GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Three GRPS educators have been named the 2024-2025 Jean Hamilton Cope Teachers of the Year.
The honorees are, Kim Bradford at North Park Montessori Academy, Heather Lewis at CA Frost Environmental Science Middle High School, and Christopher Woods at Southwest Middle High School – Academia Bilingüe.
This annual award, established by generous donors Laurie and Mark Grand in honor of Laurie’s mother, former GRPS teacher Jean Hamilton Cope, recognizes outstanding educators. The honorees receive $1,000 and nominated for the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award.
Elementary School Division Honoree: Kim Bradford, North Park Montessori
Kim Bradford serves as a Special Education Teacher at North Park Montessori, where she leads a self-contained classroom for scholars with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She joined GRPS in 2006. Known for going above and beyond, Kim creates a learning environment that balances structure, care, and opportunity.
Working closely with her classroom team, Ms. Bradford ensures that her scholars engage in school experiences that mirror the education all North Park scholars receive each day. She integrates real-life skill development into daily instruction while also collaborating with her colleagues to incorporate Montessori materials and practices into her classroom whenever possible.
Her leadership extends beyond her own classroom. She actively fosters a culture of inclusion across the school by promoting opportunities for meaningful connections and friendships between her scholars and the wider school community. Through her dedication, innovation, and commitment to inclusion, Ms. Bradford exemplifies the Montessori philosophy of educating the whole child while championing equity and belonging for every scholar.
Middle School Division Honoree: Heather Lewis, CA Frost Environmental Science Middle High School
Heather Lewis is a Social Studies Teacher at CA Frost Environmental Science Middle High School, where she exemplifies excellence in teaching and learning by consistently going above and beyond for her scholars. She joined GRPS in 1996.
She is known for creating innovative, immersive experiences that bring social studies to life. Her classroom transforms into societies with functioning economies, governmental decisions, and daily opportunities for critical thinking. She provides culturally affirming instruction that highlights multiple perspectives and ensures all voices are represented throughout history. Her high expectations are paired with engaging lessons that keep scholars actively involved from bell to bell, supported by strong routines and clear communication.
In the past year, Heather has given her scholars opportunities to shine on national and district stages. She guided scholars in a national brochure competition, with one advancing all the way to nationals, and coached her class in the District Court writing competition, where the top three winners were all from CA Frost. These experiences amplified scholar voices and showcased their skills and creativity beyond the classroom.
Ms. Lewis regularly brings in guest speakers, organizes numerous field trips, and leads the middle school section of Youth in Government. She facilitates both Middle and High School Youth in Government and holds We The People Congressional hearings in the spring for 8th graders. She maintains strong family partnerships through newsletters, phone calls, individual emails, and by welcoming parents as chaperones.
Through her innovation, high standards, and dedication to scholar success, Ms. Lewis has become a cornerstone of the CA Frost community.
High School Division Honoree: Christopher Woods, Southwest Middle High School – Academia Bilingüe
Christopher Woods is a Mathematics Teacher at Southwest Middle High School – Academia Bilingüe, where he is widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to scholars, families, colleagues, and the school community. He has more than 25 years of teaching experience, joining GRPS in 2020.
Chris loves finding creative ways to inspire students, especially by adding STEM to every classroom & making STEM accessible to families at home. He believes that STEM is not a class we teach, it's a culture we build.
In the classroom, Mr. Woods provides high-quality instruction while offering individualized support to ensure every scholar has the tools, encouragement, and confidence needed to succeed both academically and personally. His passion for teaching extends beyond academics, as he works intentionally to build strong relationships with families and colleagues, fostering a collaborative and supportive school environment.
As a member of the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT), he helps guide schoolwide decision-making and instructional improvement with a scholar-centered focus. He serves as the school’s technology coordinator, supporting staff, students, and families in navigating an ever-changing digital landscape. His leadership in STEM education further highlights his innovative approach, as he inspires scholars to engage in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while exploring future career pathways.
Beyond his teaching and leadership roles, he was a member of the 2017-18 Michigan Department of Ed Teacher Leadership Advisory Council. He also wrote the book Daily STEM: How to Create a STEM Culture in Your Classrooms & Communities, shares free STEM resources on his website dailystem.com and @dailystem on social media, and is the host of The STEM Everyday Podcast.
