MIDLAND, MI (November 19, 2025) |
Members First Credit Union (M1) is proud to support Michigan educators with its 2025 Joy in Teaching Grants. Forty teachers from 10 counties will each receive $500—$20,000 in total—to bring creative classroom ideas to life, increase accessibility for all students, and inspire learning across the state.
Joy in Teaching Grants are fueling curiosity, creativity, and inclusion in classrooms across Michigan. Educators are bringing STEM to life with hands-on experiments, robotics, drones, and interactive kits that spark critical thinking. Teachers are also creating inclusive learning environments with wobble chairs, sensory tools, flexible seating, and adaptive materials to help all students thrive. Literacy and creativity are being expanded through classroom libraries, audiobooks, and interactive storytelling kits. Grants are even supporting real-world experiences like student-run businesses, culinary programs, and classroom animal projects, allowing students to connect learning to life outside the classroom.
“We’re proud to empower Michigan educators through these grants,” shared Emily Holty, Grant Funding Manager at Members First Credit Union. “Teachers are shaping the next generation, and we’re thrilled to provide resources that spark creativity and curiosity, and promote belonging in classrooms. More than 200 educators applied, and we're inspired by their innovation and commitment to their students!”
2025 Joy In Teaching Grant Recipients
Arrowwood Elementary School, Saginaw
Shanna Bedford
Judi Raines
Bagley Middle School, Detroit
Jeanine Wilson
Bay City Western High School, Bay City
Alyssa Born
Ashlee Prime
Beal City Public Schools, Mt. Pleasant
Becky Block
Beaverton .Public Schools, Gladwin
Rhead Longstreth
Allison Grice
Bullock Creek Middle School, Midland
Chelsea Gillean
Calvary Baptist Academy, Midland
Miriam Forsythe
Carrie Knause Elementary, St. Louis
Theresa Vance
Clare Public Schools, Clare
Aubrey Johnson
James Winkler
Ben Goward
Kalysta Leary
Stephanie Downey
Jennifer Pettersch
Gladwin Jr, High School, Gladwin
Sarah Koch
H.H. Dow High School, Midland
Mackenzie Render
Heritage High School, Saginaw
Bethany Giddens
Maggie Krzyzaniak
Herig Elementary School, Saginaw
Lori Hall
Jenison Junior High School, Jenison
Julie Van Dyken
Lincoln Developmental Center, Grand Rapids
Korrie Ottnewess
Longview Early Childhood Center, Midland
Julia Whitehead
Mackensen Elementary School, Bay City
Joslyn Brubaker
Karrie Marciniak
Marion Public Schools, Marion
Jaime Jones
Stephanie Louwers
Longview Early Childhood Center, Midland
Cindy Pugh
McCollough-Unis School, Dearborn
Tai Kimmerly
Merrill Elementary School
Haley Hickey
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency, Midland
Trinity Belkofer
Midland County Educational Service Agency, Midland
Courtney Battaglia
Midland High School, Midland
Connie Beson-Steger
Robert B. Havens Elementary, Saginaw
Beth Pufahl
Saint Brigid Catholic School, Midland
Chris Wakeman
Westdale Elementary School, Saginaw
Jamie List
Whitmore Lake High School & Middle School, Whitemore Lake
Elisa Fixler
Wii Maajiikwad, Mt.Pleasant
Dana Greenacre
Founded by educators in 1936, Members First Credit Union is proud to keep the spirit of learning alive—helping teachers spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world skills in students. Discover more at mfcu.net/teachinggrants.
