Kingsley Area Schools is excited to welcome new staff members for 2024-2025.
Maria Aguilera Adamczak - High School Spanish & English Teacher
Hometown: Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, I moved to the United States at 15 and went to Holland High School.
College: Grand Valley State University
Hobbies: Outside of school, I enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and camping, and I love traveling, gardening, and cooking.
Family: My family includes my husband, Adam, his 15-year-old daughter, Brooke, my two sons, Daniel (19) and Isai (11), and our dog, Sophie. I have family in Holland, Mexico, and British Columbia.
"Teaching is my passion because it allows me to make a meaningful difference in my students' lives, fostering their curiosity and love for learning while preparing them for their futures. This year, I am excited to learn more about my students and the Kingsley community. I was drawn to Kingsley after a warm and welcoming interview with Mr. Arnold for a long-term substitute position. I am thrilled to be part of this small yet vibrant community."
My teaching superpower is inspiring students to reach their full potential, overcome challenges, and achieve their dreams through perseverance and hard work. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with and empower students in this wonderful community."
Dana Becker - Fourth Grade Teacher
Hometown: Saint Ignace, MI
College: Northern Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University
Hobbies: I enjoy running, camping, and spending time with my family
Family: My husband and I have been married for 10 years. We have two daughters and two dogs. I am originally from the UP but just recently moved to the Traverse City area this summer. This will be my sixth year teaching, and I have taught both 3rd and 4th grade in the past.
"I love working with kids and have always connected with them really well. Watching them learn and grow, and getting to be a small part of that, is why I love what I do. I would say my teaching superpower is my ability to connect with my students. I am a big kid at heart so there's always fun to be had while we're learning!
I was drawn to Kingsley Schools right away because of their prevalent focus on supporting the individual student for maximum success. Growing up in a small town myself, I felt very much welcome and comfortable when I walked through the doors, no matter who I was meeting.
This year I am looking forward to getting to know my new staff at Kingsley Elementary and getting familiar with the area and all it has to offer!"
Randy Buckmaster - Lead Mechanic
Hometown: Greenville, Michigan
Family: My kids are 23 and 15.
Hobbies: Spending time with my kids, trail riding with ATVs.
"What I love about this career is that you're doing something different every day, it's not going to be repetitive all day long. This year, we have 21 buses and 14 routes. The fleet is looking really good."
Kaylee Dewitt - Fifth Grade Teacher
Hometown: Kingsley
College: Ferris State University
Family: My husband Cody and I have two children; Connor (5) and Cora (2). We also have two dogs, Toby and Rudy.
Hobbies: Drinking coffee, reading, and spending time outdoors.
"I graduated from Kingsley High School in 2011. I am excited to be back and teaching in my hometown! I love watching students learn and grow so much throughout the year. My teaching superpower is helping students find their superpower!"
Jodi Hubbard - First Grade Teacher
Hometown: Cadillac, Michigan
College: Central Michigan University
Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and friends, rock collecting and the beach!
Family: My family and I moved to Kingsley almost 13 years ago. We chose Kingsley because of the reputation the district had in education as well as the close knit community. I have four children. Three have been through this district and I have a freshman at Kingsley High School. My husband and I have two cats, a grandson and three granddaughters. They are all here in Kingsley, so I am looking forward to be able to watch them learn and grow her too!
"I love having the ability to make a difference in the students' lives. My favorite part is to be able to see them grow and also having a positive impact on the community. I am looking forward to meeting new students and the families of the students."
Chelsey Jenkins - Fifth Grade Teacher
Hometown: Hillman, MI
College: Grand Canyon University
Hobbies: I like to spend time with my family, fish, boating, and I truly enjoy teaching.
Family: My husband and I have two kids who will be joining Kingsley Schools this year. Mason is in 4th grade and Madelyn is in 3rd grade. We love being on the water. We recently moved here last summer from Traverse City.
"My teaching superpower is making connections with my students. I love being able to show kids what they are capable of. The 'aha' moments when they connect to what you are teaching are my favorite. I am excited to be a part of the Kingsley community this year!"
Jason Morrow - Middle School Physical Education Teacher
Hometown: Farwell, Michigan
College: Central Michigan University
Family: My wife Sarah and I have been married for 19 years. We have a 9 year old son, Madden who will be in 4th grade this year, and we have a crazy chocolate Labrador named Fitz.
Hobbies: I love spending time with family, cycling, running, snowboarding, hiking, formula 1 racing, playing guitar, and doing anything active. I have a passion for coaching football and appreciate the growth and experience it gives our young people.
Fun Fact: I try to eat healthy, but I love chili dogs.
"The best part of working in education is seeing growth and development and providing students with a place to flourish. The understanding that hard work will pay off with positive improvement. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to teach and coach young people in our district with our whole family involved in the process.
What brought us to Kingsley is the positive relationships with many people on staff over time. The family atmosphere from the entire community is something our family is incredibly fortunate to fully embrace and we appreciate this opportunity."
Sarah Morrow - Mental Health Specialist
Hometown: Brighton, Michigan
College: Central Michigan University. Fire Up Chips!
Hobbies: My husband Jason, our son Madden, and I love to go on adventures, be active, explore outdoors, and travel. We have been to 13 of the US National Parks. My favorite is the Redwood National and State Parks. We spend time outdoors chasing Madden around at his various sporting activities, and we enjoy our time taking walks and hikes with our chocolate Labrador, Fitz.
"I love building positive connections with children and supporting their growth in social emotional learning. We need one another to thrive.
I am looking forward to supporting Kingsley students and families. It truly takes a village to raise children. I am grateful that my family has an opportunity to be a part of this community.
I want students to know that their behavior matters. I will be supporting preschool through eighth grade students' development and help them foster skills to become their personal best."
Tony Taylor - High School Social Studies Teacher
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
College: Bachelors at Chicago State University, Masters of Education at Kansas State University
Hobbies: My hobbies include simple repairs on engines (motorcycles, tractors, cars, boats), and raising farm animals (horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits). I continue to remain versed on current military operations around the world and changes within the Department of Defense.
"My teaching super power is never asking someone to do anything that I wouldn't do. I like to demonstrate that if I can do it (learn new things), then anyone can do it (and probably make a few less mistakes). We're all human, and prone to making simple errors. I don't tolerate laughing at the mistakes of others, because this is a place to learn without the fear of failure.
I enjoy making learning meaningful, providing real world connections and applying lessons to the lives of students. I know I've done my job when the students show a mastery of the subject and are ready to move on with gradually more complex material.
This year I'm looking forward to preparing the Freshmen class for their next four years at KHS, and helping the upper class High School students with a deeper study of world events."
Charlie Wistrand - GSRP Preschool Teacher
Hometown: Grand Traverse Area
College: Studied Welding Technology at NMC before transferring to Northern Michigan University
Family: I initially met my husband in middle school, and after moving to Kingsley 10 years ago, it brought us both back to the area and closer to family.
Hobbies: I enjoy music and sharing that love of music with my two children while camping or rock hunting. The smell of a good campfire is my favorite.
"I love seeing the spark of excitement when a child is enjoying what they are learning, and look forward to seeing that spark in each of them this year. The ability to be patient in figuring out a child's needs is my superpower."
Welcome to Kingsley Area Schools!