Honoring excellence: Education student among Michigan's top teachers

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Michigan Department of Education is honoring Lyndsey Cook, a student in the College of Education and Human Development, as a recipient of the 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year Awards. Selected as the recipient for Region 7, her dedication to the teaching profession, improving student outcomes and leadership within Harper Creek Community Schools makes her deserving of this honor.

“We are incredibly proud of Lyndsey’s recognition as a Regional Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Rusty Stitt, faculty specialist II in WMU’s educational leadership program. “Her commitment to fostering student success, coupled with her leadership aspirations, embodies the core values of our program. We are excited to see her continued influence in education as she advances in her career.”

In addition to teaching at Harper Creek, Cook is a soon-to-be-graduate of Western's educational leadership program with a focus on building level administration. According to Stitt, she exemplifies the University’s mission to prepare transformative leaders who make a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

With this award, Cook is now a finalist for 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year selection process. The winner of this award will also be selected as Michigan's candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

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