Kathleen Demaray’s classroom has always been full of energy. Music, movement, conversation, and curiosity flow naturally through the space. For nearly four decades, she has built learning environments where students feel seen, empowered, and excited to discover what they can do.
Her journey into teaching began in high school while leading a summer program at a community center in her hometown of Vicksburg, Michigan. It was the joy, creativity, and connection she experienced with children that pulled her toward education. A mentor teacher later showed her how learning truly works, moving from concrete experiences to abstract understanding.
“I remember being stumped on how to teach subtraction,” Kathleen says. “She pulled out manipulatives, and I watched the lightbulb turn on. Seeing learning click like that has stayed with me ever since.”
A Career Shaped by Curiosity and Growth
Kathleen began her teaching career in Kansas City, Missouri, where she taught a first-grade class of 28 students representing multiple cultures and six different languages. Early on, she learned the power of modeling, reflection, and affirmation from school leaders who took the time to guide her practice.
As her family moved, Kathleen taught in Illinois, Ohio, and eventually Michigan. Along the way, she earned her master’s degree, embraced new school communities, and continuously adapted her instruction. Now in her 39th year of teaching, she brings the same curiosity and enthusiasm to her classroom that she did as a first-year teacher.
“Being an educator means you are always learning,” she says. “The milestones matter, but it’s the small bursts of learning in your students that stay with you.”
Learning You Can See, Hear, and Measure
Kathleen believes deeply in teaching the whole child. She designs lessons that invite students to sing, move, observe, question, and reflect. Whether students are planting seeds and journaling their growth, watching popcorn kernels transform during a science lesson, or caring for chicks hatched in the classroom, learning is grounded in experience.
“I knew we were hitting the top of Bloom’s Taxonomy when the questions just wouldn’t stop,” she recalls.
Alongside these moments, Kathleen also sees measurable academic growth. She points to students meeting and exceeding their NWEA growth goals as evidence that hands-on, reflective learning builds both confidence and skill.
But for Kathleen, the numbers only tell part of the story.
“The lightbulb moments,” she says, “are what make it all worth it.”
Reflection at the Heart of Practice
That commitment to reflection deepened through Kathleen’s pursuit of National Board Certification. As a newly National Board Certified Teacher and a 2023 National Board Certified Teacher Fellow through TeachMichigan, Kathleen engaged in extensive video analysis, written reflection, and revision tied directly to student learning.
“I wasn’t afraid to take on the challenge,” she says. My students were part of that journey with me.”
From videotaped lessons to daily reflection routines, the process became a shared classroom experience. “My students enjoyed the many video tapings,” she says. “Reflection became a daily word for us all.”
Earning National Board Certification is one of her proudest accomplishments, not only for the rigor of the process, but because it was grounded in the relationships and learning she builds with her students. “It was a celebration for myself as well as my students, one we shared together in the classroom, complete with candy canes to enjoy together.”
Recognized for Leadership and Impact
Kathleen’s commitment to reflective practice and student-centered learning is evident not only in her classroom, but in how she shows up as a leader within her school community.
Heather Bills, Kathleen’s vice principal and a 2023 TeachMichigan Sitting Leader Fellow, describes Kathleen as an educator who consistently puts students first.
“Kathleen goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel engaged, supported, and successful,” Heather shares. “She is a fierce advocate for what is best for her students and thoughtfully adapts instruction to meet their needs.”
Heather points to Kathleen’s creative, hands-on approach as a defining strength, noting how she brings learning to life through meaningful, real-world connections.
“Students are genuinely excited to learn in her classroom because Kathleen makes content accessible, relevant, and fun,” she says.
Beyond instruction, Heather highlights Kathleen’s collaborative spirit and leadership among colleagues.
“Her passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to students set her apart. Kathleen combines high expectations with engaging, student-centered learning, and her willingness to problem-solve and support others strengthens our entire school community.”
A Classroom Built on Belonging
Kathleen’s classroom functions as a learning community. Every student applies for a classroom job. Every voice matters. Students give each other feedback, offer encouragement, and celebrate growth together.
“This classroom belongs to all of us,” she says. “When we work together, we grow together.”
At the end of each year, Kathleen asks her students to write reflections about their classroom experience. Their words are what she looks forward to most, not just at the close of the school year, but even years later.
“I still hear from former students,” she says. “One recently told me that first and second grade were the best classroom experiences she ever had, and that was nearly 20 years ago!”
For Kathleen, those messages are lasting proof that what happens inside her classroom stays with students long after they move on.
A Network That Strengthened Her Craft
Being part of TeachMichigan reinvigorated Kathleen’s passion for education. Through the fellowship, she connected with educators across the state, received feedback that pushed her beyond her comfort zone, and refined her practice through the National Board lens.
“This network challenged me to grow,” she says. “The leaders believed in me, and that made a difference.”
As she looks toward the future of education in Michigan, Kathleen is hopeful.
“I see innovation, collaboration, and high expectations coming together,” she says. “I believe TeachMichigan is helping make that possible.”
After nearly 40 years in the classroom, Kathleen Demaray continues to teach with curiosity, reflection, and joy. Her students leave her classroom with more than academic skills. They leave knowing they belong, they can grow, and their learning matters.
Kathleen Demaray
Kathleen Demaray is a third-grade teacher at Gardner International Magnet in Lansing and a 2023 National Board Certified Teacher Fellow through TeachMichigan. With 39 years of experience, she is known for creating vibrant, reflective learning communities grounded in best practices, hands-on instruction, and deep care for students. Kathleen centers collaboration, curiosity, and student ownership in her classroom and continues to grow her craft through reflection and innovation.
Is there a teacher whose story needs to be heard? Share their journey with us and help amplify the voices of Michigan’s educators. We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change and create a deeper connection with the communities we serve. Whether it’s a teacher who’s made a lasting impact, overcome significant challenges, or is simply doing extraordinary work, we want to hear from you. If you know a teacher whose story deserves to be told, reach out to us today. Let’s celebrate the heroes in our classrooms and share their stories with the world. Nominate a teacher here.