In a world where teachers shape the future, the Detroit Red Wings Teacher of the Month program, presented by Burns & Wilcox, is a form of appreciation for Michigan’s educators. To celebrate the efforts of teachers and educators who touch countless lives daily, both in and out of the classroom, the program is a tribute to their invaluable contributions.
From October 2023-March 2024, the program spotlighted statewide educators, recognizing one outstanding teacher each month with the Red Wings Teacher of the Month award.
Each month’s recipient received a personalized award from the Red Wings and Burns & Wilcox, along with two tickets to a home game at Little Caesars Arena, and a $1,500 Visa gift card to enhance their classroom environment.
Nominees for the Red Wings Teacher of the Month program are educators in Michigan who have shown commitment to improving student achievement, implemented innovative teaching strategies or made a profound difference in their students’ lives. Teachers from all grade levels (K-12) and disciplines were eligible for consideration.
This year’s Red Wings Teachers of the Month, and nominees for Teacher of the Year were:
October: Karie Starr, 4th Grade Teacher at Hickory Woods Elementary in Walled Lake, MI
November: Shelby McCumber, 4th Grade Teacher at Orion Oaks Elementary School in Lake Orion, MI
December: Lindsey Kling, 7th Grade Teacher at Boyd Arthurs Middle School in Trenton, MI
January: Danielle Allen, 1st Grade Teacher at Detroit Merit Charter Academy in Detroit, MI
February: Echo Ranney, 2nd Grade Teacher at Reese Elementary School in Reese, MI
March: Dana Mayhew, 1st Grade Teacher at Monroe Elementary School in Wyandotte, MI
For her positive impact on her students, among more than 10,000 total votes, Dana Mayhew was selected as the 2024 Teacher of the Year. Mayhew’s initiative in establishing and nurturing a “young fives” program, coupled with her compassionate approach to student care, highlights her commitment to preparing young learners for academic and personal success while fostering a sense of belonging and familial support.
“I work with so many amazing educators, so receiving this award – I am very humbled and honored,” said Mayhew, who has been a teacher in Wyandotte Public Schools for 11 years. “[Winning Teacher of the Year] gives me the motivation to continue learning and growing and helping my students become the best version of themselves.”
As the winner of the Teacher of the Year program, Mayhew earned a $5,000 grant and an exclusive meet and greet with Red Wings players James Reimer and Robby Fabbri.
In the near future, Mayhew plans to meet with her fellow Monroe Elementary School educators to collectively determine how the grant could impact the staff and students in the most productive way; but for now, she says, she’s basking in the moment. “Throughout this process, my students, my school community and their families, have given me so much support and encouragement. When they found out I had won, everyone was extremely excited and I was met with so many hugs and shouts of congratulations,” said Mayhew. “I’d like to again extend my deepest and most sincere thank you to the Detroit Red Wings and Burns and Wilcox for this opportunity and honor. I’d also like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for me, because their support is the reason why I am here.”
To learn more about the Teacher of the Month program or to nominate a deserving educator, visit DetroitRedWings.com/Teacher. For further insights into the Red Wings’ community initiatives, explore DetroitRedWings.com/Community.
