Building Stronger Communities Together

Our teachers should be recognized more often for their hard work and commitment to making a difference in their students' lives. Highline invites you to nominate someone you feel deserves to be recognized as a Teacher of the Month. Winning teachers will receive a gift card.

This month we have an AWESOME teacher to announce! Our teacher of the month winner is Michelle Hadel from Rapid River High School.

Michelle didn’t have the typical path to becoming an educator, she had a career in interior design until her 30’s when she decided to go back to college for her teaching degree, which later led her to obtaining her Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities. She started as a long-term sub at Gladstone, moved to Holy Name and landed at Rapid River where she’s been teaching for over 15 years. Michelle currently teaches High School English Resource Room, Computer Applications/Entrepreneurship, and Middle School English. After almost 20 years of teaching, she still loves what she does and feels that she “gets to” come to work and doesn’t “have to”. Her Dad may have had a little bit to do with her becoming an educator with his over 40 years in education.

Michelle’s classroom is warm and inviting for her students. You won’t see rows of desks with assigned seats. Instead, you are welcomed in, almost like you’re home where there are round tables to sit at or a comfortable couch and chair. The walls adorn several pictures and inspirational quotes. She said she feels that the students should have a relaxed environment where they feel comfortable and want to be in.

We asked Michelle what advice she would give someone that is thinking about a teaching career, “We need good teachers! You need to know the impact you will make on everyone!” Outside of school you will find Michelle involved in something in the outdoors hunting, shooting, and hiking. She enjoys spending spare time with her grandkids and her husband of 37 years. The person that nominated her said “My grandson has special needs, and she took it upon herself to make sure she could show him how to prepare for classes so he could get the education he deserves. She opens her door to all students and provides support to all in any way a student might need. Mrs. Hadel and her huge heart cannot be summed up in a short paragraph. Grateful for her is an understatement.”

Join us in congratulating Kathleen Burkett, our September teacher of the month! Mrs. Burkett, a graduate of Liberty University, teaches eighth grade English language arts at Upson Lee Middle School. 🍎📝💙
She has been at Upson Lee since 2018 and was a paraprofessional before beginning her current teaching position last year.
Mrs. Burkett also taught preschool at First Methodist Church of Thomaston for nine years. She loves working with children and became a teacher to make a difference in students' lives. "My favorite thing about teaching is creating relationships and learning new things from my students," said Mrs. Burkett. "I feel as though students cannot learn unless you create positive relationships with each one." In her free time, Mrs. Burkett enjoys spending time with her husband, Jaret, and two daughters, Ellie and Lillian. They love to travel to new places and shop together- Jaret included, of course!
Mrs. Burkett has been described as having the "biggest heart," and we thank her for showing students such compassion and care. 

We want to announce Carsonville Fire Department as our first responder of the month. Every one of these firefighters deserves recognition. Such Brave and kind men AND women. Thank you for all that you do.  

Dr. Adam Ingrao of Bee Wise Farms explains exactly what high-speed internet means to his life, his home, and his work in this short but powerful video.