The Office of Catholic Schools is excited to recognize the 2022-23 recipients of the Excellence in Teaching award recipients, Jessica Spencer and Charles “Chuck” Pavlik.

The Excellence in Teaching award recognizes and celebrates the positive difference Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of Saginaw make in the lives of their students, schools and communities. One kindergarten through grade 8 teacher (self-contained classroom or specials teacher) and one subject area specialist from grades 6 through 12 were chosen based on their ability to demonstrate Catholic values both professionally and personally; their classroom instruction, student engagement and professional performance; and their positive impact in the school community.

Jessica Spencer is a kindergarten teacher at Auburn Area Catholic School, where she has taught for five years. In 2022-23, she was the most nominated teacher in the diocese. Those who nominated her said:

• “Jessica has helped my daughter to love school even more than I thought possible.”
• “There is no doubt that Mrs. Spencer holds a strong Catholic faith, and she shares it with her students and families regularly. She is building tiny saints every day— and she makes them feel that way, too.”
• “Mrs. Spencer incorporated her Catholic faith into teaching, and this was evident by the prayers my son strengthened under her teaching.”

Chuck Pavlik teaches high school science and math at All Saints Catholic Middle and High School in Bay City, where he has been a longtime educator. He is also the math department chair, senior class advisor and co-advisor for the National Honor Society. Support for Mr. Pavlik included:

• “Mr. Pavlik leads by example and encourages students to live out their faith.”
• “Mr. Pavlik sets the bar high for all of his students. He pushes them beyond normal expectations and expects great things from all of his students, regardless of their academic abilities.”
• “Students often say Mr. Pavlik was their favorite teacher at All Saints because of how much he cares for his students even past their graduation and because he pushes his students to be better.”

The recipients were surprised with the award at staff gatherings and received a one-time stipend of $2,500 through Catholic Community Foundation endowments in recognition of their contribution to Catholic education. More than 40 teachers across the diocese were nominated. All nominated teachers were informed of that recognition in writing, including the kind words shared in their nominations.

“We are blessed to have so many outstanding teachers in our Catholic schools,” said Cormac Lynn, superintendent of Catholic schools. “Mrs. Spencer and Mr. Pavlik are two great examples of the important and powerful roles that Catholic educators play in forming and supporting their students spiritually and intellectually. Through the nominations submitted on behalf of Mrs. Spencer and Mr. Pavlik, it was clear to the selection committee that the impact they have extends well beyond the subject matter they teach and the physical boundaries of their classrooms.”