The Michigan Council of Teachers of English (MCTE) is thrilled to announce Geryl Lobert, a dedicated educator at Chippewa Hills High School, as this year’s esteemed recipient of the Ray H. Lawson Award.

Geryl Lobert’s educational journey began with her graduation from Ferris State University in 2001. After a year of teaching at MOSAIC, the alternative education program in the Chippewa Hills School District, she moved on to Chippewa Hills High School. Lobert’s commitment to continuous growth in her field led her to earn a Master of Teaching degree from Marygrove College of Detroit in 2005, and in 2015, she became a Top-of-the-Mitt Writing Project Fellow.

Lobert’s dedication to the Michigan Council of Teachers of English dates back to 2004 when she first served as a representative-at-large. She later entered the presidential cycle from 2019 to 2022, contributing significantly to the organization. Beyond her role as an educator, Lobert’s passion for the written word extends to her upcoming Summer 2024 Golden Apple Art Residency in Maine, where she aspires to complete her first novel.

Upon learning of her selection as this year’s Ray Lawson Award honoree, Lobert expressed heartfelt gratitude to Top-of-the-Mitt Writing Project Director Toby Kahn-Loftus for the nomination and extended appreciation to her colleagues and students. She also conveyed a special thanks to her former student Graci Foster, who reminded her just how much joy can be found in the English classroom.

The Ray H. Lawson Award acknowledges an exceptional MCTE educator who has displayed exemplary leadership within the profession and earned the respect and admiration of peers and students alike. This award is bestowed upon individuals who excel in teaching English or Language Arts K-12, exhibit distinguished leadership at both local and state levels, and are highly regarded by their colleagues and students. Honorees of this award bring unique and effective perspectives to English/Language Arts education and contribute to the profession through leadership, presentations, or publications.

Geryl Lobert will proudly serve as the Lawson Award honoree for the current school year and will be celebrated at the Michigan Council of Teachers of English’s spring conference in March 2024.

About MCTE:

Established in 1922, the Michigan Council of Teachers of English (MCTE) serves as the state affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English, uniting K-16 English language arts educators. MCTE is dedicated to offering professional development opportunities to English language arts teachers and English education professors throughout Michigan. The organization’s objectives include the dissemination of current English education scholarship and providing valuable support to English language arts teachers as they navigate pedagogical practices, student needs, and teaching philosophies. To learn more about MCTE, visit their website at https://mymcte.org.

Chippewa Hills High School

Geryl Lobert Honored with Ray H. Lawson Award