Spencer Elementary’s Bridgette Jastrzebski has only taught at Brighton Area Schools for four years, but she’s already made a big impact — and earned statewide recognition.
Jastrzebski, who teaches fourth grade, was selected by the Michigan Council of Teachers of English as the 2024-2025 Elementary English Teacher of the Year.
For the achievement, she was featured in this year’s edition of the Language Arts Journal of Michigan. The recognition is awarded to an elementary school teacher who displays significant dedication, innovative instruction that caters to students’ diverse needs, and evidence of contributions beyond the classroom, according to the MCTE.
Jastrzebski was nominated for the award by the parent of a student. After being named a finalist, she had to submit a more comprehensive application and letters of recommendation from her colleagues. Learning she’d won, she told The Daily, was a “crazy” experience.
Jastrzebski said her unique background in teaching has shaped her current perspective and approach as an educator. After earning a degree in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University, she began teaching at University Prep Academy, a charter school district in Detroit. She later made the switch to public school, where she taught a variety of grades, ranging from second to sixth.
“It’s not entirely common that a teacher will (cover) wide span of grades or to be in, you know, inner city versus suburbs,” Jastrzebski said.
During the pandemic, Jastrzebski moved to Brighton. Soon after, she began teaching at Spencer Elementary. Her past experiences inspired her to implement more creative activities like student-led seminars and oral debate fundamentals. Her unique instructional style played a role in her nomination and selection as Elementary English Teacher of the Year.
Jastrzebski has since used the honor to enhance the school’s English program, including professional trainings for other staff members. She was even asked to lead a workshop for educators across the state at a conference hosted by the MCTE.
“It was terrifying but also very, very cool to … do something within the educational realm that wasn’t in front of a group of children,” Jastrzebski said.
Jastrzebski recently earned her designation as a reading specialist, and may someday be interesting in teaching teachers.
“I so love, love, love what I do in the general ed classroom, but (those leadership opportunities over the past couple of years) have definitely shifted my thinking … maybe when I retire, maybe that is something that I’d want to do.”
— Ari Hickman is a recent graduate of Brighton High School and a freelancer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Spencer Elementary teacher making huge strides in English
Reporting by Ari Hickman, Special to The Daily / Livingston Daily
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By Ari Hickman, Special to The Daily | USA TODAY Network
