The Michigan Council of Teachers of English - in partnership with Michigan Youth Arts -  has named  teacher Jared Morningstar as the 2012 recipient of the Touchstone Award. The Touchstone Awards, sponsored by MEEMIC Insurance Company, are bestowed on arts educators who exemplify best-practices in arts education. Awardees have a record of advocacy for arts programs, dedication to bringing out the very best in their students, and a continued commitment to artistic excellence. Touchstone awardees are honored at the Festival and are nominated to serve as Michigan Teachers of the Year.

Jared Morningstar, an MCTE member, teaches English Language Arts, U.S. History, and World History for grades 9-12  at Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy. He also is the co-advisor of ICONS - his school's art and writing publication, which has won numerous national awards. One of his students, in a written letter of support, notes that Mr. Morningstar not only introduces students to different types and styles of creative writing, but also schedules guest speakers, plans small field trips, oversees a creative writing club, and opens numerous doors to the future for his students. 

MCTE is proud to recognize Jared Morningstar for his excellence in teaching creative writing. He will be given the award at the 50th Anniversary of the Michigan Youth Arts Festival on May 11, 2012, at the Richmond Center on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.