David Gardner, English Teacher, High School Teacher of the Year, University High School - David has been an English teacher in the Ferndale Public Schools since 2005. He has a way of personally connecting with all of his students while still maintaining high standards. David is the most persistent voice for the college-going culture at UHS, and through his encouragement and mentoring, he makes sure every student is on track to graduate and headed to college.

Rick Piornack, English Teacher, Middle School Teacher of the Year, Ferndale Middle School - Rick has been a teacher in the Ferndale Schools since 2000. He is a model teacher who uses every minute to teach his students to the best of his ability. Students know every high expectation that he has of them, including the expectation that everyone will remain on task with a high level of energy and participation.

Johnny Borg, Physical Education Teacher, Elementary Teacher of the Year, Roosevelt Primary School - Johnny has been with the Ferndale Schools since 2005. He is known for teaching students the importance of physical fitness while incorporating fun, gross-motor skills and teamwork. He develops long-lasting, positive relationships with his students, who call him Coach.

Deanna Eberle, Math Teacher, Ferndale High School - Deanna has taught in the Ferndale Schools since 1984. She works tirelessly, cooperatively, positively and enthusiastically. She is a dependable member of the FHS staff and has a straightforward, candid approach to her teaching. Her students respect her demands on them, as she pushes all to perform to the best of their abilities.

Kiada Watts, Fourth Grade Teacher, Coolidge Intermediate School - Kiada has been an elementary teacher in the Ferndale Schools since 2008. She takes into account each student’s individual personality and learning style in her classroom. She has a passion for teaching, expects the best from her students, and communicates well with parents.

D’Anne McNeil, Kindergarten Teacher, John F. Kennedy School - D’Anne has taught elementary students in the Ferndale Schools since 1999. She meets the needs of all children in a warm, engaging and positive environment. Every child in her classroom is expected to “live above the line” by treating each other positively. She led the establishment of Kennedy’s Green School initiative.

Robin Dare, Preschool Teacher, Grant Early Childhood Center - Robin has been a preschool teacher in the Ferndale Schools since 2008. She has a very warm and loving attitude towards her students, providing a developmentally appropriate and accepting classroom in which children learn and grow.

Christine Lovins, Science Teacher, Taft Education Center - Christine has been a teacher in the Ferndale Schools since 2010. She is very passionate about science. She is a team player, and always gives her students every opportunity to become academically successful in her classroom.

Bev Friedenberg, English Teacher, Jefferson Center - Bev has taught for the Ferndale Schools since 1990. Bev mentors her students, teaching them how to be lifelong learners, and how to succeed in life and in college. She has been involved in developing curriculum for the program for 20 years, and is well respected by her colleagues.

Dr. Mary Irwin, Computer Science Teacher, Crossroads Campus - Dr. Irwin has taught in the Adult & Alternative Education program in the Ferndale Schools since 2006. She makes her students’ success her mission and tells her students to keep working at their goals, because she believes they will all succeed.

Information provided by the Ferndale Public Schools.