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By Lori Higgins, Chalkbeat Detriot – May 6, 2026 at 3:34pm EDT
A Lake Orion teacher is Michigan’s newest top classroom leader.
Erik Meerschaert, a special education teacher at Lake Orion High School in Oakland County, was surprised Wednesday by state education officials with the announcement that he is the Michigan Teacher of the Year for 2026-27.
“I am really without words,” said Meerschaert, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Education. “I am lucky enough to teach here at Lake Orion … and be a part of this community where we can have impact that has been truly incredible.”
State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko and several members of the State Board of Education were on hand to make the announcement.
Meerschaert will go on to be Michigan’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award for 2027.
“Teachers like Erik Meerschaert care about the foundation of our education system and the heart of our schools,” Maleyko said in a statement. “He ignites curiosity, builds confidence and opens doors of opportunity for every child. His influence goes far beyond the classroom — he helps shape the students to become innovators and leaders who define our future.”
“Teachers like Erik Meerschaert care about the foundation of our education system and the heart of our schools,” Maleyko said in a statement. “He ignites curiosity, builds confidence and opens doors of opportunity for every child. His influence goes far beyond the classroom — he helps shape the students to become innovators and leaders who define our future.”
Michigan each year recognizes a top teacher who then goes on to become an advocate for teachers across the state. Meerschaert will do that in part by participating in regular meetings of the State Board of Education, sharing a report each time on issues that are of concern to teachers. He will join the governor’s Educator Advisory Council, a group that advises Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and provides recommendations on education legislation, the MDE news release says.
Ten finalists were selected for the state honor earlier this year. Here are the nine finalists, who represent different regions of the state, according to a February press release.
Sarah Juday, an elementary teacher at Superior Hills Elementary School in Marquette Area Public Schools.
Krista Loeffler, an elementary teacher at Clara B. Bolen Elementary School in Tawas Area Schools.
Erica Gorzen, a visual arts teacher at Portland High School in Portland Public Schools.
Luke Kanine, a Spanish and physical education teacher at E.F. Rittmueller Middle School in Frankenmuth School District.
Angela Jackson, an elementary teacher at Woodland Developmental Center in the St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency.
Amanda Bush, an elementary teacher at Dansville Elementary in Dansville Schools.
Julie Herwick, an English teacher at Cassopolis High School in Cassopolis Public Schools.
Carrie Barden, a math and science teacher at Tecumseh Middle School in Tecumseh Public Schools.
Brandis Bean, an elementary teacher at University Preparatory Academy in Detroit.
Lori Higgins is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at lhiggins@chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
https://www.chalkbeat.org/detroit/2026/05/06/michigan-teacher-of-the-year-erik-meerschaert-lake-orion-special-education