Michael Bylsma – MS Program Coordinator, Student Mentor Teacher, and 7th Gr. PNW History Teacher

Location: Islander Middle School

Job Description: As program coordinator, Michael is involved in student discipline, lunchroom supervision, planning field trips, and facilitating the WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) program which is focused on helping 6th graders become comfortable in middle school. “One of the things I do with WEB during summer break is to train 7th and 8th grade student leaders to work with 6th graders on the first day of school. To a 6th grader, the middle school seems so big. They wonder ‘how will I reach my locker? Where’s the PE building?’ It’s less scary with other kids helping them.”

As a Mentor teacher, he supervises structured study for kids who need extra help or attention. Michael, who taught 8th grade language arts/social studies prior to his current assignments, plans to someday become a school district administrator. “As a teacher, I really enjoyed communicating with parents, helping to bridge that divide between them and their kids, especially since 12-14 year olds don’t always go home and talk with their parents.”

Typical day: Michael arrives early and begins to navigate between his multiple positions. He doesn’t really know what most days will entail, so there really isn’t a typical day.

Best part of the job: “I get to be in the hallways,” says Michael. In middle school, the hallway seems to replace elementary school recess. Students have a 5-minute passing period every 55 minutes, to travel between classes. “It’s the middle school’s social time,” Michael explains. “I like learning names and being that recognizable face. I watch out for safety issues, both physical and emotional.” Michael is on hand to keep things moving, and be present for whatever need arises. “I enjoy helping,” he says simply.

Something people may not know: Michael’s mother went to middle school on Mercer Island. Michael grew up in Mountlake Terrace, and attended college at WSU, Notre Dame De Namur University, and San Jose State. He began his teaching career in San Jose. “The kids were great,” Michael notes, “but they had hardships like I have never seen. Coming to Mercer Island, with such great parent, administrative, and peer support, was like coming to a different world.”

Years in district: This is Michael’s third year with MISD.

Outside interests: Michael and his wife Adrienne, a teacher at Eastside Catholic, enjoy traveling. This summer they attempted a cross-country trip in a 1982 Vanagon, “our ramblin’wreck,” Michael laughs. “We made it to Chicago, turned around, broke down in St. Louis and again in Denver where we decided to tow it back.” Michael and Adrienne live in Ballard, and Michael plays golf “as often as I can.”