Jeannette Stach
Jeannette Stach is an experienced educator and transition specialist with more than 20 years of experience working across special education, curriculum development, and student career planning. Based in Bridgeport, Michigan, she currently serves as Transition Coordinator at Michigan Online School, where she focuses on special education compliance and helping high school students successfully transition into careers, higher education, and independent living. Jeannette is known for her wide-ranging life experiences, deep curiosity, and commitment to helping students from all backgrounds reach their full potential.
Before entering education, Jeannette studied anthropology at Oakland University and Louisiana State University, which led to an early career as a forensic pathology assistant for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. After deciding to pursue a different path, she transitioned into teaching through an alternative certification program in Georgia. She began as a general education teacher before moving into special education, where she quickly discovered a talent for working with students who needed individualized support. Over the years, she has taught students from kindergarten through college, worked with diverse populations, and gained experience in both traditional and online educational settings.
Jeannette’s educational background is equally impressive. She earned a PhD in Psychology from Walden University, a master’s degree in curriculum development from Southern New Hampshire University, and a master’s degree in special education transition from the University of Kansas. Her work at Michigan Online School has included building transition planning programs that help students prepare for life after graduation, which she considers one of her most meaningful accomplishments. Passionate about lifelong learning, Jeannette continues to pursue professional growth through national board certification while remaining dedicated to guiding students toward successful futures.
• Teaching Certification
• Walden University- Ph.D.
• Southern New Hampshire University- M.Ed.
• Kennesaw State University
• Mercer University- Master's
• Louisiana State University- M.A.
• The University of Kansas- Master's
• The University of Kansas- M.S.
• Division of Career Development and Transition
• National Education Association
• American Psychology Association
• Supports the Greater Good (animal groups)
• Supports AAAS
• Supports environmental groups
• Supports historic and prehistoric preservation
• Michigan Science and Engineering Fair
• Flint Regional Science Fair
• People to People Ambassador Programs
What do you attribute your success to?
I found a position that I didn't have to be in a physical classroom, and that makes all the difference. Because I don't have to deal with the behaviors, being online is different. That's part of it. And then, when I looked at it at my age, I decided I don't want to start over. It's not worth starting in a new field, so that's why I decided I liked working with high school students and helping with their career development and stuff. I can do that.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I went to get my resume professionally done, the person looking at it said, you know, you've got a good background for teaching. That advice led me to investigate education as a career path, and it completely changed my professional trajectory from forensic pathology into teaching, where I've now spent over 20 years.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them not to, honestly. The way things are in education, I would say there are better ways to support young people than what's happening in education now. It's not good in this country, and it's been that way for a while, but it's just gotten worse. Lack of funding, lack of respect, lack of resources, all kinds of problems. So, honestly, I would say, you know, if you want to go into education, great, have a Plan B, because a lot of teachers in the first 3 to 5 years decide it's not worth it. There are other things that they can do. And so that would be my advice: if you want to go into education, great, but go into it with eyes open to the problems, understanding that you're not miraculously going to change the system, and have a Plan B. People who start teaching are so naive, you know. They go in with that naivete and think, oh, I can change things, make it better. No. You need to go in with eyes open to the problems and just be aware that it's gonna be hard. Behavior's gotten so bad, you know, get used to kids yelling at you, parents yelling at you, administration yelling at you. My first year teaching, I was basically told it was my fault that the kids were failing class because they refused to do homework and didn't turn in any classwork. Be aware that this could easily happen to you. And, you know, my suggestion then is, if you really want to go into teaching, go. But, you know, listen to the teachers who have been in the profession for a while. Listen to what they say are problems, and, you know, have a plan B, in case you get in and you can't stand it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include chronic funding cuts, limited resources, worsening student behavior, and conflicts involving parents and administration. An important opportunity lies in alternative educational settings, such as online schools, which can provide a better fit for some educators and reduce exposure to challenging classroom behaviors.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are preserving history and the environment, supporting animal and environmental causes, and helping young people successfully transition into the next phase of their lives. I strive to integrate these principles into both my professional work and personal life.