Sandra Gertz has spent the past 28 years as a teacher in her hometown of Ironwood in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted and committed educator, Ms. Gertz has taught generations of children at Ironwood Elementary School and has inspired them through her grace and leadership and the inclusion of the arts in her classrooms.

Ms. Gertz began her teaching career at Ironwood soon after receiving her bachelor’s degree from MSU in 1972. She has taught first grade for 21 years, and has also has taught kindergarten, second, third, and fourth grade. Among her many innovative teaching projects during her distinguished career include the Lake Superior Circle Study Tour in which she circled Lake Superior with 37 of students and teachers in order to learn about the geography of the area and communities that surround the lake. She has also been actively involved in theatre, performing in more than 40 plays and directing four of them. Over the years, she has incorporated elements of theater in her classes to inspire students and instill self-esteem. To those who know and work with her, Ms. Gertz is an outstanding educator who has had a powerful impact on her students by broadening their dreams and inspiring them to a life of learning.

In addition to her MSU degree, Ms. Gertz received a master’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 1978.