A South Haven teacher who understands the importance of building strong relationships with students and uses those connections to engage students in learning has been presented the 2022 Education and Service Award by the Rotary Club of South Haven.
Michael Dubbink, a Baseline Middle School social studies teacher, was presented the award during the Rotary club’s annual education fundraiser dinner on April 30.
The award recognizes a South Haven teacher or educator who best exemplifies the attributes of quality teaching and is an outstanding volunteer in the community. Candidates are nominated by their peer educators.The Rotary club donates $250 to the South Haven Community Foundation in honor of the recipient.
Mike changed careers after working for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where he advocated for families and youth. He received the department’s Good Government award for Teamwork, Leadership and Excellence. He is a graduate of Grand Valley State University where he majored in psychology and social studies. He is in his sixth year of teaching at Baseline Middle School.
The Rotary club has presented the award annually since 2014. Michael’s wife, Allison, an elementary grade teacher, was presented the Rotary award in 2016.
“My wife has taught her whole career,” observed Mike. “I witnessed the relationships she built and her impact on students and families. I desired that same connection. Teaching as a profession has changed drastically, even in the past few years, but I don’t know of a better way to make a positive impact on the next generation than teaching.”
“Mike is often in the hallways, greeting students in the morning and often suggests ideas and activities to make school fun for our students,” wrote the nominator.
Only in his sixth year of teaching, Dubbink has quickly become a veteran teacher.
“He has been committed to ensuring that Baseline students at all grade levels become better readers and writers. He focuses on developing higher level critical thinking skills with consistent instructions and using a variety of strategies, including technology, interactive classes and differentiation,” added the nominator.
While at Baseline he has taken on many roles, including student council advisor, a member of the African American Student Initiative Cohort and RAM Readers Book Club. He takes pride in mentoring new teachers and leading professional development initiatives.
Mike served for 10 years as youth director at Hope Church in South Haven. He continues to build through the church relationships with students outside of the school.
Residents of South Haven for 18 years, Mike and Allison have three children, Jocie, Noah and Emmi who attend SHPS.
Mike is also currently continuing a passion of advocating for his clients in the housing market as a realtor for Coldwell Banker Weber-Seiler in South Haven.
