Kristen Swiantek, Director of the Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education Association, presents Jason Marietti with the Outstanding Educator of the Year award at Michigan Works in Lansing in December. (Courtesy photo)

LANSING — Jason Marietti, a graduate of Ishpeming High School and Northern Michigan University who now resides in Grand Ledge, was recently awarded the Michigan Outstanding Educator of the Year award by the Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education Organization.

Marietti has worked in adult and alternative education for the past 15 years. 

“As the Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency’s Adult Education’s instructional coordinator, Jason embodies the heart, skill and dedication that make adult education life-changing,” said Heather Algrim, Director of Eaton RESA Adult Education, in a news release. “Many have said, ‘I’ve never met a teacher like (him) — he just makes things make sense.’ His humor, reliability and genuine care make him both the backbone and the heart of our instructional team. We are honored to nominate him for the 2025 MACAEA Outstanding Educator Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment, leadership and heart for our learners and staff.”