(From right) Clarkston Community Schools Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Nancy Mahoney, CCS Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan, and 2024 Teacher of the Year Ryan Eisele. Photo by Megan Kelley.

By Megan Kelley
Clarkston News Editor
mkelley@mihomepaper.com
INDEPENDENCE TWP. — On May 23, the Clarkston Foundation held its 30th annual Teacher of the Year awards reception at the Clarkston Community Schools administration building, where Clarkston High School teacher Ryan Eisele was named the 2024 Teacher of the Year.
“Mr. Eisele exemplifies the qualities of dedication, excellence, patience and enthusiasm and then some. It always seems like Ryan is everywhere at CHS all at one time though at the same time he seems to have time for everyone and anyone who needs him,” said Clarkston High School Principal Gary Kaul. “As a classroom teacher, Ryan is on the cutting edge of creating high quality interactive lessons which meet curriculum standards while at the same time allowing for opportunities to individualize instruction for his students. Ryan has taught all grade levels and all levels of learners; from our co-taught classes to advanced IB English. Ryan truly operates an open classroom where students are welcome to engage.”
While Eisele is a teacher at the school, he also serves as the Restorative Practices Coordinator at CHS, heads up several clubs, has coached athletic teams, serves as a volunteer at a number of school events and is a mentor to both staff and students.
The Clarkston Foundation received 22 nominations for Teacher of the Year this year and narrowed it down to 10 finalists which included: Cherene Ahlborn, Lane Hurd and Kelly Bertin from Sashabaw Middle School; Allie Dennis, Alex Sennabaum, Kyle Hughes, Laura Kalinowski, Christina Verkest and Eisele from Clarkston High School; and Edna Soave from Renaissance High School.
The Clarkston Foundation then spoke with all 10 finalists about their classroom engagement, teaching style and interaction with parents and community.
“You’re here today because of your excellence. You have a very special expertise that you put in front of students every day. Your work ethic is incredibly strong and I think, most importantly, you connect with our students. You care about them. You show empathy. You relate. So, it’s really a combination of your work ethic, your expertise and how much you care is what brings you today.” Nancy Mahoney, Clarkston Community Schools Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, said to the nominees.
Heidi Kroll, last year’s Teacher of the Year spoke about the role teachers play in the lives of young people.
“I hope you all know, sitting here today, you truly know the importance of your role in being a teacher. The kids we touch are not just for a year, it can be for a lifetime,” Kroll said.
CCS Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan also spoke about the importance of recognizing, celebrating and appreciating people who make positive impacts on our lives.
“Think about a teacher; your favorite teacher from middle school or junior high that had an impact on you. Take a second. Think about the importance they had on the future trajectory of your life. What they meant to you at the time to help you get through those tough days,” Ryan said. “I can give you a message from the front, it ain’t easy being in high school anymore. Not that it ever was, but the kids that we have in middle school and junior high school, what they struggle with, what they have to deal with in the world that we live in…think of, as adults, the struggles we have and the things that we bring to bare – and we actually are supposed to be able to carry it – and how hard it is. Our kids feel that. They feel the stresses of the world. There is a lot of research for a lot of students that we have that have a lot of struggles outside of school. There’s research that suggests if they have one caring adult that takes interest and invests in their lives, it makes all the difference in their future.”
As winner of the Clarkston Foundation’s Teacher of the Year, Eisele received a cash prize from both the Clarkston Foundation and LaFontaine Automotive group as well as a two-year lease on a vehicle. Eisele also received a plaque from Rep. Mike Harris from the State of Michigan recognizing his achievement.
Eisele thanked his family, CCS, the Clarkston Foundation and LaFontaine for his recognition and for the support they have shown over the years. He reminisced about the teacher he had that had the most impact on him as a child, his seventh grade English Language Arts teacher.
“I was a monster. I was the most terrible elementary student and middle school student that you can think of. I spent more time getting kicked off of buses and in the principals office than I did reading and writing. But, she showed me the power of education. That it brings you positive opportunities,” Eisele said.
He also spoke about his love for education.
“I do love my job. Every morning, I pull in, park next to Mr. (Chris) Brosky everyday. And I get nervous to go inside, every day – and I’m on year 20. I’m like, nervous-excited; what are the 200-something personalities that I run into, what are they going to bring for me today? I’m grateful for that, every day,” Eisele said.
Eisele also recognized his fellow nominees in their commitment and continued support for the students of the district.