Jerry Czarnecki, a 1987 graduate of Wayland High School, has been selected runner-up in the Michigan Association of School Boards Teacher of the Year competition.

Czarnecki began teaching math and science in 1993 at Kelloggsville High School. He currently teaches pre-calculus, calculus and physics. He also mentors on-line high school courses, coordinates the summer school program and serves as advisor to the National Honor Society.

Kelloggsville Superintendent Greg Warsen said, “We’re very proud of Mr. Czarnecki and all the accomplishments and innovations he’s brought to Kelloggsville Public Schools. Jerry is student oriented and definitely is passionate about doing whatever it takes to help his kids succeed.”

Czarnecki earned a bachelor’s degree from Alma College in 1991 and a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University in 1999. He and his wife, Bridgett, have been married for 20 years and have two children, Alicia, 16, and Aaron, 12.

Czarnecki also was chosen Kelloggsville Public Schools’ Distinguished Educator in 2009 and Kent County High School Teacher of the Year last year.