Teacher of the Year nominee inspires students, community

Orion schools honored their three nominees for the Teacher of the Year award.
The county-wide award is sponsored by Oakland Schools, Health Alliance Plan and the Oakland Schools Education Foundation.
Stan Ford was selected from the high school’s applicants. There, he teaches physical education and health, and coaches track and cross country.
‘He’s a tremendous person,? said LOHS Assistant Principal Chris Bell. ‘He’s a mentor for kids and colleagues and an example of integrity.?
Ford is a life-long area resident. Born in Lake Orion, he moved to Rochester with his parents when he was young. There, he graduated from high school.
After high school Ford attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
While in college, he met his wife, Rosemary (Cole), another long-time Orion resident. The two returned to their hometown and began a life together.
Ford says being a part of the local community is at the heart of to his teaching career.
‘I wanted to work where I lived,? he said, noting that he’s able to lead by example in the classroom and on the street.
Before starting at LOHS, Ford taught for nearly 20 years in area elementary schools.
‘It was neat to be able to teach at different levels. I got to have an impact on some of my students twice,? he said.
The Teacher of the Year nominee has also coached track and cross country since 1982. He’s has such an impact on some of his students that a core group of them run with Ford every Sunday morning.
‘Coaching is a big part of what I do,? he said. ‘I thought, if I could mix coaching with teacher ? great.?
Ford believes that his multi-faceted approach with students is why he was nominated for the award.
‘My efforts are cumulative,? he said. ‘I’m living, working, teaching and coaching in the same community.?
When it comes to inspiring his students, Ford says he tries to teach them three things.
One, physical activity is a lifetime endeavor; two, you don’t have to be good in sports and athletics to be physically fit; and three, being fit and healthy takes time and lots of effort.
‘TV wants us to think exercise is easy,? Ford said.
‘But it’s not. It needs to be hard so you have a sense of accomplishment.?
The Teacher of the Year contender was also Oakland County’s Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008, and Track Coach of the Year in 2004.
Assistant Principal Bell says he appreciates Ford’s ability to make an impact on students through leadership and community involvement.
‘LOHS and the community are a better place because he’s a part of it,? Bell said.
Ford and two other Orion nominees, Katie Barney of Orion Oaks Elementary and Caroline Thompson of Oak View Middle School, join county educators in the running for the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.
Winners will be announced May 7.