Behind the Bell: TeachMichigan Fellows Thrive at Blair Elementary

Ty Schmidt

May 30, 2025

Behind The Bell is a monthly storytelling series that takes readers beyond the classroom and into the heart of Traverse City Area Public Schools’ mission, values, vision and strategic goals. Through inspiring profiles, this series highlights the people, programs, and moments that shape our schools and connect our community. From unsung heroes to innovative initiatives, Behind The Bell offers an inside look at the stories that make TCAPS a special place to learn and grow.

Earlier this spring, I had the opportunity to tour Blair Elementary with a few of my fellow TCAPS school board members and Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. As we walked the halls, met students, and connected with staff, one thing was clear: Blair is more than a school — it’s a thriving, supportive community where every student is seen, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

At the heart of this work is a powerful partnership between TCAPS and TeachMichigan, an initiative powered by Teach For America Detroit that invests in the next generation of high-impact educators serving Title I schools across the state.

Investing in Educators — and Students

Card by Aubri (kindergartener at Blair) for School Board Month

TeachMichigan is a five-year initiative that brings investment, collaboration, and community to Michigan’s public schools. Fellows in the program receive an average of $35,000 in direct support, along with high-quality professional development and a statewide network of peer educators. Blair Elementary is fortunate to have several staff members involved with TeachMichigan among its dedicated team: Jason O’Hare, Kate Payne, Principal Kirk Ranney, Laurie Lijewski, Sam Walter, Emily Witte, Misti Warner, Sarah Mooney, and Kathryn Woodin.

Principal Ranney, who was recently named an Outstanding Educator by Northwest Education Services, leads with empathy and purpose. Under his leadership, Blair has embraced Title I supports to ensure every student — especially those facing economic hardship — has access to the targeted instruction they need to thrive.

“We utilize Title I funds for instructional support, primarily for reading, beyond what takes place in the general education classroom,” Ranney explained at a recent district study session on educational equity. “We want to work with students who are most at risk so that we can increase the percentage of students who are proficient and mirror that of students who are not economically disadvantaged.”

Mr. O’Hare: Teaching With Heart

Second-grade teacher Jason O’Hare exemplifies the spirit of Blair. As a TeachMichigan Fellow, Jason brings passion, reflection, and a commitment to continuous improvement to his teaching practice — and it shows in his students’ growth.

“Jason’s passion for teaching and learning has never been more evident,” said Principal Ranney. “He’s constantly evolving his practice, making strategic adjustments that have led to tremendous student growth. But some of his biggest contributions happen outside the classroom. Whether it’s starting clubs or simply showing up as his full, authentic self, Jason makes connections that matter. We are incredibly lucky to have him as a Blair Bobcat.”

Jason’s presence helps create a space where students not only learn but also feel safe, seen, and valued — core tenets of the TeachMichigan mission.

Ms. Payne: Art, Advocacy, and Student Voice

Blair’s vibrant culture is also shaped by Kate Payne, an art teacher who serves students across three TCAPS Title I schools and is equally passionate about equity and emotional wellbeing. A TeachMichigan Fellow with her sights set on earning a doctorate in trauma-informed education, Kate uses her classroom to affirm students’ identities and foster healing through creativity.

“I find myself drawn to the kids that others might write off,” Kate shared. “I want them to know that I see them, that I hear them, that I care.”

For Kate, teaching is about more than content — it’s about connection. “Every child deserves to be loved, to be seen, and to be heard,” she says. “Learning isn’t going to happen if a child doesn’t feel that first.”

A School Leading the Way with TeachMichigan

Mr. Ranney was crowned King Bobcat after receiving an Outstanding Educator Award. Photo Credit: Blair Elementary Facebook Page

Blair Elementary isn’t just participating in the TeachMichigan initiative — it’s helping lead it.

Blair’s team includes educators across every TeachMichigan track:

Current Leaders Track: Principal Kirk Ranney is helping shape statewide conversations about how schools can better support students and educators.
Aspiring Leaders Track: Teachers Laurie Lijewski and Sam Walter, instructional coach Emily Witte, and Director of Whole Child Systems Misti Warner are gaining tools to grow their leadership while continuing to impact students every day.
National Board Certification Track: Jason O’Hare, Kate Payne, and Sarah Mooney are working toward one of the highest recognitions in education, bringing deep reflection and rigor to their classrooms.
Early Career Fellowship: First-grade teacher Kathryn Woodin is building a strong foundation through mentorship and professional growth in her early years in the classroom.

Together, this group represents a school-wide commitment to innovation, excellence, and equity. They’re not just implementing best practices — they’re helping define them.

Building a School Where Students Lead and Thrive

Photo Credit: Blair Elementary Facebook Page

From art and academics to social-emotional learning, Blair’s approach reflects TCAPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 1A: continuous improvement of academic achievement to maximize student success.

Students are grounded in the school’s THINK values:

📌 Team Player

📌 Have Respect

📌 In Control

📌 Never Give Up

📌 Kind

These values shape not only behavior but school culture. Restorative practices are prioritized over punitive discipline, and student leaders are celebrated each week as THINK Ambassadors during Blair’s beloved all-school meetings, led by teacher Laurie Lijewski.

Veteran educators like Susan Stegmeyer and Debbi McMaster bring deep experience and wisdom to the building. Susan, who spent 17 years at TCAPS, helped shape Blair’s early childhood programs. Debbi, a 30-year education veteran and recent TNT award recipient, continues to mentor and inspire new teachers.

Literacy, Joy, and a Community of Readers

Reading is central to Blair’s mission. From targeted interventions to family engagement events, such as Bedtime Reading Night, Blair encourages a love of literacy that extends beyond the school day. Students and families recently gathered for pizza, parent learning sessions, and a read-aloud with local author Ann Tisdale.

Instructional coach Emily Dillinger-Witte plays a key role in this work. In addition to her work at Blair, she serves as the district’s ELA curriculum coordinator and summer school lead. She was recently honored with a TCAPS Compass Award for her impact.

“Emily’s impact is so much greater than she realizes within our building,” a Blair staff member shared. “She’s a trusted advisor. Staff seek her out, bounce ideas off her, and learn.”

Looking Ahead: Data, Equity, and New Curriculum

Blair’s commitment to continuous improvement is driven by data, supported by coaching, and aligned with TCAPS’ Strategic Plan. The school will soon implement the district’s new Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum, which has shown promising results in closing income-based achievement gaps.

Instructional teams meet regularly to analyze data from NWEA, AIMSweb, Delta Math, and other assessments to guide decisions and next steps. With the support of strong leadership and talented teachers — including TeachMichigan Fellows — Blair continues to chart a path toward equitable, high-quality education for all.

Way to go, Bobcats. Keep THINKing, growing, and inspiring.

The work happening at Blair is not only shaping student success — it’s shaping the future of education in Michigan.