About the Teacher & Contact Info

Jolene Hetherington

Third Grade Teacher

Contact Information

Email: jolene.hetherington@mps-up.com

Phone: (906) 387-2102 EXT 1236

Teaching Experience

My teaching experience has been at a variety of levels. I started out subbing in a several local school districts in Bay, Midland, and Arenac Counties including a long-term position as a Chapter I teacher for one semester and teaching Adult Basic Ed math at Standish-Sterling Community Schools for one year.

In March 1992, I obtained a position at St. Anne School in Linwood, MI teaching 7th & 8th grade math and finished out that school year. I then was hired by St. Thomas Aquinas School in Saginaw, MI to teach second grade in August 1992. In August 1994, I moved to 8th grade and taught math to all sections of 7th & 8th math grade as well as 7th grade English.

In August 1995, I was hired by Munising Public Schools. I have taught 7th & 8th grade math [2 years], 5th grade [7 years], 3rd grade [1 year], and 4th grade [9 years]. In September 2013, I returned to third grade. I am also the technology leader at Mather.

Education

I graduated cum laude from Central Michigan University in 1990 receiving a Bachelor of Science with a math major and reading minor. In my education since then, I obtained a science major [1995] and received my Master of Arts in Elementary Education [2010] with a concentration in writing. I also attend professional development to update my knowledge and skills.

Professional Affiliations

Professionally, I became a Teacher Consultant for the Northern Shores Writing Project [NSWP], a site of the National Writing Project [NWP] in 2003. I have been invited and attended several NWP Scoring Conferences in Chicago and virtually where I was involved in scoring student writing at the elementary and middle school levels using the Analytic Writing Continuum [AWC]. In 2010, I engaged in teacher action research with the Boise State University Writing Project researching how the AWC changed my own and my students' perceptions of writing.

In 2012, I became involved with the MiELA - the Michigan English Language Arts Network and was a facilitator for the MiELA's 2013 & 2014 Summer Conferences at the fourth grade level. During the 2014-15 school year, I facilitated a group of teachers from across the state as they experience the MAISA Writing Units in their classrooms for the first time. I have presented at Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency [MARESA]'s conferences and workshops.

Recognition

  • Outstanding Educator Award 1999 - Kellogg Foundation Excellence in Education

  • Region 14 MAMSE Middle Level Educator of the Year 2004

  • Excellence in Education Professional Development Award 2008, 2012, 2015, 2017- Grow & Lead: Community and Youth Development/Great Lakes Center for Youth Development

  • Northern Michigan University Outstanding Graduating Education Graduate 2010

  • Regional Finalist for Michigan Teacher of the Year 2010-11

Personal Time

I enjoy being outside working around my home, in my garden, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and biking. Inside activities involve reading, cooking/baking, home improvements, and genealogy. Reading is very important to me and I read a variety of genres in my spare time especially children's literature.

I am involved in the Munising Lions Club and serve on the Alger Regional Community Foundation Board, Munising Township Board and Planning Commission, and Munising School Public Library Advisory Board. I also work at Shipwreck Tours as a narrator/dive boat deckhand during the summer season.