Jessica Bowerman Kelto, a dedicated and compassionate fourthgrade teacher, has been awarded the inaugural “Teacher of the Year” title at Munising Public Schools, an honor anonymously voted on by district staff. This recognition, made possible through a $500 grant secured by Nicole Lasak, aims to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of educators and support staff within the district.
The grant, part of an educational funding initiative focused on promoting staff wellness, was primarily allocated to establish both the “Teacher of the Year” and “Support Staff Member of the Year” awards. Lasak’s initiative underscored the importance of acknowledging the relentless efforts of school staff.
“It was important to create this award to show our school staff how much they are valued and to display to the community the great staff members we have,” said Lasak. “I really want to highlight all the positive things we have going on in our district and promote the hard work our people are putting in for our kids.”
The nomination and voting process for the award was straightforward yet impactful. District staff were invited to nominate their peers via a Google form, with the individual receiving the most submissions being honored. The criteria for nominations included exemplary work in their position, successful promotion of student learning, increasing the district’s capacity to impact students, and enhancing the district’s financial position or public perception.
Bowerman Kelto’s peers showered her with praise, highlighting her empathy, kindness, and ability to make all students feel successful and welcome in her classroom. One anonymous submission captured the collective sentiment: “Jessica is empathetic, kind, caring, and respectful to students and staff. She is able to make ALL students feel successful and welcome in her classroom. She naturally accommodates and differentiates classroom activities to reach all learners. She is a mentor to staff members and willing to help in all areas of the building.”
Reflecting on her reaction upon receiving the award, Bowerman Kelto shared, “I was surprised and humbled. It was amazing to be recognized by my peers. The different responses from the teachers made me cry. It’s a pretty special place, and they welcomed me two years ago, making me feel like I’ve been there my whole career.”
Mather Elementary School Principal WesLee Tweedale echoed these sentiments. “Jessica’s resiliency and leadership in the school setting are remarkable,” said Tweedale. “She’s a wonderful teacher, and her care for her students is evident in everything she does. She’s truly a quality human being.”
Bowerman Kelto’s journey in education is marked by a rich background and diverse experiences. She began her career in Colorado, moved to Minnesota, and spent seven years at Superior Central before returning to her hometown. Teaching in the very school she attended as a child brings a sense of fulfillment and nostalgia. “Coming home to teach at Mather is something pretty cool. To know that I went to school here, and now my boys are Mustangs, it’s a neat full-circle moment,” she said.
Adding a poignant layer to her story, Bowerman Kelto now teaches in the very classroom where her former mentor, James Landfair, once taught. Landfair, who passed away in June 2023, was a significant influence on her career.
“Mr. Landfair made every single kid feel like they were the most important person in the world to him. His ability to build relationships and show genuine care for each student had a lasting impact on me,” she said. “His mentorship throughout the years has been invaluable.”
When she started teaching, Landfair shared words of encouragement that have stayed with her. “Jim said to me early on, ‘Jessica, people get to go to work every day. I get to go to school.’ That sentiment has always resonated with me. It’s how I feel about teaching here,” recalled Bowerman Kelto. “Being in his former classroom feels like a tribute to his legacy and a constant reminder of the kind of teacher I aspire
to be.” Bowerman Kelto also shared a special moment from when she started at Mather. “It was when I picked up my room list. We got there, and I figured out which of the two rooms I wanted. I sent Jim and his wife, Kay, a message saying, ‘Hey, I’ve come full circle in my 20 years,’ just thanking them for all of their support through my school years, college, and throughout my teaching career.”
Megan Matson, a recent graduate of Central Michigan University who student- taught under Bowerman Kelto, praised her mentorship. “She is an awesome teacher and amazing with the kids. She cares deeply about them and their learning,” said Matson. “I had the best experience student teaching in her room. She’s definitely a great role model.”
Bowerman Kelto’s teaching philosophy centers around building meaningful relationships with her students. “If you can make those meaningful relationships and they know how much you care about them, they’re going to be willing and open to learn anything from you,” she explained.
Reflecting on her career, Bowerman Kelto highlighted the importance of community and collaboration. “We all look out for one another, and we’re willing to step in and do what we can. It’s a pretty cool place to be,” she said.
The recognition of Jessica Bowerman Kelto as Munising Public Schools’ first “Teacher of the Year” is a powerful reflection of the impact a dedicated teacher can have on their students. Much like her mentor Jim Landfair, Jessica embodies the qualities of empathy, commitment, and community that he instilled in her. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but also a testament to carrying forward a legacy of excellence and compassion, demonstrating how one teacher’s influence can shape the future of education for generations
to come.
