
![]() 20190501_100507 | ![]() Jen Teaching | ![]() Read to Self | ![]() Read Aloud | ![]() LFL Deliver to BAWC | ![]() PL Book Tasting |
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The Bay-Arenac ISD is proud to offer direct Early Literacy Coaching support to its six local districts and two charter schools. This site is a collection of literacy resources available to educators to enhance instructional practices as related to the Literacy Essentials.
To find out more, visit
Early Literacy Support

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Read our archived newsletters here:
June 2019 Newsletter
February 2019 Newsletter
January 2019 Newsletter
December 2018 Newsletter
November 2018 Newsletter
October 2018 Newsletter
Amanda Zimmerman
Coaching Partner for Bangor
Township Schools, 3-5
Amanda is a BAISD Early Literacy Coach for Bangor Township schools supporting grades 3-5. She has 14 years of relevant teaching experience in grades 2-6.
Amanda is attaining her Master’s Degree as a K-12 Literacy Specialist (M.A.T.), and has her Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education, with a double minor in Reading and Social Studies through Saginaw Valley State University.
Amanda is happily married, and they have a yellow lab and a house rabbit. They all enjoy taking camping trips in the national forests together, and lazy pontoon rides. Amanda is also an avid Michigan fan
(Go Blue!).
Amanda knows that she will be working with teachers with amazing and unique skills and talents that will be used to increase the proficiency and engagement of all students.


Tracy Novak
Coaching Partner for Bangor
Township Schools, K-2
Tracy is an Early Literacy Coach for the Bay-Arenac ISD. She has 9 years of relevant teaching experience, including preschool, Kindergarten, and first grade.
Tracy holds a K-12 Literacy Specialist (M.A.T.) Master’s Degree and her Bachelor's of Arts in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University.
Tracy is married with two young children, ages 2 and 6. Together they enjoy family adventures and spending quality time with family and friends.
She is excited to begin partnering with local schools and educators across the state to increase student engagement and literacy proficiency.
Stephanie Dunton
Coaching Partner for Bay City
Public Schools, Bay City Academy, and
State Street Academy
Stephanie is an Early Literacy Coach for
Bay-Arenac ISD. She has 15 years of relevant teaching experience in preschool and young fives-2nd grade.
Stephanie holds a Master’s in Education (M.A.T.) Degree from Marygrove College and has a Bachelor’s of Science in Child Development from Michigan State University (Go Green!).
She is married and has two sons (12 and 15), and two dogs. Together they spend a lot of time at travel baseball tournaments, watching sports (in person and on TV), up north on Mullett Lake, and relaxing at home.
Stephanie is looking forward to working with exceptional coaches and teachers to empower them to help unlock their student’s fullest potential.


Tami Kinney
Coaching Partner for Essexville-Hampton Public Schools and the Au Gres-Sims School District
Tami Kinney is an Early Literacy Coach through the Bay Arenac ISD. She serves the Essexville Hampton Public School District working at Bush and Verellen Elementary Schools. She also works with the Au Gres-Sims School District serving the elementary staff and students.
Tami has 15 years of teaching experience. She has taught all grades kindergarten through sixth, K-8 special education, and served as a kindergarten through 4th grade reading interventionist.
In her spare time she enjoys long walks, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She has a love for golden retrievers and hopes to have one of her own someday!
Tami is most looking forward to getting to know the staff and students at each of the buildings she serves. She knows she will be working with amazing educators doing exceptional things! Her hope is to foster their growth and excellence while positively impacting student achievement and growth.
Matt Lovely
Coaching Partner for Standish-Sterling Community Schools
Matt Lovely is an Instructional Early Literacy Coach through the Bay-Arenac ISD, and will be housed at Standish-Sterling Community Schools at Standish Central Elementary and Sterling Elementary to work with teachers as they pursue their professional goals and work toward doing what is best for their students.
Matt grew up in the Tri-City area, and went on to Central Michigan University. After graduation he taught second grade at Mount Pleasant Public Schools. A marriage and two children later, he and his family moved back to the Tri-City area where Matt taught 4th grade at Essexville-Hampton Public Schools.
Although his professional title is Early Literacy Coach, the title that means the most to him is Dad. He loves spending time with his family, whether it’s taking the kids swimming or going for bike rides to the park.
Matt is looking forward to working with very talented teachers who are focused on increasing student proficiency and engagement through their commitment to the Literacy Essentials.
