WMU Alumni Erik Meerschaert Named Michigan Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The College of Education and Human Develompent is proudly recognizing one of its alumni, as Erik Meerschaert, a 2009 graduate of the special education program, has been named the 2026–27 Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Meerschaert, a special education teacher at Lake Orion High School in Oakland County, received the surprise announcement during a school visit from State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. Students and staff gathered to celebrate as the honor was revealed, responding with applause, cheers, and a schoolwide celebration that included a marching band performance and confetti in the auditorium.

“I am really without words,” Meerschaert said following the announcement. “I am lucky enough to teach here at Lake Orion ... and be a part of this community where we can have impact that has been truly incredible.”

Even Gov. Gretchen Whitmer congratulated Meerschaert on the recognition. “Congratulations to Erik Meerschaert on winning the Michigan Teacher of the Year award,” Whitmer said. “Since 2019, Erik has been stepping up for students at Lake Orion High School. He truly cares about his students and is committed to creating a welcoming environment for them. I’m so grateful for educators like Erik who help prepare Michigan students for success.”

As Michigan Teacher of the Year, Meerschaert will serve on the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council during the 2026–27 school year. In this role, he will work with the Michigan Department of Education and other education stakeholders to address challenges in the state’s education system and ensure teacher perspectives are represented in statewide discussions.

He will also serve as a non-voting member of the State Board of Education, a member of the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council, and as a statewide advocate representing more than 80,000 public school teachers. Meerschaert is also Michigan’s nominee for the 2027 National Teacher of the Year award.

This recognition also comes as WMU’s College of Education and Human Development continues to celebrate recent national recognition, including being ranked among the top 50 graduate colleges of education in the nation and No. 2 in Michigan for best online graduate education programs. There is a strong sense of pride in seeing WMU alumni like Meerschaert living out the College’s mission in such meaningful ways.

For Western Michigan University, Meerschaert’s achievement is a powerful example of the impact WMU graduates are making in classrooms and communities across Michigan and beyond.

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