The School Town of Munster has named Michele Brandt, a 5th grade teacher at Eads Elementary, and Ben Boruff, a Munster High English teacher, as district-level Teachers of the Year.
The announcements came at a Celebration of Excellence Education program last month.
Students, staff, and families nominated outstanding teachers at each school. The top five nominees from each building were placed on a ballot, allowing voters to select the winners.
Other finalists were Matt Brandt, Elliott Elementary; Anna Raczka, Frank Hammond Elementary; and Jill Perez, Wilbur Wright Middle School.
Brandt reflected on the honor: “This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and professionally,” she said.
“On a personal level, it reaffirms the love I have for this work and the belief that strong, compassionate connections with students can truly make a difference. Professionally, it’s a humbling reminder of the power of education and the importance of showing up every day with purpose, empathy, and high expectations.”
Boruff emphasized the collaborative spirit that defines excellence across Munster’s schools: ”Receiving this award is invigorating, and I plan to channel that energy into engaging, innovative experiences for my students. I also want to celebrate the hard work of all secondary teachers and staff in the School Town of Munster.”
Brandt and Boruff are eligible to apply to represent the School Town of Munster for the Indiana Teacher of the Year award.
The event also celebrated the success of the Munster Education Foundation. Through its efforts, over $60,000 was awarded via 27 grants, resulting in over 6,000 distinct student engagements—reaching practically every one of the district’s 4,100 students, often multiple times.
These grants have brought innovation, enrichment, and enhanced learning opportunities into Munster classrooms.
The School Town of Munster recently honored Michelle Brandt, an Eads Elementary teacher and Ben Boruff, a Munster High English teacher as the district’s “Teachers of the Year.” (Provided/School Town of Munster)
