Yale Public Schools teacher selected for Michigan 2023-24 Region 5 Teacher of the Year

McKenna Golat, Port Huron Times Herald
·2 min read

A Yale Public Schools teacher wants to turn her passion into advocacy for education after being selected for a regional teacher of the year award.

Jennifer Senkmajer is a fourth grade teacher at Yale Public Schools. She said being selected as Michigan's 2023-24 Region 5 Teacher of the Year is overwhelming. As part of being selected, Senkmajer will be placed on an advisory council with other Michigan educators. Senkmajer said she could name so many passionate teachers who also deserve the award.

“There are so many talented, motivated and hardworking teachers that make a difference for students,” she said.

There are 10 Michigan 2023-24 regional teachers of the year. Senkmajer was chosen to represent Region 5, which includes St. Clair, Sanilac, Genesee, Tuscola, Lapeer and Huron counties.

Yale Public Schools Superintendent Kurt Sutton said like many of the educators in the district, Senkmajer continuously works to improve how she educates and cares deeply about her students.

“Mrs. Senkmajer is an outstanding teacher that represents her school, our district, and the community incredibly well,” Sutton said.

Senkmajer has been a teacher at Yale Public Schools for four year and a member of the education field since 1990.

Jennifer Senkmajer has been selected as the Michigan 2023-24 Region 5 Teacher of the Year. She said its more of an advocacy position rather than an award.
Jennifer Senkmajer has been selected as the Michigan 2023-24 Region 5 Teacher of the Year. She said its more of an advocacy position rather than an award.

After being selected at Michigan 2023-24 Region 5 Teacher of the Year, Senkmajer has the opportunity to become the Michigan 2023-24 Teacher of the Year.

Senkmajer said being selected is more of a chance to be an advocate rather than an award. She said that as a part of the advocacy council, she will have a platform to advocate on the behalf of Michigan teachers and students, especially in the region she represents.

“If I can have those conversations with policymakers and if I can bond with other teachers to make those voices louder and more passionate, change is going to happen,” Senkmajer said.

Senkmajer said this will be a great opportunity to not only meet other people that are just as passionate about teaching as her, but a way to change the perception and hopefully the policies surrounding education.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Yale teacher selected as Michigan 2023-24 Region 5 Teacher of the Year