Even his family was in on the ruse, keeping the secret under wraps until the moment his name was called.
"I didn't have any idea until they called me onto the stage to present me with the award. So, it was a shock," Zurenko shared, recalling the whirlwind moment. "My family had to keep it a secret, and they are awful at keeping a secret.”
Robert Zurenko, affectionately called Mr. Z, is a 2025-26 Excellence in Teaching winner!
From Studio to School: A Natural Evolution
Zurenko’s path to the classroom wasn’t engineered overnight; it was a natural extension of his lifelong identity as a creator. He began his instructional journey teaching college courses at just 21 years old, later running workshops, managing his own studio, and working at local art spaces. Now in his fifth year at Canton Charter Academy, he leads his own vibrant art program as the specials team lead.
For Zurenko, transitioning to Canton Charter Academy allowed him to combine his passion for creativity with structured character development. He heavily relies on NHA’s Moral Focus™ curriculum to ground his students, using artistic challenges to mirror real-world virtues.
"I love Moral Focus™ when it comes to reinforcing values with the kids," Zurenko noted. "It is helpful when I can point out something like, 'was that showing integrity?' They know that it either is or it isn't."
Principal Jennifer Conley presents Robert with his Excellence in Teaching award at an all-school assembly to celebrate his achievement.
Mastering the Canvas of Classroom Management
Every veteran teacher knows that loving a subject is only half the battle, the other half is classroom management. Zurenko openly admits that moving from small studio workshops to large K-8 school groups brought a steep learning curve during his first year.
Now, to keep his classroom running smoothly, Zurenko prioritizes giving his students active ownership of the physical space, which grants them immediate buy-in and a sense of responsibility. He keeps materials highly accessible so that students know exactly where resources are and can gather them independently when inspiration strikes.
Above all, his approach relies on flexibility, meeting the kids halfway by recognizing that they need space to move, talk, and express themselves rather than forcing them to adhere to more rigid expectations.
When teaching gets tough or a lesson plan goes awry, Zurenko relies on adaptability to keep his students motivated.
"On some of those days sometimes you have to switch it up. You have to be willing to go with your plan B or C or D or E, and make it work," he said.
Robert Zurenko and his family celebrating the award at an all-school assembly.
Wisdom for the Next Generation of Educators
Now serving as the specials team lead, Zurenko uses his foundational experiences to mentor new teachers just to find their footing. His primary piece of advice for newcomers? Manage your own expectations and give yourself some grace.
"Sometimes it's not always going to work, but you need to be kind to the kids and to yourself and understand that tomorrow is always a new day," Zurenko advised. "We can always try again tomorrow."
Congratulations to Robert Zurenko on winning NHA Excellence in Teaching Award!
Planting Seeds for a Lifetime of Creativity
When asked about the ultimate legacy he wants to leave behind at Canton Charter Academy, Zurenko’s answer transcends formal grades or perfectly crafted creations. He views art not as a closed curriculum, but as a lifelong toolkit for building personal confidence and moving through the world.
"Art is a practice, that's why they call it art practice, right? Because you practice it forever and there's no terminal point in art where suddenly you're like, OK, I'm good, I'm done. I don't have to learn anymore,’ and I think that's a great metaphor for life," Zurenko explained.
Ultimately, whether his students grow up to be professional artists or casual weekend crafters, Zurenko wants them to leave Canton knowing that their voices matter.
"We might never see what happens, but we've done it. We've planted the seed," Zurenko said. "Whether or not they can remember my name, I hope that what they take away is that they're capable, they're fine just the way they are, and they can learn and grow."
Congratulations to Robert Zurenko on this well-deserved Excellence in Teaching Award! Thank you for creating a safe, expressive, and value-driven space for the students at Canton Charter Academy.
About Canton Charter Academy
Canton Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Canton, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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