Cody Michael, an English teacher at King Philip Middle School, was named as a finalist for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
NORFOLK — Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet and King Philip Middle School Principal Michelle Kreuzer are pleased to share that English teacher Cody Michael was selected as a finalist for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Program honors a Bay State teacher who exemplifies excellence in teaching in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year serves as a DESE liaison and as an ambassador to other teachers in the state.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez and representatives from DESE visited King Philip Middle School on Friday, Oct. 9, to honor Mr. Michael as a finalist for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. The visit included school and district administrators.
“Throughout his time at the middle school, Mr. Michael has made a lasting impact on students and colleagues,” Principal Kreuzer said. “He is a true champion for students, helping them build confidence in themselves as learners while tailoring curriculum and instruction to meet their individual needs. He has also demonstrated strong leadership as a mentor and collaborator, both inside and outside the classroom. He is extremely deserving of this recognition, and I hope you will join me in congratulating him on being named as a finalist for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.”
Mr. Michael has been teaching since 2018 and has worked in the King Philip Regional School District since 2021. He has served as an English teacher at King Philip Middle School since 2024. Mr. Michael has taught students in college preparatory programs, honors courses and co-taught classes, covering topics including World Literature, Mythology, American Literature and the works of William Shakespeare.
Mr. Michael was recognized for successfully adapting his teaching methods for remote and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping students continue to succeed. He is also known for his collaboration with colleagues to audit and revise existing course curricula, while analyzing student data as a way of evaluating and improving teaching practices.
In 2025, Mr. Michael became an English language arts curriculum team leader for King Philip Middle School. In that role, Mr. Michael has helped facilitate monthly department meetings, coordinate with special education teachers and formalize common course assessments, while also assisting with hiring decisions and serving as a member of the school’s instructional leadership team.
Additionally, Mr. Michael has secured competitive grants and scholarships to support instructional innovation and professional growth, including funding from the King Philip Parent/Teacher Organization, Massachusetts ASCD and the Mass Cultural Council.
Mr. Michael has also contributed to regional and statewide educational improvement efforts, serving on accreditation teams with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and as a member of the Massachusetts DESE Principal and Teacher Advisory Cabinet. During regional and statewide professional development conferences, Mr. Michael has delivered presentations focused on personalized learning platforms, digital engagement strategies, and family communication best practices.
Mr. Michael holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from Fitchburg State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from Bridgewater State University. Mr. Michael is currently working on a doctorate in education from Northeastern University, with a focus on Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership, which he anticipates completing in 2027.
“Mr. Michael is truly a leader among his fellow teachers,” Principal Kreuzer said. “He brings a thoughtful, research-informed approach to instruction while consistently centering students in everything he does. His leadership in our curriculum work, his collaboration with colleagues, and his commitment to continuous improvement make him an outstanding representative of King Philip Middle School and incredibly deserving of this recognition as a finalist for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.”
“Cody Michael exemplifies the level of instructional excellence and professional dedication we strive for across our district,” Superintendent Dr. Drolet said. “His work in the classroom, his leadership at the curriculum and district levels, and his contributions to broader educational initiatives reflect a deep commitment to students and to the teaching profession. We are proud to see him recognized among the state’s top educators.”
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On Friday, Oct. 9, King Philip Middle School English teacher Cody Michael, at center, received a banner naming him a finalist for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Massachusetts DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez, at left, and KPMS Principal Michelle Kreuzer, at right, helped Mr. Michael hold the banner. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)