Alumna named a Top 10 Teacher in Jackson
HFC alumna Trina Schultz is honored to be one of the 10 finalists named as a 2026 Top Teacher in Jackson Magazine.
Each year, Top Teacher finalists within Jackson County are nominated. From that list, one is named the overall Teacher of the Year. The award process starts with nominations from the community, including parents, students, and colleagues. From those nominations, a committee selects the finalists based on their impact and dedication. They are evaluated through five in-depth essay questions and classroom observations.
While she was not named Teacher of the Year, being a finalist is an honor. Schultz will receive a grant to support her students' needs or for her own professional growth for being a finalist. She is also featured in the May 2026 issue of Jackson Magazine (p. 36; see image below).
“This is my first major community-wide recognition,” said Schultz. “I was going about my day when I sat down at my desk to read some emails. I think I was in a state of shock for several minutes; it was an incredibly surprising and overwhelming moment. I’m honored!”
East Jackson Community Schools Superintendent Jeff Punches is proud of Schultz.
"This recognition from Jackson Magazine is a reflection of the dedication and hard work demonstrated in the classroom each day," he said. "Through her commitment to student success, strong relationships, and high expectations, Ms. Schultz has made a lasting impact on both students and colleagues. We are proud to recognize this achievement and grateful for the difference she is making in our district."
Maximizing grit, discipline, and organizational skills
Born in Dallas, TX, Schultz is the second of three daughters. She lives in Grass Lake and has four adult children.
After graduating from Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn, Schultz attended HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) with her older sister Tracey. She earned an associate degree in business and a word-processing certificate, something that she says was “very high-tech at the time.” Schultz later transferred to Baker College of Jackson and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in mathematics.
“Straight out of high school, I was working full-time as a waitress at Sign of the Beef Carver in Dearborn. HFC was the perfect choice because it was local, affordable, and allowed me to balance a work schedule while beginning my journey as a lifelong learner,” said Schultz. “Because I was working full-time to support my education, my time on campus was primarily focused on my studies and mastering the emerging technology in my courses.”
Schultz remembered that the HFC business instructors were very supportive of students. They instilled in Schultz a sense of professional discipline that she carries with her to this day.
“HFC taught me the importance of time management and 'playing the long game.’ Balancing a full-time job with college courses gave me the grit and organizational skills I needed when I returned to school as a busy mom of four to finish my bachelor's degree,” she recalled. “The business foundation I built at HFC provided me with the administrative and organizational backbone for business and for management of a classroom. It gave me the confidence to handle the professional side of teaching, from curriculum planning to communication.”
Making sure students’ needs are met
Since 2011, Schultz has been in the classroom as an instructional assistant, a substitute teacher, and a full-time teacher. Since 2019, she has taught English and social studies for sixth grade students at East Jackson Elementary School.
“My inspiration grew from my years as a stay-at-home mom,” said Schultz. “I spent years volunteering in my children’s classrooms and eventually became a substitute teacher. I realized that I wanted to model the lifelong learner philosophy for my own children.”
Principal Amy Blackledge has worked with Schultz for years.
“Trina is very deserving of this recognition as one of Jackson Magazine's Top Teachers,” said Blackledge. “She deeply cares about the success of her students and works cooperatively with her grade-level team, special education teachers, support staff, and parents to make sure that students are successful in her classroom. Trina also supports initiatives and events in our building as a School Improvement committee member.”
Schultz is also involved in Reaching Higher, a program that takes place after school and during the summer. Through Reaching Higher, she teaches fourth grade mathematics and leads enrichment activities for grades 4-6.
“This program supports student growth to help build confidence and academic curiosity outside the traditional school day,” she said. “I want to ensure that I meet the individual needs of every student. Each one comes into the classroom with a different story, and my goal is to make sure every one of them feels seen and capable. I love being the goofy, easy-going teacher who makes them feel safe and excited to learn. Seeing them succeed and having them come back to visit me years later is the best reward.”
Lifelong learner who never gave up
Being honored as a 2026 Top Teacher finalist is a full-circle moment for Schultz.
“From being a volunteer mom to a student teacher at this very school and now being recognized as a Top Teacher, this validation justifies the path I took from the very beginning. The foundation I built back at HFC was the start of a lifelong journey that led me here,” she said. “On a personal level, this journey has allowed me to be the role model I wanted to be for my own children. They have watched me balance a household and a career to become a successful professional. I love that they see me as a lifelong learner who never gave up.”
Schultz continued: “I want to encourage anyone who is starting later or working their way through school like I did at HFC. The journey might take longer, but the experience you gain along the way – like my years of waitressing and parenting – will eventually make you a better professional. It's never too late to invest in yourself.”
