Members First Credit Union (M1) is proud to support Michigan educators with its 2025 Joy in Teaching Grants. Forty teachers from 10 counties will each receive $500—$20,000 in total—to bring creative classroom ideas to life, increase accessibility for all students, and inspire learning across the state.
Joy in Teaching Grants are fueling curiosity, creativity, and inclusion in classrooms across Michigan. Educators are bringing STEM to life with hands-on experiments, robotics, drones, and interactive kits that spark critical thinking. Teachers are also creating inclusive learning environments with wobble chairs, sensory tools, flexible seating, and adaptive materials to help all students thrive. Literacy and creativity are being expanded through classroom libraries, audiobooks, and interactive storytelling kits. Grants are even supporting real-world experiences like student-run businesses, culinary programs, and classroom animal projects, allowing students to connect learning to life outside the classroom.
“We’re proud to empower Michigan educators through these grants,” shared Emily Holty, Grant Funding Manager at Members First Credit Union. “Teachers are shaping the next generation, and we’re thrilled to provide resources that spark creativity and curiosity, and promote belonging in classrooms. More than 200 educators applied, and we’re inspired by their innovation and commitment to their students!”
2025 Joy In Teaching Grant Recipients
Arrowwood Elementary School, Saginaw Shanna Bedford Judi Raines
Bagley Middle School, Detroit Jeanine Wilson
Bay City Western High School, Bay City Alyssa Born Ashlee Prime
Beal City Public Schools, Mt. Pleasant Becky Block
Beaverton Public Schools, Gladwin Rhead Longstreth Allison Grice
Bullock Creek Middle School, Midland Chelsea Gillean
Calvary Baptist Academy, Midland Miriam Forsythe
Carrie Knause Elementary, St. Louis Theresa Vance
Clare Public Schools, Clare Aubrey Johnson James Winkler Ben Goward Kalysta Leary Stephanie Downey Jennifer Pettersch
Gladwin Jr, High School, Gladwin Sarah Koch
H.H. Dow High School, Midland Mackenzie Render
Heritage High School, Saginaw Bethany Giddens Maggie Krzyzaniak
Herig Elementary School, Saginaw Lori Hall
Jenison Junior High School, Jenison Julie Van Dyken
Lincoln Developmental Center, Grand Rapids Korrie Ottnewess
Longview Early Childhood Center, Midland Julia Whitehead
Mackensen Elementary School, Bay City Joslyn Brubaker Karrie Marciniak
Marion Public Schools, Marion Jaime Jones Stephanie Louwers
Longview Early Childhood Center, Midland Cindy Pugh
McCollough-Unis School, Dearborn Tai Kimmerly
Merrill Elementary School Haley Hickey
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency, Midland Trinity Belkofer
Midland County Educational Service Agency, Midland Courtney Battaglia
Midland High School, Midland Connie Beson-Steger
Robert B. Havens Elementary, Saginaw Beth Pufahl
Saint Brigid Catholic School, Midland Chris Wakeman
Westdale Elementary School, Saginaw Jamie List
Whitmore Lake High School & Middle School, Whitemore Lake Elisa Fixler
Wii Maajiikwad, Mt.Pleasant Dana Greenacre
Founded by educators in 1936, Members First Credit Union is proud to keep the spirit of learning alive—helping teachers spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world skills in students.