Erik Meerschaert Named 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year
Erik Meerschaert, a special education teacher at Lake Orion High School, is the 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year.
State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko surprised the teacher by announcing the honor this morning during a visit to the school in Oakland County. His students and colleagues applauded.
“I am really without words,” Meerschaert said. “I am lucky enough to teach here at Lake Orion ... and be a part of this community where we can have impact that has been truly incredible.”
The school marching band performed, and confetti filled the auditorium as the spirited student body chanted, “Mr. M!”
“Every great achievement in our communities begins with a teacher,” Dr. Maleyko said. “Teachers like Erik Meerschaert care about the foundation of our education system and the heart of our schools. He ignites curiosity, builds confidence and opens doors of opportunity for every child. His influence goes far beyond the classroom—he helps shape the students to become innovators and leaders who define our future.”
“True, dedicated educators do more than teach; they inspire,” said Pam R. Harlin, executive director of The Meemic Foundation, which sponsors the program. “Congratulations to Erik Meerschaert as the 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year! Meemic is thrilled to serve as a long-time sponsor of this award and looks forward to all that he will bring to his new role as the state’s premier advocate for our state’s teachers and the education system.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also praised the new Michigan Teacher of the Year.
“Congratulations to Erik Meerschaert on winning the Michigan Teacher of the Year award,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Since 2019, Erik has been stepping up for students at Lake Orion High School. He truly cares about his students and is committed to creating a welcoming environment for them. I’m so grateful for educators like Erik who help prepare Michigan students for success.”
Since 1952, one of Michigan’s outstanding teachers has been named Michigan Teacher of the Year and has been offered opportunities to serve as an advocate for the teaching profession at the state level. The Michigan Teacher of the Year program is not about finding the “best teacher.” It is about celebrating an outstanding member of the teaching profession and giving Michigan teachers a voice at the state level.
Meerschaert's selection comes after a months-long, multi-level competitive process that started with the nomination of 500 teachers in fall 2025. He was named one of the state’s 10 Regional Teachers of the Year in February. Each of the 10 teachers then interviewed with a panel of statewide education stakeholders, presenting a short professional development module and answering questions on topics relevant to issues faced by teachers today.
The Michigan Teacher of the Year announcement came during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Meerschaert is a graduate of Western Michigan University. He has been a teacher for 16 years, including six years at Lake Orion High School.
The 10 Regional Teachers of the Year will work together during the upcoming school year as the 2026-27 Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council. During their year of service, group members work directly with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and other Michigan educational stakeholders to address issues facing the state’s education system to ensure that the voices of teachers are present in these discussions.
In addition to his work on the council, Meerschaert will serve as an advocate for and representative of the more than 80,000 public school teachers statewide, a non-voting member at monthly State Board of Education meetings, and a member of the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council. Meerschaert is also the state’s candidate for the prestigious 2027 National Teacher of the Year honor.
Meerschaert and his fellow Regional Teachers of the Year will be formally recognized by the State Board of Education during a future meeting. To learn more about the Michigan Teacher of the Year program, the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council, and MDE’s other educator recognition efforts, visit MDE’s Recognition Programs webpage.
Expenses for the Michigan Teacher of the Year, as well as the Regional Teacher of the Year and Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council, are offset through the support of The Meemic Foundation.