The Shoe Fits: Teacher Recognition

Stuff We Love

March 1, 2025

It’s a big deal when a teacher wins an award. It’s an even bigger deal when that award comes from the National Education Association (NEA). Coming off his 2024 win as the Michigan Education Association’s recipient for the 2024 Educational Excellence Award, Matt Hamilton, a teacher with East Jordan Public Schools, has been awarded the NEA Foundation’s 2025 Award for Teaching Excellence. The award “recognizes K-12 public school educators nationwide for excellence in the classroom, dedication to family and community engagement, commitment to equity and diversity, and advocacy for the teaching profession.” Hamilton is known locally—and now nationally—as the creator of East Jordan’s Shoe Club, an organization for 7th and 8th graders that helps students set goals, identify their values, and “walk in each other’s shoes,” so to speak. The club has collected footwear from famous folks such as Michael Jordan, Dolly Parton, Arnold Palmer, Steven Spielberg, and many more. Way to go, Mr. Hamilton!