Rick Joseph, NBCT

Rick Joseph is a National Board Certified Teacher and has taught 5th and 6th grade at Covington School in suburban Detroit since 2003. He previously served as a bilingual educator (Spanish) and trainer for nine years in the Chicago Public Schools. Rick served as the 2016 Michigan Teacher of the Year. In that role, he helped introduce the Michigan State Board of Education Statement and Guidance on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for LGBTQ Students in 2016.

Why I Wear My Teacher ID Badge

March 21, 2019

In 25 years of teaching I never used to wear my district-issued teacher ID badge. I figured everyone in my building knew who I was. It seemed unnecessary. Last year, however, I started wearing it on a daily basis. What changed? I recently served on former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s School Safety Task Force. As an NBCT (MC/Gen) and Michigan Teacher of the Year 2016, I have embraced opportunities to serve as an advocate and spokesperson for teachers. I was honored to join fellow educators, a high school student, a parent, members of the law enforcement community, and mental health…

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