It is with great honor that I am able to introduce myself to you as a new member of the Donley Dolphin family.  Having spent the majority of my career at Wardcliff Elementary, an Okemos School within East Lansing, I have great appreciation for the East Lansing neighborhood schools and enjoy the sense of family and diversity that surrounds them.  One of my goals is to make sure that each and every family feels connected with Donley, our staff, and our learning community. 

My advocacy for education is the result of many wonderful professional opportunities.  In addition to spending the last eighteen years teaching in Okemos, I also served as the 2009-2010 Michigan Teacher of the Year and 2010 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year.  My passion has always been to inspire learners, support wonderful teachers, and build lasting relationships with families.  My dedication to lifelong learning contributes to my commitment toward personal growth.  I earned my Master of Education degree specializing in early childhood education and I am currenlty working on my doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. 

My wife Jamie and I reside in Okemos with our two wonderful children, 11 year old daughter Rebecca,and 8 year old son Andrew.  You will surely see them at Donley as I love to include my family in school events.

  I surely hope that you are excited about the upcoming school year.  I am so looking forward to meeting you soon.

Best regards,

Rob Stephenson