Expertise and Experience:

Cary Stamas, MEERA Director – Michigan/Midwest, brings three decades of experience in Michigan’s public education system with a career deeply rooted in Career and Technical Education (CTE). His background includes leading regional CTE initiatives as a CEPD Director, where he strengthened connections between students and industry pathways. Prior to his CTE leadership roles, Cary served as a middle school principal, focusing on culture-building and student growth, and spent over a decade teaching high school Physics and AP Calculus—experience that grounds his work in STEM-focused instructional design and student success.

Years of Experience: 30 years in public education across Michigan

Education:

• Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration, Western Michigan University

• M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration, Central Michigan University

• B.A. in Engineering Physics, Mathematics, and Secondary Education, Hope College

Career Background:

• Kent ISD (2014–2025, 11 years)

  • CEPD Director (7 years)

  • Dean, Early Middle College (2 years)

  • Administrator, Kent Career Tech Center & Principal of MySchool@Kent (4 years)

• Caledonia Community Schools (2011–2014, 3 years)

  • Principal, Kraft Meadows Middle School

• Sparta Area Schools (1996–2011, 15 years)

  • High School Assistant Principal (3 years)

  • Teacher and Coach (12 years)

• Forest Hills Public Schools (1995–1996, 1 year)

  • Study Hall & ISS Supervisor, Coach

Relavent Skills:

• Leadership & Administration

  • Strategic planning and program development

  • Budget oversight and resource allocation

  • Policy implementation and regulatory compliance

  • Staff supervision and professional learning

  • Cross-sector partnership development

  • Grant writing and management

• Instructional Expertise

  • Curriculum design and alignment (STEM, CTE, core subjects)

  • Differentiated instruction and assessment

  • Data-driven instructional decisions

  • Classroom management and engagement strategies

  • Technology integration in teaching and learning

• Student-Centered Focus

  • Career pathway development

  • Promoting equity and access

  • Behavior intervention and restorative practices

  • Mentorship for students and staff

• Communication & Relationship Building

  • Stakeholder engagement across schools, community, and industry

  • Public speaking and presentation skills

  • Conflict resolution and mediation

  • Collaborative leadership and team development

  • Advocacy for educational initiatives and funding

Career Highlights:

• Led initiatives supporting thousands of Michigan students and educators across multiple districts and programs

• Recipient of the Excellence in Education Award from the Michigan Association of School Boards

• Honored with the Bloksma Award by the West Michigan Counseling Association for contributions to Career Readiness

• Secured multiple competitive grants, including annual Perkins funding for CTE program enhancement

• Served on regional and statewide committees and boards, contributing to educational policy and program development
  

Relevant Certifications:

• State of Michigan Teacher Certification — Mathematics and Physics

• State of Michigan Administrator Certification

• Google Data Analytics Certification

Personal Touch:

Cary values time with his family—his wife, Jeni, and their two children, Alex and Katy—and brings that same sense of commitment to supporting students and educators across Michigan.