Foster Findlay
Position: Special Education Resource Room Teacher
School: Pioneer Work & Learn Center
School District: Tuscola Intermediate School District
City, State: Vassar, MI
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Foster Findlay was nominated by an anonymous colleague.
Mr. Findlay is a true champion for students. Pioneer Work & Learn Center is a residential facility for juvenile delinquents, with some of the most difficult students in the entire state of Michigan. Mr. Findlay is excellent at building relationships with students and getting them to perform. The students know he cares about them because of the personal time he takes with each one. He started a running club where he takes students who are doing well on jogs around the property after school. He doesn't work many summer days, but he still comes in daily to do the running club because it's good for kids. The school used some local grant money to redo a track at the back of the property.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Findlay started looking for different ideas to get kids outside. He solicited some donations and received several bikes so he could take students on bike rides. Many of the students haven't ridden a bike, so once again, during non-school hours, Mr. Findlay came in and taught two kids how to ride a bike. The students were so proud of themselves, and the experience changed their whole attitude.
Mr. Findlay comes in on the weekends to take students fishing, using a river that runs through the property. He baits all the hooks and takes the fish off the hooks. Most of the students have never experienced fishing, so it's a great treat for them. Several times during the weekend fishing events, Mr. Findlay will build a camp fire and have the students make s'mores, Again, it's something most of them haven't done before. He wrote a grant for campfire chairs for the students to sit on. To get to a premium fishing spot, he had the students help him build a bridge so they could all get there safely.
"During the winter, Mr. Findlay and his wife will come in on nights or weekends to play board games with his students," his nominator said. "It's a great experience for our kids to interact in that type of setting. More than anything, the thing he gives to his students is his valuable time. He's also a track coach for a local high school and had several state qualifiers for MHSAA's state track meet. His track team won our league for several years in a row. He has sent many students to college to run track at the next level. Foster Findlay makes a difference every day, and he is a true LifeChanger."
Foster exemplifies what this award is all about---making a significant difference in the lives of students and being a positive influence. Reading many of the submitted comments, it would be difficult to argue anything other than this. Foster puts his students first, forms connections with them (the kind of connection many have never experienced before), educates them, and goes above and beyond to help them succeed. He is a true asset to our organization!
Congratulations, Foster!! I know all the time and energy you put into your students and athletes is not to get an award, but, because you love being a positive role model for students and you TRULY want to see them succeed! Thank you for ALL you do !!!
Foster was my seventh grade math teacher. He encouraged me in the classroom and got me involved in cross country and track. I ran for Foster for two years in middle school and four years in high school. After that I started to coach with him and truly saw how he goes out of his way for his students. The way he challenges them, works with them, listens to them is just something you don’t see from anyone else. Foster has impacted my life greatly and I know many others who he has impacted as well.
I have had the pleasure of having Mr. Findlay as a teacher, track coach, and co-worker and I can honestly say that in my own opinion he has exceled in each of these areas. I can remember having him as a teacher in middle school - where his science lessons were always interesting and made me want to be in the classroom. In high school I had him as a track coach, a sport where I initially had minimal interest. Under Mr. Findlay's direction I became very interested in track and it led to me developing competitiveness in a sport I originally didn't care for. A few years after I graduated, our paths crossed again as we were now co-workers. While we were not in the same building, I often heard of the "above and beyond" things Mr. Findlay was doing in his teaching position. Occasionally I would get students that transferred in to my building that previously had Mr. Findlay. As soon as I asked if the student knew who he was their face would light up and they would tell me a story of a positive interaction they had with Mr. Findlay. Based on some of my previous students' reactions to mentioning Mr. Findlay, I think he is the clear cut winner. He has for sure instilled confidence, developed relationships, and has given students a positive outlook on life - even when maybe they themselves did not originally see it.
I have known Foster for long ne’er than I can remember; probably nearing three decades.
For as long as I have known him, he has always put the interests and well-being of others ahead of his own.
In the classroom, Foster is a top-notch educator that puts the success of his students at the top of his priority list. This includes working with students not only during school, but also before and after school as well as his own lunch break. Foster’s lessons are well-constructed and oriented to promote student success.
On the cross country course as well as the track, Foster’s athletes could not have a better coach. He is not only incredibly knowledgeable in many areas, he is a master at getting the kids to understand. That understanding is not only in athletic technique, but he also helps them to have a better understanding of their own strengths and capabilities. He is an amazing coach, and we are all better because of working with him.
I have worked with and around Mr. Findlay for ten years. Going above and beyond is simply his default setting. Such time and effort towards youth results in so many positive outcomes for all. Foster is driven by serving the under served, providing opportunities to level the playing field whenever possible. He could care less about any award or individual accolade. The trust he EARNS with youth is the only trophy he is interested in raising. And Foster has accumulated many such trophies. It is why he laughs and smiles so darn much.
