Livonia Public Schools honors 2025–26 educators and support staff of the year

The Livonia Public Schools Board of Education honored three district employees at its Nov. 17 meeting as the district’s 2025–26 Educator and Support Staff of the Year.

Jessica Thim, a sixth‑grade teacher at Cooper Upper Elementary with eight years in the district, was named Elementary Educator of the Year. The board cited her PBIS leadership, professional development work, and a nomination that described how she supported a student coping with anxiety. Thim thanked her colleagues and administrators and described her classroom goals: creating a safe, welcoming environment where students can take risks and grow.

Leah Gagnon, a health sciences teacher at the Livonia Career Technical Center (nine years with the district), was named Secondary Educator of the Year. Presenters read letters from former students describing the teacher’s support during health problems and the positive influence she has on students considering careers in health sciences. Gagnon thanked mentors, family and colleagues and reflected on the move from athletic training to teaching.

Melissa Bader, a paraprofessional at Franklin High School with 12 years of service, was named Support Staff Person of the Year. The board highlighted her work across grade bands, her role in resource-room support, and her long-term impact on a student who later enrolled in a CTE program. Bader thanked nominators, colleagues and family and said she was proud to represent paraprofessionals across the district.

Each honoree received a formal resolution from the board and recognition gifts; the Education Foundation and local businesses contributed gift cards and tributes. Board members and administrators congratulated the honorees and remarked on the district’s large staff (noted in the meeting as over 1,900 employees) and the nearly 200 nominations that informed the committee’s selections.