my children. It is wonderful to see them growing in their academics. I enjoy coming to work everyday and working with children that want to succeed.
Special interests: I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, bowling, playing volleyball and watching sports.
TOP
 Kelly
Pletzke
Position: Title I Math - Intervention Teacher
Experience: 3/4 grade split at St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Reese, 5th grade, 5 1/2 years of 1st grade, and Title I Math.
Educational philosophy: I teach because of the children. I love helping my students succeed and I love watching them learn. I want my students to be the best they can be in everything they do.
What I like about my job: The kids!
Special interests: Spending time with my dauhter Paige, family and friends; traveling, reading, walking, and relaxing, and eating!
TOP
 Monique Engel (Miss Monique)
Position: Reading First Instructional Aide/Title I Instructional Aide
Experience: This is my fifth year here
at the Academy. I started out at the Academy working with
special needs students then moved on to working with our
Reading First Program and Title I the last two years.
Educational Philosophy: Every child has a right to learn no matter what challenges they face.
What I like about my job: Being able to work with K-7th students depending on their area of need. Working with struggling children is what I enjoy the most. I love a challenge.
Special interests: During my off time, I enjoy reading, listening to all kinds of music and spending time with my teenage son and daughter.
TOP
MArci Cotter
Position:
Special Education Teacher
Experience: I graduated
from Saginaw Valley State University in
2007. This is my second year at Bay County
Public School Academy.
Educational philosophy: I will encourage
my students to be independent thinkers and doers, while still
being involved in classroom activities with an awareness
and appreciation for other?s differences and similarities.?
Students will be involved in verbal give and take with their
classmates and show caring and supportive attitudes, while
maintaining acceptable standards and behaviors.
What I like about my job: My students are
the best part of my job.
Special interests: I love spending time
with my friends and family.
TOP
Casey Phelps 
Position: Physical Education Teacher
Experience: This
is my fourth year of teaching at Bay County Public School
Academy!
Educational Philosophy: My goal as a teacher
is to provide an environment where each and every student
can grow both in physical and social skills.
What I like about my job: I enjoy watching
the students grow over time with their skills and as people.?
I also like to see the competitive edge come out of them
(giving it all they have).
Special interests: enjoy watching baseball
and hockey, going for a run, and playing the guitar. My new
hobby is collecting pictures from the history of the Detroit
Tigers.? In the spring I am an assistant coach for the Bay
City Central Wolves Varsity Baseball Team.
TOP
Crystal Mobley 
Position: Music Teacher
Experience:This is my third year at BCPSA. I graduated from Oakland University in December of 2005 with a degree in Music Education and African Studies. I did my student teaching in the Rochester School District.
Educational Philosophy: I believe that music is an intelligence of its own and that it gives students another venue in school to grow and achieve in. I believe that if every person is capable of musical understanding, then every student should have the opportunity to have a valuable music education throughout their entire academic career. Music is a way for students to better understand the world around them and a unique way to express themselves.
What I like about my job: I love music and I love teaching others about it. To be able to witness that “ah-ha!” moment in a student’s face is the most wonderful feeling in the world!
Special interests: I love going to the theatre to see various shows and concerts, traveling and learning about other cultures, reading, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family.
TOP
 Jennifer
Dunbar
Position: Art Educator
Experience: K-5 Student Assisting, 9-12
Student Teaching, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, B.A. in art and
design, B.A. in history.
Educational Philosophy: The arts are a
superb vehicle for reinforcing what our students learn in
other courses. When students are given an opportunity to
use their knowledge in new and creative ways we inspire them
to be future entrepreneurs and thoughtful members of their
communities.
What I like about my job: enjoy immersing
myself and my students in the arts all day. Understanding
why an artwork is important regardless of whether you like
it is a challenge at all ages and I like facing this challenge
each day. Young students often make fantastical connections
that are under the radar for most adults. I must say, starting
my day by looking at a cat-bat or pirate turtle is a joy.
Special interests: While I have many other
interests carving woodblocks and making prints is my number
one hobby. I also enjoy rummage sales, antiquing, drawing
outside, movies and reading.
TOP
 AMY L. Notron, MA, LLPC
Position: K-8 School Counselor
Experience: First Year at BCPSA.
Educational Philosophy: Today’s education is the foundation of which tomorrow is built upon.
What I like about my job: I enjoy the opportunity of positively impacting the lives of all students in the arena of social-emotional growth, academics, and career development, so that they may grow to be happy, healthy, and productive members of society. I enjoy working in a school with parents, teachers and administrators that value services that promote healthy mental and social-emotional well being. I enjoy making a difference.
Special interests:
TOP
|