I was a paraprofessional in his classrooms for many years. His ability to reach out and touch each student is outstanding! He knows when to challenge a bit more, reward and create a positive outlook not just for the school year but lifetime. Congratulations on your nomination, Always a winner in our hearts/minds!!
For sure the clear winner!
Foster Findlay is great for students and always puts students first. His passion is helping others!
His extraordinary ability to communicate with parents, colleagues, students, and the public-- always with knowledge and enthusiasm.
Foster Findlay is a true child advocate!
Keith Wetters
I know Foster as being a collegue from Reese, parent of a student, parent of driver's training student, and relative!
Foster is smart, funny, positive --such a motivator for students!
He personally energizes me everytime I see him, just by all he does for athletes, collegues and his family. He seems to never tire. Busy people get more done--he sure does!
Mr. Findlay is the kind of teacher I wish I had in school, he is attentive, active, he makes you want to learn he is patient, funny, and most of all caring, you could not have made a better choice, way to go Mr. Findlay.
Mr Findlay is also a life changer in his drivers training class. He took the time to come and talk to me after my son failed his written test. He informed me that he is the best driver in the class and he didn’t understand. We talked about my son’s dyslexia diagnosis the he said “come back in and retake your test right now. I’ll read it to you.” I came in to meet with them when they were done at which point Mr Findlay informed me that my son aced the test. He did better than anyone in the class. He then went even further to help me talk to my son about how he needs someone to read to him at school. This has been life changing for my son. The lord is truly working through Mr Findlay. I would’ve never known how hard reading is for him.
Foster is one of those individuals who truly cares about everyone around him. I have known Foster for many years, as a friend, parent, teacher, and colleague. Through that time, Foster has been highly involved with coaching, as well as in the community. I have also had the opportunity to see Foster make a difference as a teacher at Pioneer Work and Learn, which is where it became absolutely clear that his goal is to make a connection with each and every one of his students. He has collected fishing poles and bikes to help give each and every student an opportunity that most of them most likely would not receive. It's been a pleasure to know Foster. Every one who has interacted with him would agree that he is an absolute champion!
Well deserved! A great colleague who goes above and beyond for students.
Foster has been a person many students can look up to. He is actively involved in multiple school systems. He spends so much time and energy giving the gift of his time to the students he teaches daily. I also see him at many cross country and track meets cheering on his kids and every other student he knows. His positivity and his encouragement are noticed and very appreciated. He stock piles cleats if anyone needs a pair, you just need to ask. :)
I have the honor of calling Foster my friend for my entire life of 46 years. Foster has the gift of including people and making sure you are not left out. He acknowledges your presence and skills to make sure you know you are special. He brings out the best in people by shining their talents and minimizing their weaknesses. He joins strangers together with a laugh and uplifting smiles. I have been the recipient of Foster’s sincere kindness and support.
Congratulations! It’s so wonderful to be such a mentor for those youth.
I am so proud of this man and his dedication to making a difference in the lives of young people. He has a gift for making everyone feel valued and important and this is especially true in the environment for which he teaches. This guy puts in so many after school hours with his students, I am blessed to be able to join him in these activities. He truly is a life changer! Tuscola Intermediate School District is extremely fortunate to have this man making a difference for kids!
In the time I've known Foster, he's been nothing but a smiling face and positive influence in his family and community. While I don't even live in the same country anymore, his work is known in his community, near and far.
I've not had him or seen him in a classroom, but how I've seen him outside of work being an awesome human being says more than what someone does only in between work hours. He was a competitor cross country coach when I was in school, yet still cheering you on, a supportive "dance dad" excited to see everyone have fun and put on a show, and just be completely present in all areas possible.
I've had an incredible honor to see his family grow in numbers in person and from afar and also grow in love with the community and all it offers. With the kindest, most generous personality out there, he deserves this and so much more.
My first experience with Mr. Findlay was him asking to bring ducks and chickens to the facility so the kids could care for them, I was forced to say no for health reasons but the requests never stopped...he is always thinking about the children and activities to keep them connected and inspired. Even when I turn him down for various reasons, he comes back to two more requests. He is truly an inspiration for us all especially when working with traumatized kids who otherwise would never participate in these experiences. Foster brings a positive attitude and aura about him everyday that reflects on the upbeat attitude of the kids/staff.
What an amazing educator. He is truly making a difference is so many lives. Great Teacher, Coach, Person. Congratulations Mr. Findlay????????????
Foster is a truly gifted educator with an uncanny focus on all children. His dedication reaches far beyond the classroom and goes to the depth of the whole child.
Tuscola Intermediate School District is fortunate to have this world class educator as a teacher at Pioneer Work and Learn!
Sincerely,
Gene Pierce
Superintendent
Foster's positive energy is contagious !
