Nanette Hanson is a proud teacher with 20-plus years of varied experiences in several teaching positions from alternative high school through first grade. Each position has offered her ample opportunities to become a better educator, leader and mentor. For the last 17 years, Hanson has taught first grade at Lemmer Elementary School in Escanaba, Michigan. Hanson holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Master of Arts in education administration from Northern Michigan University.

Building strong relationships with each one of her students so they know school and her classroom are safe spaces where they can learn and explore is Hanson’s biggest responsibility as an educator. She tries to create a strong sense of community, respect and belonging in her classroom — a room where both students and the teacher work together to uncover learning in an authentic and meaningful way. Hanson strives to cultivate an atmosphere of excellence both in the classroom and with her colleagues. Mentoring new teachers allows Hanson to help mentees navigate through elements of their new professional lives and offer them tools and supports to be successful educators.

Hanson also works as a team leader of the Leader in Me Lighthouse Team. This team works to coordinate a schoolwide leadership model to promote the Leader in Me principles and connect them to the school’s vision. Hanson aspires to provide a positive learning experience that advocates for young learners and their families and works toward equity and access for all.