Grand Valley alumnus, grad student take administrator, teacher of the year honors

A Grand Valley alumnus and a graduate student in the university's Master's of Educational Leadership program were awarded administrator of the year and teacher of the year awards, respectively, by the Michigan Association of Public School Academies May 2.

Shannon Brunink, head of school at Black River Public School in Holland, won administrator of the year, and Ron Brown, a math teacher at Taylor Preparatory High School, won teacher of the year.

Both Black River and Taylor Preparatory are Grand Valley authorized charter schools. 

Both Brunink and Brown were presented their awards at surprise ceremonies at their respective schools. 

Brunink has worked at Black River since 1996 when the school opened, and founded the music department before becoming an administrator. 

"I'm very honored, very humbled, to be the one standing up here being recognized, but it's because of the work that you all do every day, both the students and the teachers," Brunink said. "Students, we are here because you are here. I'm so proud to represent you."

MAPSA president Dan Quisenberry said recognizing Brunink was taking advantage of an opportunity to recognize "real excellence" among schools across the state.

At Brown's award presentation, Dave Angerer, director of educational services at PrepNet schools, said that students who have Brown for at least one year of math learn three times more than the average high school math teacher. 

“I’ve been on and off involved with high schools in administration and as a teacher for 30 years," Angerer said. "He is absolutely one of the best math teachers I’ve ever seen.”

Brown said: "I might put together the lesson plans but at the end of the day it is you guys putting in the work, it is you guys doing your best. So this award may have my name on it but it should have all of your names on it as well."

Brown was presented his award by Aquan Miles, principal of Taylor Preparatory; Dan Warren, Grand Valley CSO school consultant; Angerer; and Quisenberry.

Brunink was congratulated by Quisenberry; Tim Wood, associate vice president for charter schools at Grand Valley; state Rep. Daniela Garcia, R-Holland; state Sen. Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof; and Stephanie Elhart, president of the Black River Board of Trustees.