Grosse Pointe Education Association President Ranae Beyerlein has been named the 2011 Alpha Iota State Woman of Distinction. 

The Alpha Iota is the Michigan chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, which is a professional educators networking organization for women. 

Beyerlein was recognized for her dedication to education throughout her career in the field. She began as a research assistant at the University of Michigan's Dental Research Institute. She's taught in Hamtramck, Detroit, California and most recently in biology and chemistry at Grosse Pointe South High School.

She served as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University, where she earned her PhD in education in 2008. Additionally, she was the director of the Grosse Pointe Summer Learning Program for six years. 

Among previous honors:

• attendance of the Galileo Institute for Teacher Leadership
• named an Outstanding Teacher by Mercy College
• received the Lee Featherstone Fellowship for Excellence from MSU
• Chapter Woman of Distinction
• Alpha Iota Dissertation Award

During her membership with the organization, Beyerlein has served in various roles including recording secretary, vice president, president and she is on the President's Advistory Council as a co-chair of the Women in the Arts Committee.