Plymouth-Canton Teachers, Staff Honored At National, State Level

PLYMOUTH-CANTON, MI — Two teachers and a social worker at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools were received national and state recognition for excellence in their respective fields.

Scott Milam, a chemistry teacher, is a finalist for the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which is a prestigious award presented by the White House to one math and one science teacher from across the country every other year.

Casey Swanson, who teaches psychology and social studies, received the Mary Margaret Moffett Memorial Teaching Award, which recognizes teachers nationwide who encourage students to consider careers in psychology and demonstrate effective and innovative teaching methods.

Mary Demarest, Social worker, received the Michigan Association of School Social Workers (Region A) School Social Worker of the Year award.

Milam, a 13-year veteran in the district, teaches honors and advanced chemistry, and a science instructional coach. In addition to teaching, he directs workshops for the American Modeling Teachers Association, which has published two books and numerous articles, and runs a YouTube science channel that has more than 15,000 subscribers.

Swanson, who has been teaching in the district for 17 years, is also a coordinator for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. He teaches at the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education supporting the development of future teachers at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

As a social worker in the district since 2000, Demarest is assigned to Pioneer and Field elementary schools. Her duties include completing special education evaluations, supporting students, and providing crisis support and general support to staff, students and families.