Leah Porter is a 3rd grade teacher and the 2022 Michigan State Teacher of the Year. She teaches at Wilcox Elementary in Holt, Michigan. Previously, she has been a Kindergarten, Reading Recovery, and Intervention teacher. Porter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Literacy and Language from Michigan State University.  Rooted in a passion for literacy and learning, she has stood as a leader and advocate for the youngest learners. With a drive for community outreach and support, she has developed and led an annual summer outreach program for historically underserved youth, providing enrichment and literacy experiences within the community. As leader of the Wilcox Elementary Student Council, she provides leadership and volunteer opportunities for 3rd-5th grade students in projects and fundraisers for the school and community at large that support local students and families.  Porter is a member of the Teacher Tenure Commission and the Committee of Literacy Achievement for the State of Michigan. She also works with preservice teachers as a model classroom teacher with Talent Together and an instructor with Golden Apple. Porter also works with the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council as a mentor and advisor. She currently represents region 6 with the Michigan Reading Association.