Grosse Pointe North Educator Named Michigan Teacher of the Year

Grosse Pointe North High School science teacher Gary Abud Jr. found his calling conducting medical research while studying to become a physician.

Abud traded the clinic for a classroom, opting to become a teacher who reached students through methods ranging from projects to Twitter, according to the Michigan Department of Education.

State Superintendent Mike Flanagan announced Thursday that Abud was named the 2013-14 Michigan Teacher of the Year. He was selected from among 16 regional semifinalists statewide.

“Gary displays every day in his classroom what great teachers in Michigan do – lead by example and help every student find the ways to learn. He sets a high standard not only for himself, but for his students and fellow educators," Flanagan said in a prepared statement.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder added, "We honor Gary Abud as Michigan Teacher of the Year for his outstanding work in the fields of math and science – areas that are critically important for the technological age of today and jobs of tomorrow. This award also highlights the tireless dedication teachers have for their students and profession, which benefits all Michiganders.”

Abud, a recipient of the 2012 Science Teacher of Promise Award from the Michigan Science Teachers Association, stated in a news release, “It has been my philosophy that all students can learn and achieve in the classroom...Finding the right combination of strategies to match various learning styles is essential.”

He pointed out that education is evolving and said "we cannot hold on to teaching practices of yesteryear...Classrooms cannot look the way they did during the Cold War; and no longer can we as educators allow divisive public rhetoric about our profession keep us from unifying for the best interest of students. Teachers are ambassadors of education and we must lead our own reform.”

Grosse Pointe Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Harwood called Abud “a teacher amongst teachers, an innovator of instruction, a supportive guide of knowledge and a creator of dreams for students who wish to further explore their understanding of science.”

With support from MEEMIC Insurance Company, Grosse Pointe Public Schools will receive a monetary award of $1,000 in honor of the Michigan Teacher of the Year recognition for advancement of education. Abud will also get use of a car during his tenure as MTOY and share his story on the blog at www.meemic.com, according to the Michigan Department of Education.

For more information, visit the Michigan Teacher of the Year program at www.michigan.gov/mtoy.