OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARD WINNERS

Educators shape the future in ways that often go unseen but are deeply felt. Every lesson prepared, every moment of encouragement offered, and every challenge met with patience and care helps create opportunities for students to grow, discover their potential, and believe in themselves. The teachers we recognize today represent the very best of this profession. Your commitment to your students, your schools, and your communities reflects the heart of what education is meant to be. In classrooms across our academies, you create spaces where curiosity is welcomed, perseverance is encouraged, and every student has the opportunity to thrive. 

Teaching is not simply about delivering content; it is about building relationships, inspiring confidence, and helping young people see possibilities for their future. The work you do each day, often quietly and without recognition, changes lives in meaningful and lasting ways. 

On behalf of The Charter Collaborative at Saginaw Valley State University, thank you for your dedication, your professionalism, and your unwavering belief in the students you serve. We are honored to partner with educators like you who make a difference every single day. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for the impact you continue to have.

Outstanding Employee Award Winners: Click to see all the winners!

Candice Casey, Director
The Charter Collaborative

SPOTLIGHT STORY

Congratulations to all the Cardinal Partnership Students who earned recognition on the Deans' and President's List

The Deans’ and President's List is produced at the end of each fall and winter semester. It is composed of students in SVSU undergraduate degree programs who have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.40 in at least 12 credits of 100-level or above course work graded on an A-B-C-D-F scale. Inclusion on the President’s List requires a 4.00 grade point average in at least 12 credits of 100-level or above course work graded A-B-C-D-F.

You can view the Deans’ and President's List using the links below. These lists are maintained on Merit pages, which houses a personalized page for students updated with verified accomplishments and achievements.

Note: The fall semester Deans' and President's List is published in late February; the winter semester list is published in late June.

Deans' and President's List - SVSU

Cardinal Partnership Celebration Photos and Honors 2026

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST EDUCATORS!

Matthew Parasick is an alumnus of Landmark Academy, where he graduated in 2022. He recently completed his student teaching placement at Port Huron High School. Matthew is passionate about teaching a range of social studies subjects, including World History, U.S. History, Civics, Economics, and Current Events. During his time at Saginaw Valley State University, he traveled to several countries, enriching his global perspective. In addition to being a Cardinal Partnership Scholar, he is also a Roberts and Gilbertson Fellowship alumnus.

If your school is seeking a dedicated and engaging middle or high school social studies educator, Matthew would be an outstanding choice. msparasi@svsu.edu

Markaila Vanheusden is an alumna of Landmark Academy and graduated in May 2026. She completed her student teaching placement at Arrowwood Elementary School and Sherwood Elementary School.

An Elementary Education major at Saginaw Valley State University, Markaila is a PSA Scholar, Morris Hood Scholar, and Cardinal Partnership Program Ambassador. She has served as a mentor to fellow students, helped plan events for PSA Scholars, and participated in intramural volleyball. She has also had the opportunity to study abroad through the PSA program.

Markaila is passionate about becoming a 2nd or 5th grade classroom teacher and is ready to make an immediate impact. If your school is looking for a talented educator who can hit the ground running, now is the time to connect with Markaila before another district does. myvanheu@svsu.edu

2026 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN REQUEST

School Leaders/Counselors – Please forward the link below to your high school Valedictorians and Salutatorians to have their names and photos announced in the June newsletter. Due May 8, 2026.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Information Form

2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Jump Start Your 2026-27 School Year with a Day of Professional Development

I am excited to share a new partnership that provides an opportunity for SVSU charter schools to participate in a day of professional development to kick off your team’s back-to-school season.

Registration is now open for the CMU Charter Schools Annual Conference, and SVSU-authorized schools have been invited to attend! The conference is held on Wednesday, August 19, at Huntington Place in Detroit. This is an excellent opportunity for school leaders to engage their entire staff (including teachers and leadership teams) in a day focused on collaboration, learning, and real-world strategies. The Charter Collaborative at SVSU is financially supporting this partnership to make attending the event completely free for you and your team members.

What your team can expect:

• A day designed just for you – spark ideas, share best practices, and connect with charter school educator peers from across the state.
• 40+ sessions focusing on relevant topics for teachers and school leaders.
• Breakfast, lunch, and on-site parking are included.
• SCECHs are available for attendees.

To reserve your spot at the event:

• Individual registrations can be submitted on the SVSU registration webpage.
• Group registrations of 15 or more staff members can be submitted via email. Please contact events@thecenterforcharters.org for assistance.

We look forward to joining our colleagues from CMU charter schools this August for a day of learning and collaboration.

NACSA SUPPORTS THREE FEDERAL BILLS TO MODERNIZE CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

NACSA Supports Three Federal Bills to Modernize CSP and Help Strengthen Authorizing

By NACSA (National Association of Charter School Authorizers) 

The U.S. Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program (CSP) has supported the growth of the charter school sector for more than 30 years. Despite significant changes in the charter sector—especially in the last decade—CSP has not been significantly revised since 2015. And as the charter sector matures, priorities shift that require additional resources. For example, while new charter school authorizers are still being established from new charter laws, many authorizers are in their second, or even third, decade of authorizing charter schools. The needs of these groups vary widely. NACSA is supporting three bipartisan federal bills that will modernize CSP, adapting the program to the needs of fully established charter school ecosystems, while still providing support to new and developing ecosystems.

Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools (FLEX) Act

Empower Charter School Educators to Lead (LEAD) Act  

Equitable Access to School Facilities Act

We encourage you to learn more about these important bills and, if you can, lend your voices in support to help communicate their importance to policymakers.

As leaders closest to the work of approving and overseeing high-quality schools, your perspective is essential. We are committed to partnering with you to advocate for policies that enable more high-quality options for students and families.