Lindsey Cook, a 2025 graduate of Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development, has been honored as the 2025 Region 7 Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Department of Education. An elementary teacher at Sonoma Elementary School in Harper Creek Community Schools, Cook was recognized for her dedication to student success, her leadership within the school, and her unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for all learners.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Lindsey as the 2025 Region 7 Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Rusty Stitt, faculty specialist II in WMU’s educational leadership program. “Her dedication to her students, her passion for education, and her leadership aspirations exemplify the values of our program. Lindsey represents the transformative impact that WMU graduates have in schools and communities across the state.”
Cook’s recognition comes after a highly competitive application process, in which students, staff, and community members submitted nominations highlighting her classroom excellence, innovative instructional practices, and active community engagement.
In her classroom, Cook fosters a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. She emphasizes hands-on learning, creative problem solving, and social-emotional growth, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and empowered.
Beyond her daily classroom work, Cook has taken on leadership roles within Harper Creek Community Schools, mentoring new teachers, supporting curriculum development, and contributing to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes. Her commitment to collaboration and professional growth reflects her belief that effective teaching extends beyond individual classrooms—it is built on shared practices and collective effort.
The Michigan Teacher of the Year program provides a platform for educators to elevate their voices, share their expertise, and influence educational policy and practice statewide. As the Region 7 honoree, Cook is now a finalist for the 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year award, which will select one educator to represent Michigan as the state’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year. This recognition allows her to participate in professional development, attend national conferences, and collaborate with other outstanding teachers to share best practices and advocate for public education.
Cook’s achievements reflect both her personal dedication and the preparation she received at WMU, where the College of Education and Human Development emphasizes developing transformative leaders who make a lasting impact on their students and communities. Her award underscores the University’s commitment to fostering educators who lead with skill, empathy, and a deep commitment to student success.
For students, colleagues, and the broader educational community, Lindsey Cook embodies the qualities of an educator who inspires growth, fosters equity, and cultivates lifelong learners. Her recognition as Region 7 Teacher of the Year is a testament not only to her teaching excellence but also to her enduring impact on the students and families she serves every day.