Shay Wintz
Shay Wintz is a passionate educator and fitness coach with over 21 years of experience shaping the minds and lives of her students. Her journey has been marked by resilience, and the “hard knocks” she has faced in life have fueled her determination to bring her absolute best to the classroom every day. Shay’s students benefit not only from her expertise but also from her unwavering commitment to their growth, both academically and personally.
A lifelong advocate for health and wellness, Shay has maintained a consistent fitness routine, never missing a workout in the past five years. This dedication to personal well-being informs her work as a fitness coach, where she supports individuals over 40 in reclaiming their health through tailored strategies, workouts, supplementation guidance, and tough-love accountability. She combines discipline, encouragement, and practical tools to help her clients achieve meaningful, lasting results.
Shay’s professional excellence has been recognized through honors such as Teacher of the Year, and she has contributed to education initiatives with the Michigan Lottery and KAMSC-influencia education programs. She is also an active member of her teachers’ union, advocating for both students and educators.
Beyond her professional roles, Shay is deeply committed to mentoring, guiding students to realize their potential and helping them navigate challenges with confidence and integrity. She enjoys walking, lifting weights, and fostering strong, supportive relationships with those around her.
• Western Michigan University - BA
• Teacher of the Year
• MEA
What do you attribute your success to?
My success is rooted in the people and purposes that drive me every day. I strive to be better for my children and to make a lasting impact on their lives. My students are another powerful source of motivation—they are the reason I rise early each morning, determined to give them my best. I am deeply inspired by my father, who was an educator and a constant positive influence in my life, and I draw strength from my mother, whose daily prayers uplift me and give me the endurance to do what I do. My sister is my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to keep moving forward.
Ultimately, my mission is to help young people understand that their voices matter—that they hold the power to become anything they dream of, as long as they are willing to work hard and believe in themselves.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have ever been given is be better than I was yesterday. Be honest, be humble, be accountable, and be wiling to learn.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Build genuine relationships with your students. Take the time to truly know who they are—their interests, strengths, and challenges. Once you understand your students on a personal level, you can connect with them in meaningful ways and tailor your teaching to meet their individual needs. Relationships are the foundation of effective teaching; when students feel seen, valued, and understood, authentic learning follows.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest challenge I face as an educator is helping students recognize that education is the most powerful tool they can possess. Knowledge has the ability to transform lives, open doors, and create lasting opportunities. Once you obtain an education, it becomes something no one can ever take away from you. My goal is to help every student understand the lifelong value of learning and the empowerment that comes with it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Both personally and professionally, I hold honesty, integrity, accountability, loyalty, and unconditional love at the core of who I am. Honesty and integrity guide my decisions and ensure that I lead with authenticity and fairness. Accountability keeps me grounded and responsible for my actions and commitments. Loyalty drives my dedication to my students, colleagues, and community. Above all, I believe in loving unconditionally—showing compassion, patience, and understanding in every interaction. These values shape how I teach, lead, and live each day.