![MTOY pic with WXYZ News[1]](http://edwp.educ.msu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/05/MTOY-pic-with-WXYZ-News1-e1400770947916.jpg)
Alumna Melody Arabo talks with a reporter at the MTOY announcement event. Photo courtesy of Melody Arabo.
Arabo, BA ’01 (Education), MA, ’04 (Curriculum and Teaching), is currently teaching third grade at Keith Elementary School in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. She has 12 years of teaching experience, and was selected from among 238 nominees.
State Superintendent Mike Flanagan was thought to be at the school to honor its 50th anniversary, but he soon revealed he was there to surprise Arabo with the statewide honor.
Selected each year by the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) program provides professional development opportunities, travel to promote the teaching profession, a seat at monthly State Board of Education meetings and more.
Previous MSU alumni who have been named Michigan Teachers of the Year include:
- Dan Schab, MA, ’91 (Educational Administration)
- Sue Gutierrez, MA, ’92 (Curriculum and Teaching)
- Jim Linsell, BA, ’73 (Social Science, Teaching)
- Margaret Holtschlag, MA, ’87 (Reading Instruction)