Make a Difference Award
2007

Three educators recently won the Special Education Make a Difference Award from the Macomb County’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). These awards are especially meaningful because students and their parents nominated their favorite educators for the honor.

This year’s winners are:
Jody Andrews, a kindergarten teacher who provides a sense of security, curriculum leadership and parent training at Krause Early Elementary School in Armada Area Schools.
Danielle Elbert, a supportive CORE resource program teacher of young students with Autism Spectrum Disorder traits at Monfort Elementary School in Utica Community Schools.
Kathy Elias, an IEP-involved principal at Anchor Bay's Great Oaks Elementary School whose recent leadership activities focus on the Response to Intervention model for at-risk students.

Congratulations to each of you from the
Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee

     Jody Andrews

Jody Andrews has been a kindergarten teacher in Armada for the last eight years. She describes her classroom as “a sense of security” for her students, parents and herself. It is an encouraging environment, rich in print and focused on writing. Her goal is to have her students excited and ready to read before they enter first grade. Jody has been a key contributor in revamping the kindergarten curriculum and is currently working toward full implementation of the scientifically based “Read Well” reading program, has served as lead teacher for the kindergarten team in directing this new focus and has also developed training for parents who want to volunteer in the classroom.

Armada Area Schools
Krause Early Elementary School

     Danielle Elbert

Danielle Elbert began her career in Utica Community Schools in 2000 and taught in the resource room as well as the ECDD program prior to becoming the Children Organizing Resources Effectively (CORE) teacher at Monfort. CORE is a resource room program for kindergarten through second grade students who exhibit characteristics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She does an outstanding job, providing instruction and support for students in the areas of communication, social skills, sensory and environmental organization. Along with her team, Danielle creates a supportive learning experience for her students, evidenced by their academic and social progress.

Utica Community Schools
Monfort Elementary School

      Kathy Elias

Kathy Elias began her career by teaching at Chippewa Valley High School, where she taught for seven years before becoming assistant principal. Kathy came to Anchor Bay Schools five years ago as the principal of Great Oaks Elementary School. She has been very involved in various committees throughout the past years, serving as chairperson and member. Her leadership is always appreciated and admired by her staff and fellow administrators. Kathy is very involved in the entire educational process for all her students and is always present at all IEP meetings. Her involvement in strategies and changes helps students. She has also become a leader in the Response to Intervention model for at-risk students.

Anchor Bay Schools
Great Oaks Elementary School