“One of my biggest displays of growth is how impactful our Technology Education Department is at BMHS,” Michels said. “We as a group give out a variety of internships, youth apprenticeships, co-ops, real-world job experiences and industry certifications. I started off with no curriculum or material my first year teaching for my Information Technology class. It was a long and challenging process to build, create, reflect and reinvent my courses from year to year to keep up with current materials, but also to create bigger impacts among my students for potential future careers.”

Education is a family tradition for Michels and he gained inspiration from the other teachers in his family.

“Teaching is something that is in my blood,” he said. “Both my parents taught in the School District of Beloit for over 30 years. This influence helped me get and understand the impact teaching can have but what really influenced me was being a part of the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout my time in scouts there were never manny others in my age group. I was either a young scout or as I got older I was a senior level scout. Being one of the older scouts, I was able to help guide others in their accomplishments.”

Michels said he enjoys building relationships with his students and making a difference in their lives.

“Education is like a roller coaster with ups and downs throughout your career. What makes education so special is the impact and influence you can give to your students and co-workers as well as the impact and influence they can have on you as an individual and educator,” Michels said. “My philosophy has always been to create an environment where learning happens, but also also students are able to feel comfortable as well as. be held accountable.”