Rachal Gustafson

Alumni

After graduating from Rapid River High School, Rachal attended Bay College for two years before transferring to Central Michigan University.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in Elementary, K-12 Special Education and Language Arts. 

Rachal has been teaching for over 20 years, holding roles as a special education teacher, 3rd grade teacher, 5th grade teacher, and a Title 1 Interventionist.  She is currently employed at Rapid River School as an elementary and middle school special education teacher. 

In May 2018, Rachal was awarded the Outstanding Person in Education Award.  In addition, she received the MI Region 1 Teacher of the Year Award in 2019-2020 and is part of the MI Teacher Leadership Advisory Council with the Michigan Department of Education.  Rachal is active in Rapid River Schools serving as the co-president for the Rapid River Education Association, a member of the negotiating team and scholarship committee, and is the Student Intervention Team Coordinator.

Rachal is currently taking part in the UP Horizons Leadership Academy working towards an Administrator Certificate and Central Office Endorsement.  In her free time, Rachal enjoys spending time with her family, camping and kayaking.